“How do you know that?” I ask, my eyes narrowing at her.
“We learned about the various rulers of this world in the academy,” she says. “Not all were great, but those that made their mark were rewarded. Just like I will be when this is all over with.” Rem removes her weapon from its sheath. “What do you plan on doing with that, Max? Shoot me?”
“You know I can.”
Rem starts to pace around us, slowly.
“Where’s the rest of the unit?” I ask.
“Around,” she answers, tossing her sword between her hands.
“The Patrician moved you from Thrace Tower, not the Keepers,” I state more than ask.
“What makes you think that?” Van asks.
“Because they knew I would come here. The markings in the pool are the Patrician symbol. Your sister had the same marking, Van. I’m sure Rem does as well. This is also where I won the first round, so why wouldn’t I return to someplace I’m familiar with?”
“You are perceptive, Max. The Patrician were wise in selecting you.” She rolls up her long sleeve, exposing her bicep. The Patrician symbol is large and colorful against her pale skin. “But what makes you think The Keepers didn’t send me here? After all, they set up The Litarian Battles,” Rem responds.
“They didn’t, because they already knew where I would go first. It’s where Brink and Garrett are now.” I glance at Van, hoping he’ll keep his mouth shut about the exact location in case the Patrician are watching and listening.
He removes a detonator from his bag and caresses the button that arms it. “What do you want to do, Max?”
“Tell me about the statue,” I say to Rem.
“She was a warrior. A true Patrician leader when there was more to this world other than just the city of Pentras. She was sacrificed for the greater good.”
“What was here before?” I ask.
“Many things, but all too dangerous to survive.” Her eyes narrow and I can see blood lust in them. “Kind of like you, Max. Just because you can hold another person’s weapon doesn’t mean it’ll work the same for you. A Dead Mark is always accurate, but you’re a Looper.” She bends forward slightly into a charging position. “I doubt you have control of all abilities.”
She charges at me as I let the arrow fly. Rem is gravely mistaken about my abilities. The arrow hits its mark, the center of her heart. She falls dead at my feet. I step back a bit. Seconds later, several drones swoop in and begin firing. Van tosses his detonator towards one. It adheres to the metal and explodes, bringing the drone down. I take his hand and loop us inside a nearby building. It’s not the smartest move as I’m sure the Patrician have eyes everywhere.
If they do, how come they didn’t come for us in Pentras Tower? Obviously they would’ve seen us through the security cameras that line many of the walls. Are the Keepers not the only ones unable to penetrate the building? Why wouldn’t the Patrician be able to access their own structure?
I continue to loop us until we’re on the top floor, but we’re not alone when we get there. Standing by the broken windows is Addie and her group from round two. Scattered around the floor are two of the other groups from the last battle. She runs up to me and throws her arms around my neck. Several members of her team are injured, so I take them first, and then head back for everyone else. It takes several trips to loop the group back towards Pentras Tower. Once we’re safely inside, Garrett and Van hit the medical closet located earlier to get supplies.
“Is this part of the round?” Addie asks as I tend to a cut above her eye.
“No, it’s not,” I answer.
“What happened?” a Dead Mark asks while Van bandages her leg.
I give them an account of what’s occurred so far. Some believe me, but not all. Not that I care who doesn’t believe me at this point. I have more important things to think about. “I need to find the others before the Patrician do.”
“What makes you think the Patrician are the bad guys?” a Nius asks.
“I don’t, but seeing as they’re killing us off out there,” I point towards the doors, “I definitely don’t trust them.”
“It’s going to be dark soon, Max,” Garrett says from behind me. “I don’t think you should go out anymore today.”
I turn towards him, tears in my eyes. “I can’t just leave them.”
He touches my arm, brushing it gently. “I know who you’re worried about, and I’m not sure why you are, considering some of the things he’s done to you. But Frey can take care of himself.”
I brush his hand off and turn my attention back to Addie. The cut barely missed her eye, and I bandage what I can.
“I explored the building, if you’re interested,” Garrett says. “The lifts work, so we don’t need to take the stairs.”
I don’t respond, but move on to assist Van with another injured person.
“Don’t you want to hear what I found?”
I glare at him. I know he’s right about Frey, but his comment still pissed me off. Frey has manipulated me, used me for his own purposes, but I can’t still shake the feelings I have. Maybe I’ll eventually be able to rid myself of them.
“Tell me,” I say, sitting on the floor while Van moves the man to sit on the couch next to Brink.
“Floors two through four are offices. Lots of computers, monitors, not much else. Floors five through eight are sealed. The lift doors won’t open at all and neither will the ones along the stairwell.”
I wonder what’s being kept there. I’ll have to see if I can loop inside later.
“Floors nine through thirteen seem to be some kind of research facility, but nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Floors fourteen to
