Dead Trees

Subterranean humanoids, existing since the dawn of man, arose from the belly of the planet. Humanity was unprepared. The undergrounders came with nails and claws and speed to kill people in the night, dragging bodies downward into dark tunnels teeming with rabid life. Civilization is now a ghost of yesterday and the remaining humans fight for survival. One thing's for sure—a scientist mommy battling beasties better be handy with a scalpel. Elise Swanson is a widow and mother. She fights and prays that she can keep her little, broken family safe. She drives and drives, day after day, trying to escape a threat that seems…inescapable. Her hope fades, food is scarce, and she watches her eldest daughter's attempts to soothe the younger babe. Then she meets Jason—a father mourning the loss of his son, masking his pain with bravado and charm. He's strong, despite his sadness, and love re-grows within him. Weeks pass, and Jason's singular desire becomes the continued safety of Elise and her da