I don’t know what he means, but no longer feel like asking questions. I open the door, but promptly jolt back, my shoulder bumping into Monarch’s chest. A sensation of fear overwhelms me. Monarch’s afraid for his life, afraid of not having time, afraid it all won’t work out the way he planned.

The Higher walks in, his chin tipped up, an arrogant air in the way he carries himself. “A pleasure meeting you again, Kayla,” It’s the Higher from the hall.

Monarch’s pulse misses a beat when the Higher says my name. His breathing constricts. His blood flow slows and I worry he’s going to faint.

“I’m sorry, Gabrielle.” Monarch’s voice shudders. “I didn’t realize you were coming here. I thought we were supposed to go to your quarters for this.”

Gabrielle’s pale eyes linger on me, before he narrows them on Monarch. “Evident, ai fost gre_it.”

“I know and I’m terribly sorry for the misunderstanding,” Monarch says—I never realized he could understand their language. He bows his head. “I’ve just been so distracted lately. There seem to be more and more sick members to take care of.”

This is news to me. I come to the hospital a lot and the only person I’ve seen in weeks is Maci.

“There are no misunderstandings,” Gabrielle replies. “Only mistakes. And you know how we feel about mistakes.”

“Yes, yes, I understand,” Monarch struggles to maintain calm. “Again, I apologize for my mistake. It won’t happen again.”

“I’ve been hearing too many apologies from you lately.” Gabrielle’s voice is like ice as he strolls around, dragging his finger along the cabinet. “It’s starting to grow tiring. And I’m not the only one to notice this.  The other Higher have been making complaints about you. Some of them are even starting to question where your loyalties lie.”

Gabrielle’s eyes move to me and again, I get the feeling he’s trying to burrow into my thoughts and see what it is I’m hiding in my head.

“Kayla.” Monarch gently nudges me in the back. “You should go.”

My brain screams at me not to. If I leave, what will happen? Monarch’s made a mistake and the Highers always make people pay for mistakes.

“Kayla.” Monarch’s sharp voice slices my thoughts. “Go. Now.”

As I walk out the door, I notice how far away Monarch looks. And if I didn’t know any better, I swear I can see him slipping away from me forever.

I don’t know what I’d do if I lost him forever.

He’s all I have.

Monarch shuts the door and I vanish down the hall, with the faint echo of a scream following behind me.

Chapter 5