Page 103 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
“I’ll find out, sir.” The BE used a transmitter to speak with whoever monitored the other end. “Yes, sir. The Havens are open, and many individuals and families have entered, but few are staying put, citing the expense is too great.”
Anger pulsed from Cyrus. “This is a state of emergency. The chambers should be free. If that’s too much to ask, I’ll pay. Just get it done.”
My admiration for him skyrocketed. “Why don’t we send the guards to escort any kids or elderly to the shelters? We can take care of ourselves.”
“You are sure?”
Had he kept them around for my peace of mind? A sweet but unnecessary gesture. “I’ve got you. I’m good.”
He clasped my bicep, gluing to his side, calling, “Disperse, and lead the most vulnerable to the Havens.”
BE Harper glanced over her shoulder. “I have orders from your father. Don’t let you out of my sight.”
“Then you don’t let me out of your sight. The others leave now.”
She scowled but bellowed, “Happy, you’re with me. The rest of you, go, go, go.”
The others scattered, weaving into a crowd that quickly closed in on us. Our foursome picked up speed, pushing forward, navigating the surge, with the BE in front and Baron Happy at our rear—after he claimed possession of my pot, stuffing the entire container into a pack he then hefted over his shoulders.
“Thank you.” Hands free, I palmed a dagger and a netter.
“We’re halfway there,” Cyrus told me. “In case we’re separated, you need to know some things.”
I groaned. “Now we’re for sure getting separated.”
“I live in the Lux,” he continued, heart attack serious. “From here you’ll take three lefts and two rights, in that order. Repeat my instructions.”
“Three lefts and two rights.” The problem was, I couldn’t get into the building without him. I hadn’t yet been keyed into the system.
A high-pitched scream rang out, followed by shouts of panic. My heart and the rest of the world paused. Someone had just broken.
Cyrus tightened his hold on me as the masses erupted in hysteria. The sound of thumping footsteps blended with squealing tires and colliding metals. We quickened our pace, dodging runners. I had no trouble keeping up. Breath sawed between my lips, adrenaline breaking free of its dam, pumping through me and searing my veins.
Another high-pitched scream rose above the commotion. Pops of gunfire joined the symphony. Around us, the terror level spiked. More and more people bumped into each other, including us. Cyrus took the first left to the Lux, pulling me with him.
A vehicle veered off the road, hopped the curb, and crashed into a building. Thick slabs of stone flew in every direction, dust clouding the air. The driver emerged with a shout of “Love Soal!”
Cries blended into a discordant song. The mob swallowed us, ripping me from Cyrus and shoving me backward. Pushed throughthe ranks, I stumbled for purchase. With great effort, I maintained my grip on my weapons, even when a sharp pain slashed over my eyebrow. Warm liquid dripped into my eyes, blurring my vision.
“Arden!” Cyrus bellowed. I heard him, but I couldn’t see him through the haze.
“I’m here!” I bellowed back, wiping at my face. Where was he? Where were the maddened?
The dust thinned, the world crystalizing. A sea of unfamiliar, frenzied people hemmed me in. Drawing on sheer grit, I fought my way to a building and pressed against the bricks to avoid being trodden down.
“Cyrus?” I yelled, scanning my surroundings. The gunfire ebbed and flowed, rising in short, erratic bursts. “Cyrus,” I yelled louder. No response. He must be nearby.
How long did I dare to wait? On my own, I wasn’t ready for this. But I was less prepared to spend the night outside. And I wasn’t without skill or weaponry. Besides, we’d agreed to a plan, and I should stick to it.
I dragged in a deep breath and shoved my way into the crowd. Though I flowed against traffic, I started jogging. Running. Sprinting. Dodging. New screams added to the soundtrack, raising the fine hairs on my nape as it reached a terrible crescendo. Eerie laughter came next. My finger twitched on the netter’s trigger.
Taking the second left, according to Cyrus’s instructions, I spotted a maddened in the process of tossing a teenager to the ground.Here goes everything.I charged forward, taking aim.
When the attacker raised his fist, I shouted, “Look at me.”
He whipped his attention in my direction, as hoped, then sniffed and licked his lips, as if he scented something especially tasty. A grin appeared, and he dropped his victim. The perfect opening. He stepped toward me; I fired. The bullet whistled through the air, growing as it opened. Yes! Upon impact, he hurled to the concrete. Fine metal latticework secured itself around his body, pinning himin place. Satisfaction bloomed, buoying my confidence. Oh, yeah. I could do this.
I quickened my steps, netting any maddened I came upon as I got closer to my destination. Five shots remained in the chamber of my last clip. My heartbeat kept rhythm with my pounding footfalls. Faster. Faster. Nothing slowed me.
