Read The Last Girl for Free Online Page B

As unbelievable as that may be, it’s true. There were countless honorable endeavors created in the minds of geniuses that alas, will never be.”
    The Director’s face darkens, and Zoey wonders where he learned this showmanship. She’s read the definition of a politician, and if there is one left in the world, he’s standing before her now.
    “Because we were struck down as one by a virus of most vile design, whether it is natural or manmade, we do not know. In the beginning it did not take our lives firsthand, but in the darkness of women’s bodies, it did its horrid work. It undermined the very fabric of life, its effects robbing the world of procreation by burning out the possibility of female existence. And so, when all seemed lost and we were at our final thread, the brave scientists and researchers of NOA, who dedicated their lives to the betterment of our species, held onto that last hope. That hope was planted here within this Advance Research Compound as a seed that they dreamed would one day grow into new life. And that is why we are gathered here today.”
    The Director looks down, waiting for the applause he knows will come, and it does. Zoey hears a clapping much louder than the rest and turns her head to see Miss Gwen on her feet, lower lip trembling, palms flaming red from her effort. The Director lets it roll over him for a moment before holding up a hand.
    “The safe zone built outside the walls is becoming more so each day. Soon all of you will travel there and life will begin anew. Hope will be restored not by governments or by battles, but by all of the brave young women I see before me, along with the one who is about to join us.”
    The Director raises a hand, gesturing to the entrance that they’d come through earlier, and Terra is there with Abe. She wears a flowing white gown studded with reflective points that glitter in the light, making her appear as if she is emanating some of the glow within the room. Her hair is swept back from her brow, and she is smiling, eyes already wet with tears of joy.
    The crowd begins to applaud, but Zoey can’t muster the energy. She watches Terra approach the podium, her gown swishing along the floor, trailing behind her like a comet’s tail. Terra reaches the Director and he embraces her lightly, whispering something in her ear. She lets out a quiet sob that doesn’t rise above the continued applause and nods. The Director motions for silence, and the clapping fades away.
    “Today, Terra will leave you behind—friends who’ve been here since birth. But this is not the end. Such is the nature of a Phoenix. Today may seem to be ash for some, but know that with our continued effort and unified bond, we will rise again and see a future steeped in glory.”
    The Director takes a step back from the microphone and holds out his hands toward Terra, palms up, as if to display her. Terra, still crying, makes a small bow, sweeping her gaze across the other women. She smiles at them through her tears. Zoey feels a prickling behind her eyes but blinks rapidly before Terra looks at her. She simply stares up at her friend, knowing what Terra wants, but gives her not the slightest smile of approval. Terra hesitates as the Director begins to usher her away, her eyes locked on Zoey. There is a flicker of something there in her expression. Doubt? Zoey holds her gaze as long as she can, but finally the Director leads Terra away.
    There is a last swish of white fabric, and then Terra is through the double doors of the infirmary, applause still clouding the air like gunfire.
    They file out of the assembly into the hall, the women first and then the rest of the crowd. Miss Gwen is crying, and Zoey has to grip the fabric of her dress with balled fists to keep her hands from flying to the older woman’s throat. Simon walks beside her and pauses in the hallway, tilting his head back toward the assembly where the weasel-form of Carter is standing beside the doors.
    “I have to