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“What the hell was that?” she exclaimed as a loud patter started pounding against the roof. Her eyes rapidly scanned the ceiling, worried it might collapse on them.

“It’s a storm.” Brock casually leaned back in his chair. “I’ve experienced several in the Death-Zone.”

“W-what was that bang?” Serene clutched her brother’s hand, her voice quivering.

“Thunder.” It was Takeshi that answered.

Derek turned to him with a frown. “How do you know what thunder sounds like?”

Takeshi stayed silent, but Khalani knew the truth. He used to live in Genesis. Even though the dome surrounding Genesis portrayed a serene sky and protected its inhabitants from the ‘radiation,’ it must not have been immune to lightning.

She’d learned about lightning, thunder, and rain in class, but living underground her entire life, she’d never experienced it.

Khalani gradually lowered herself back down to her seat, but each time a thunderclap shook the building, she flinched, struggling to keep herself from hiding under the wooden table.

Takeshi quickly finished his food and stood.

“You’re leaving?” Adan asked in dismay. “In this weather?”

Takeshi gave him a sidelong glance. “It’s only rain.”

He walked out of the hall without another word.

Khalani bit her lip, an uncontrollable urge tugging at her heart as she stared at the empty seat he’d just vacated.

Just ignore him.

She pursed her lips, trying to re-focus on eating from her bowl. The rain continued to pound against the rafters as the empty space across the wooden table glared at her.

Everything was fine, she told herself.

Winnie was healing.

She’d seen no evidence of cannibalism.

Everything was…Khalani looked back at his empty spot again…great.

After a moment, she slammed her spoon down, unable to take the prolonged absence any longer.

“Where are you going?” Brock called out when she stood, but Khalani ignored him.

The storm got louder as she approached the exit.

Her palms shook as she opened the door and faced the wrath of nature. Water poured down like heaven itself had opened and the angels cried. Her jaw was agape, and she nearly dropped to her knees.

As a child, Khalani had always imagined what rain would feel like against her skin. To let it slide through her hair. Between her fingertips. To tilt her head back and drink the Earth in. But standing at the edge of the doorway, she froze.

What if it hurt?

What if thunder shattered her eardrums in the vast, open space?

The dark clouds before her were like beautiful beasts, waiting to sweep Khalani away and consume her.

Her eyes caught on a black-garbed figure walking down the path, hands in his pockets. His head was held high, like he had no fear in the world.

She should turn around and go back.

Right now.