Asher Crow

World: Virus B

After a global catastrophe, humanity encountered an unknown B virus. Those infected cannot survive for long on their own—they are sustained only by a special energy that only other carriers, known as Resonators, can generate.

We are Resonators. Those like us are born extremely rarely and are considered the most valuable resource in the world. Our energy allows B-virus carriers to survive, which is why governments, corporations, and criminal organizations wage a real war for control over us.

To maintain communication, the virus carrier and the Resonator must form a contract. After this, a special resonance is established between them: the carrier gains a chance to live, and the Resonator is able to sense their condition even from a great distance.

But not everyone plays by the rules.

There are the Hunters—elite squads that hunt down Resonators and the infected. Officially, they fight the effects of the virus, but in reality, they sell people on the black market or use them in secret experiments.

Now...

The cold metal of our shackles bites into our wrists as we stand behind bars in the middle of a vast underground market. Around us lies a crowd of shoppers, armed guards, and dozens of cages filled with similar captives. Overhead, the voice of the auctioneer announces new lots. We don't know who kidnapped us or how much time has passed, but we know one thing: in a few minutes, we'll be auctioned off. As buyers scrutinize each Resonator, we can only hope that someone finds us before we fall into the hands of someone who would use our power for their own ends.