“Kayla, this stuff’s toxic,” he practically snaps. “You can’t touch it.”

I eye the various colors of liquid. “But you’re touching it.”

He lets out a sharp, anxious laugh. “I’ve been a doctor for so long, I’ve become immune to most of this.” He’s scared. Scared that I’ll find out something.

“Monarch, what’s wrong?’ I ask, stepping back from the mess. I bite my thumbnail. “You’re not acting like yourself. Is there something you’re afraid of?”

“Kayla, please go.” His voice is strained. “I’ve got too many things to do today to deal with this.”

“Well, if you’d let me help then—”

“Leave now.” His voice is as sharp as the glass. His eyes widen as he quickly collects himself.  “Sorry, I’m just a little stressed. Why don’t you go get something to eat and get some rest? I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

I’m hardly exhausted and he knows it. But since he obviously wants me gone, I back toward the door. “Alright, I guess I’ll see you later then.”

He nods, but he’s not paying attention, picking up glass, lost in his troubles and fears. I pull the door open, but pause when I catch sight of a something silver and metallic. Bernard’s necklace. I pick it up from the counter. Black shapes and lines cover the plate. I haven’t seen words before, but I don’t think these are words. No, they look like numbers.

I turn the necklace in my hand, over and over again. It shimmers in the light, reminding me of the time at Lessons when Bernard knocked out the instructor, but only because the plate reflected into his eyes.

I don’t know what compels me to do it, but I glance over my shoulder, making sure Monarch’s not paying attention. Then I shove the necklace into my pocket.

“Kayla, please go,” He calls out with a heavy sigh.

“Sorry.” I leave, obeying just like I’m supposed to.

Chapter 3

I sometimes have nightmares about the day I was found. Although Monarch assures me it didn’t happen this way. In it, I’m a breakable little girl with ash covering my skin. Fires roar up and down the streets and the air smells like burnt flesh. It’s a toxic smell and I can hardly breathe.  I’m hugging a doll, with blonde curls and a flowery dress that matches my own. I walk down the middle of the street, my black shoes crunching against the debris. There are vampires everywhere, in the buildings, in the streets, blood pouring out of their eyes.