God, the fire is growing so quick. How is it so fast?

Theo bashes into the next door, and we’re through the clothes room, the empty room, and the orientation room. Then the hallway to hell.

I sprint after the others and make it through the game room and out into fresh air. We did it. I turn to Hazel to make sure she’s okay. Evan grips my hand.

Where are Caleb and his friends? They’re not here. My eyes desperately scan the area for signs of them waiting. Are they somewhere in the woods, hiding with their gun?

“Which way?” Theo says.

“Near the road, but stay in the woods,” Evan replies.

There’s no time to worry about them—we have to go.

We sprint. My pulse is all I can hear.

I’m tired already, but adrenaline has taken over, coursing through my veins, spurring me on. We’re miles from town, and they might get up any minute, but we have to focus on running.

My feet thud on the dry, compacted dirt. “Go!” Theo shouts, pushing Priya and Lucie in the direction we need to run.

We don’t get far.

A gunshot echoes through the air, freezing my spine. We stop. All of us plant our feet.

I turn. Caleb is standing outside the door, arm in the air, gun pointing to the sky. No. Matt and Owen stand a step back from him.

“I don’t think you want to run another step,” Caleb says.

Evan lets go of my hand and laughs.

“Don’t,” I whisper. If Evan tries to take them on alone, Caleb will kill him. I can’t watch someone die in front of me, especially not someone I care about.

Caleb moves in closer and his groupies come with him.

Hazel, Priya, Lucie, and Theo move in, so we’re solid against them. But Evan is still in front.

“Evan,” I call.

He takes two more steps closer to the three of them.

What is he doing?

Caleb watches Evan, but I can’t place his expression. He looks unsure.

Inside the building, something smashes. Glass? No one pays much attention to the fire behind us; we’re having some sort of standoff. None of us willing to back down.

“Where do you want to be, Evan?” Caleb asks.

“What? What does that mean?” I whisper. Are they willing to let him go? Why?

Evan is going to get himself killed. We’re supposed to all get away. I don’t want him being the martyr.

“Evan!”

“Man, come on!” Theo shouts.

Evan’s eyes lock with mine, and for the first time, I have absolutely no idea what he’s thinking. I can usually take a pretty good guess, but right now, he’s closed off.

I step back, willing him to come with us.

“Don’t do this, come on!” I plead.

Caleb laughs. “So dumb.”