The other constricts his hold on me, but I move fast, my hand dashing to his belt and robbing him of his Taser gun. I zap him right in the hip. His body goes rigid and he falls back, hitting the ground hard.

The first, scurries to his feet and takes me by the hair. I move the Taser for his neck, nicking his skin and his arms stiffens, but he doesn’t fall. I try again, this time pressing it hard into his chest. When he drops, he pulls me down by the hair with him. I have to pry his taut fingers off just to get free.

The air stinks of burnt flesh and I take off. But something pulls me back.  I need to know what’s behind that door. I pat the Watchers’ pockets, looking for a key. When I don’t find one, I decide to kick in the door. I raise my leg back, ready to kick, when the feeling slams me in the chest. Fear. Is this what my own fear feels like?

Someone lets out a scream and I swear the door starts to bleed. But when I blink my eyes, it’s just a door.

Still, I back away, leaving it far behind as I run away, keeping my head down until I make it to my room. I put on my black sweatshirt and pull the hood over my head.  Then I pack my knife and Monarch’s pocket watch into the pocket. There’s already something inside: Bernard’s necklace. I leave it there and duck out into the hall, hoping no one notices me, the girl who just assaulted a Higher.

I head for the infirmary. Taggart is the only other person, besides Monarch, that might know what’s going on. After all, he was the one in the Hospital when Gabrielle paid Monarch a visit.

“Taggart!” I barge into the dark room, with walls made of ashy stone lined with rows and rows of black stoves, some lit with fires. I touch the handle of the closest one, the metal hot against my skin. I start to open it.

“Kayla?”

I whirl, fist out, prepared to fight, but it’s only Taggart.

The inhumanly tall man, with a slight hunch, looks confused to see me. “What are you doing in here?” He’s glancing around fearfully, looking at all the stoves, fearing I might find out what’s in them. “You shouldn’t be here. Not today.”

I put down my fists. “Have you seen Monarch?”

His expression tells me what I already suspected: Monarch’s gone. “I’m so sorry, Kayla.”

I stare at the stoves, at the flames inside that kill all evidence of life.  I wonder if Monarch’s in one of them.

“Kayla,” Taggart starts, but I turn for the door.