I shake off my stupor and motion for everybody to follow, leading them toward the racers’ facilities. As we quietly cross the yard, guards run past toward the burning garage. They don’t notice us. Hopefully, the explosion and fire will cause enough confusion so we don’t get recaptured.
Inside the racers’ quarters, Wreck and I walk through a long corridor, heading toward my former room. I can’t help thinking about Amethyst and the few happy days we shared in this place. Maxine and Tanya remain near the entrance, watching for any sign of guards.
Feeling dazed and shaky, I open the door of the room I once occupied. Martha stands by the window, her back turned to me. The explosion and chaos unraveling outside must have awoken her. She lets out a stifled scream upon seeing us.
“It’s me, Kora,” I exclaim, approaching. “Don’t be scared.”
“Kora,” she mutters, staring at my painted face. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to free you and the others. You’ll be safe, I promise. Where’s Trent? Where are Dennis and Sandro?”
“Dennis is dead. Samuel shot him.”
I shut my eyes for a moment, feeling bitterness churn inside. But there’s no time for mourning, I push the grief aside.
“Come with me,” I grab Martha’s hand.
“No, no!” she starts crying. “I can’t leave. I don’t want to escape!”
I become desperate. I think of my mother and Tanya’s relatives who refused to escape, who chose death instead of freedom. I don’t want to go through that again.
“Who’s that?” Martha asks, looking at Wreck, her eyes startled.
“He is…” I pause. How can I explain everything? How can I make Martha less frightened of him?
“Prince Christopher at your service.” He performs an exaggerated bow. “I’m here to rescue you.”
Martha’s mouth falls open. She looks him over in awe. “I thought you were dead.”
“Well, I thought so too,” he says, leading her by the hand out into the corridor. She follows willingly. I realize that Martha’s silly dream about a prince rescuing her has finally come true.
The next twenty minutes or so pass in a blur. I run from room to room, banging on doors, trying to persuade them to leave with us. Most are terrified by the idea of freedom. They know of nothing better than being slaves. At first I plead and coax, then start barking orders.
“Come outside!” I shout, running along a corridor. “You’re all free! You’re no longer servants to anyone!”
The racers come out of their rooms, confused and panicked. The corridor soon becomes overcrowded. A few people head toward the door. I catch a glance of Wreck dragging two girls by their arms, ordering them to get out of the building. The girls cry, refusing to escape. What’s wrong with them? I ask myself. Why can’t they embrace freedom? But I guess I’m not one to judge. I’d been a servant for sixteen long years, being too frightened to escape.
“Kora! Is that you?”
I turn to see Samantha dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. Her hands are trembling.
“What’s happening?” she mutters, tears streaming down her face.
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close and patting her back. I didn’t realize how much I’d been missing her. How can you miss somebody who was once bullying you?
“It’s all right,” I whisper. “Don’t be scared. I’ve come back to free you. Go on outside.”
Sobbing, Samantha nods and heads toward the door. I proceed down the corridor and almost bump into Trent. I feel my heart leap inside my chest and my legs become weak. He stares at me in disbelief, as if seeing a ghost. I hug him, kissing his lips, my hands clutching his shirt tightly.
“Kora?” he utters, pulling away. “What the heck is going on?”
I smile broadly. “I’ve come back for you. But we must leave now. We’ve got little time.”
I take his hand, pulling him toward the door, but Trent doesn’t follow.
“I don’t want to escape,” he states.
“Please, Trent,” I yank his hand. “We must go now!”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
He pulls his arm away. I become anxious. What can I do? How can I persuade him to escape? I don’t want to leave him behind again.
“Trent!” Wreck barks, approaching us. “You’d better do as your girlfriend suggests. We’ve come here for you, and we aren’t leaving without you.” He pauses, his eyes flickering angrily. “Get outside! Now! Or I’ll knock you senseless and carry your sorry ass out myself.”
Confused, Trent walks obediently toward the door. I didn’t expect him to follow Wreck’s request, but Wreck knows very well how to be forceful and intimidating. I feel grateful toward him. Why did he help me persuade Trent to leave?
We separate, checking rooms for any racers who haven’t yet gone outside. Somebody grabs my arm. I stop, turning, and see Logan standing in front of me. He grabs my shoulders and slams me against a wall.
“I told I’d kill you if I ever saw you again!” he growls. Just like Ace.
He had no trouble recognizing me in spite of my face paint. I snarl, pushing him away. I think of Gabriel, Ace and all other people who have abused me. I want to kill him. He clutches my throat, choking me. I claw his face, pressing my thumbs into his eyes. He groans in pain, releasing my throat. He staggers backward as I kick his calf as hard as I can. But not hard enough. He lunges
