Different metal desks are spread around the edges of the room. I walk around and look at each desk, not finding anything all that interesting. There are some papers scattered on the desks and the floor. I pick one up and notice how clean the print is. I don’t understand too much of what is written on the document. I scan down the page and the words “research” and “gift” seem to stick out to me the most.
I put the page down and pick up another more crumpled one. I flatten it out and see it’s a diagram. It’s a chair with wires coming out of it. The words “The Test” are printed above the diagram. There’s a list of words I assume are chemicals needed to perform the test. I feel the wind creep up my back. What was this place? I look up and I can see the blue sky above me; I hadn’t realized there wasn’t a roof on this building and no other floors remain after the collapse. Bare rafters expose themselves, crisscrossing over my head. Chunks of cement from what used to be the roof balance above our heads.
I spin around at the sounds of footsteps behind me, but it’s just Zavy and Toby. I put down the papers and join Zavy, Toby, and Cooper. We all huddle in the center of the building and wait for the rest of the group to get to the building, not daring to say a word in case someone could possibly hear us. Soon, Mio and Cinder bring up the rear of the group and we are all standing together, the sounds of our breathing are the only noises in the building.
Mio starts handing out a plastic object that he explains to be a flashlight. He shows us how to turn them on and off and no one asks how he got them or why they work in fear of being overheard, but then Toby whispers to Zavy “Why’s everyone so quiet?” Except it’s not much of a whisper in this hollow concrete block. Zavy doesn’t answer him but just puts her hand over his mouth out of instinct.
“Yes, why is everyone so quiet?” I hear the deep sound of his voice, driving a chill up my spine. I turn around and bring my eyes to meet his golden gaze.
“Paylon,” I breathe. My first realization is that Alexander’s not with him, and then I realize neither is Chadian. He’s alone. Mio draws his sword and steps into Paylon’s path. He begins to charge Paylon, but I watch as the commander doesn’t even flinch at the attack.
“Oh, now that won’t be necessary.” I see Paylon lift his hand and slide past Mio’s attack. As he sidesteps Mio he brushes his hand across his back and instantly Mio’s sword crashes to the ground.
“He’s controlling him,” I think aloud. That one small touch was all Paylon needed to control Mio for that brief moment, and then I remember Codian’s necklace in my backpack.
A rush of adrenalin courses through my body. I swing the bag off my shoulder and unzip it all in one movement. I whip out the green necklace and meet Cooper’s gaze. He draws his sword and I toss the necklace to him. He clips it around his neck and stands to face Paylon.
“Now things are a little more interesting,” Paylon says as he draws his sword and there’s an instant sound of metal clashing as Cooper charges Paylon.
Paylon holds Cooper’s impact and says, “Oh, come on. Even your sister’s little boyfriend could do better than that.” Paylon pushes back and Cooper falls to the ground.
“What did you say?” I ask, getting Paylon’s attention.
“I said your little boyfriend put up quite the fight,” Paylon says as he walks toward me. That’s when I notice the dried red blood on his silver blade and I can’t catch my breath. “Lost me my second best marksman, but you already knew about the first, right?” His golden eyes stare deep into me.
“You were controlling them. Codian and Chadian. You ruined their lives,” I spit back at him.
“Well, a life for a life I guess,” Paylon says smoothly as he twists his sword in his hand.
“What does that mean?” I ask. I move my hand and squeeze the butt of my sword as Paylon creeps closer.
“Chadian for Alexander. Codian for you,” Paylon says and he swings his sword at my neck. I quickly pull mine from my belt and the metal clashes together.
“He’s dead?” I ask, and my voice is very weak. My arms shake at the pressure of our swords together.
“Don’t be surprised. You felt it didn’t you? He’s been dead for days, Adaline,” Paylon says, sliding his sword along mine and coming in for another swing. Paylon becomes fuzzy in my vision. Alexander is really dead? I already knew that, but Paylon saying it makes me feel it all over again. I hear the crash of my sword on the ground. He’s gone. I look back up at Paylon and watch as he swings his sword to my neck. I can’t make my body move. I’m just stuck. Just as it’s about to strike Cooper pushes me out of the way and takes the blow to his back.
I crash to the ground on my side and hear Cooper scream behind me. I turn over and watch as Cooper whips around and starts to charge Paylon again.
“Everyone into the tunnel!” Cooper yells. I turn and see that Cinder is already clearing pieces of paper, revealing a round plate in the ground that resembles something of a sewer lid that we have lining the
