“She’s probably dead by now,” a stubby, rounded lady with a bob cut whispers to her husband, who nods in agreement.

I tap my foot, waiting for it to all be over.

“She deserves to die,” someone else says.

I turn to see who it is, but a soft voice shivers against my ear. “Not yet.”

I’ve heard this voice before. But glancing over my shoulder, all I see are the vaguely familiar faces of the Colony members and no one who stands out. But I sense someone watching me. I start to push my way through, but the Highers enter rows and rows of white in a sea of black. I stand back, lowering my head, but watch them through hooded eyes. They’re almost identical, only the tiniest variations make it so they’re not the same person, slightly paler eyes, shorter hair, sharper cheekbones.

For a split second, I think I recognize Monarch walking amongst them, only he’s dressed in a robe and looks just like them. But I blink and the image is gone.

They file onto the stage, standing shortest to tallest. Gabrielle’s in the middle, carrying a black box. He advances to the center of the stage and drops the black box on the floor.

“Welcome to the Gathering, everyone.” His cold voice slithers the room. “It’s a pleasure for you to all come.”

Like we have a choice.

Gabrielle keeps talking, but I’m already measuring my options. Two Watchers guard the exit, their hands suspended above their Tasers, itching to use them. And even more line the back of the room. There’s a group of them standing in the doorway, whispering through their masks. Then, suddenly, all of their eyes land on me.

My times up. Either it’s now or never. I know I don’t stand a chance. I’ll be caught in seconds and probably executed on the spot. But I don’t care.  Through the throng of people, I catch Tristan’s eye.

Bye, I mouth.

His eyebrows knit together as I rip my gaze away. I glide my knife out of my pocket, not afraid, but not hollow. In fact, I’m more alive than I’ve been.

Chapter 9

My eyes shoot open.  It’s dark and grogginess plasters my mind and my body. I’m covered in plastic. It’s all over me, touching my skin, smothering me. Where am I? I run my finger along the plastic until I feel the teeth of a zipper.  I realize right away what this is. A body bag. I’m trapped in a God damn body bag.