“Take it easy, miss,” he says, drawing my panicked gaze back to him. His voice is deep, the rumbling tone having a calming effect on my stampeding pulse. His eyes and hair are dark, the latter beginning to gray at the sides. His face is kind as he looks at me, everything about him exuding peace.

Everything except the gun.

“Who are you?” I ask again, more strength in my voice this time despite the fact that I’m cowering against the back of the bench, the metal icy even through my clothes.

“I work security here,” he tells me, his job title easing a fraction of my alarm. “I usually stay in the office watching the monitors, but I heard shouting near the entrance and came out to investigate.”

His hands are still raised, but the puzzled look on his face is enough for my heart to speed up again. What did he hear? What did he see? Will I have to wipe his memory? My mind is reeling—I’m not sure I have enough focus to manage such a feat without Kael to guide me. Or Ward, for that matter. But he’s out of the equation right now, and I—

I can’t think about that yet.

Shoving away all thoughts of Ward, I concentrate on the man as he continues, dreading what he may reveal next.

“I didn’t see much before the transformer blew. Could’ve sworn there were people running around inside the gates, but I watched the screens all night and no one slipped in earlier without my notice.” His gaze narrows as he clarifies, “No one but you.”

The tightness in my chest eases as I realize he didn’t see anything suspicious. I’m not sure how that’s possible—I’m not sure where he was when I blacked out or how he didn’t notice all the flashing lights and shouting Speakers. I’m guessing someone must have used their ability on him in order for everyone to escape without notice.

Everyone but me.

I spare a thought for Kael, wondering if he’s all right. Did he pass out as well? Did he escape? Did he go after the breakout? Is he looking for me?

Questions. I have so many questions.

“I found you right near the sparking transformer—it’s a miracle you weren’t killed, even if you were out like a light,” the man continues. “You want to explain that to me?”

His calming tone is fading now, shifting into something more edged. I keep my eyes on his hands, making sure he’s not reaching for his weapon, as I consider my next move.

I need to get out of the park, that’s all I know. I need to see if the yacht is still docked, if my Remnant friends are waiting for me. I’m not sure how I became separated from Kael—I’m not sure about anything right now. All I know is, the answers won’t come while I’m cowering beneath some roller coaster.

Slowly, I rise to my feet, stifling a moan when my thigh gives a flash of pain, reminding me of Crew’s attack. The man watches me carefully as I move, his hands still raised, as if hesitant to startle me. He could be wondering if I’m carrying a weapon. He can’t possibly know that I don’t need one.