I nod, my shoulder knocking into a large guy, holding a cup. He shoots me a glare, but then, once taking me in, smiles. “Is there something I missing?” I ask Aiden as we reach the end of the crowd.

“There are a lot of things you’re missing.” He winks at me, like we’re sharing a private joke.

But I don’t get the joke and he when he sees that, he frowns. “Sorry,” he mutters.

When we reach a doorway, guarded by two men, dressed in black with knives strapped to their belts, Aiden stops. Even though I can see their faces, my mind flashes back to The Colony—to the guards.  To the bright red door.

“There not Watchers,” Aiden quickly assures me, noticing my hand drifting toward my pocket, where my knife rests.

I drop my hand to my side, but carry skepticism, which only expands as we descend down the hall, passing shut door after shut door that have people inside them—I know because I can hear their hearts. The very last door, we halt in front of. Behind this one, there isn’t a heart beating. There are no sounds or signs of human life.

He turns to me, blocking the door. ‘How much do you trust me?”

“I barely know you,” I say.

He brushes the hair from in his honey eyes, frustration tensing in his jawline. “I get that, but I’m asking you,” he squeeze my hand gently, his heart pumping, “Do you trust me?”

Trust. “I guess so,” I say, giving him the best answer I can.

He’s saddened with it, and turns his back to me, giving three firm knocks to the door. “Just try to stay calm, okay.”

“I always am,” I let it slip out. My secret.

But he doesn’t seem to care. A window slides open and another guard stands on the inside, with cautious eyes.

“I got a new one.” Aiden nods at me.

This seems to be the right words for the guard. He slams the window shut and the door swings open.

“Prepare yourself,” Aiden warns and steps back, letting me walk in first.

But nothing could prepare me for what’s behind that door. It’s a cemented room, but the walls shine silver. A single chair is all that occupies it. In the chair, sits a tall white figure, with its head hung over, snow-white hair spilling over.

My boot scrapes the floor and it raises its head, staring at me with pale eyes.

A Higher.

Chapter 17

I almost bolt, pull out my knife, stab Aiden and the guard and run like hell. Because nothing can explain this—nothing good anyway.

“You said this wasn’t a Colony. You said there weren’t any Highers around.” My voice is calm, but carries a hint of warning. “You said I could trust you.”