Lincoln ran to the door and pushed the table and chairs against it.
"Rowin, pack a bag of food and water. Adria, take some of the blankets and other things we might need. I'll handle Jonathan and getting us out of here," he instructed, slipping an arm under Jonathan's shoulder in place of Adria.
She turned to leave and bumped into Lincoln. He caught her arm and for a moment they stared at each other. A small smile played across his face.
"It'll be okay," he said softly, letting go of her.
"Thank you," she replied genuinely before doing what she needed to do.
Thoughts of Seth intruded my mind. Then an idea came.
I pretended like I didn't see Adria's captivation and concentrated on shoving food into a bag, not that there was much of it. Footsteps echoed throughout the halls.
If they had Seth and I let them take me, I could see him. I could stop Concord from progressing the Antipode. I paused for a moment.
It was risky. I knew I couldn't convince Lincoln or Adria to go with my plan in the short amount of time that we had.
Lincoln had taken the grate off the ventilation system in the room, which was just big enough for him to crawl through. Adria had a small bag with her and went in first, then her and Lincoln worked together to coax Jonathan.
Banging sounded on the door as I tossed Lincoln the backpack of food. I had to see Seth. It wasn't an option. It was either get caught to see him again or never know if he was alive. I made him disappear here, I had to make sure that he was safe.
Lincoln pushed his way in the vent with the pack and then motioned for me. Instead of following, I picked up the vent cover and began sliding it back on.
"Rowin no!" Lincoln exclaimed, holding back the edge. "We're all going."
"What's the point?" I stated to skip an explanation.
He looked baffled. "This isn't the time to be contemplating life choices."
"I've been running from Cassius for months," I said carefully. "I have to show him he doesn't have power over me."
This caused him to pause, long enough for me to slam the grate shut and latch it. I grabbed the blanket pile to hide their escape. Lincoln's eyes caught my own. They were wide with disbelief and sorrow.
"Rowin, God put you here for a reason. He cares for you."
A pang slammed into my chest.
"Don't forget that's what's real," he whispered.
I was reluctant. I forced a smile and said, "Take care of Jonathan. Be good to my sister."
I pushed the blankets over the vent before he could respond.
The chair and the table moved slightly as the door was being pounded with fists. I backed away and went to the bathroom, latching the door. I was willing for them to take me, but I needed one more moment.
I leaned against the sink to look up into the mirror. My face was smudged with dirt and slick with sweat. My brown hair was a mess reaching halfway down my back. Finally, my eyes stared. Big, brown eyes full of many things.
God knows all those things about me?
I noticed the compass. Instantly, I remembered that I had last told Seth I'd keep it safe for him.
I heard them break in, shouts filling the small space right outside the door. My breath caught in my throat as I clutched the necklace. No way Cassius was getting this. Not without a fight.
The hideaway was filled with the pounding of fists. Pounding of my pulse. Pounding of my head.
Pound.
Pound.
Pound.
Rough hands gripped my arms. I struggled as they pulled me out of the bathroom. I yanked my arms away and ran to the window. They could take me, but they weren't going to catch Jonathan again.
"Run, Lincoln! Don't let them catch you!"
A guard shouted something and I suppressed a grin at the success of my diversion.
I was slapped over the head and pulled off my feet. I fought. Cassius wasn't going to be satisfied with my defeat. I kicked and screamed and tried pulling away, but they just held tighter.
When we reached the outside of a building, I was thrown to the sidewalk. Someone grabbed the chain of the compass and pulled it off. I snatched it and yanked it back, truly fighting this time.
"Let go, stupid girl!" the guard exclaimed.
"Make me!" I shouted, pulling against him. I was kicked in the side and I cried out, letting go from the sudden pain.
"That's not your's to take!" I protested from the ground. No one listened.
Once again, I was pulled up. A crowd had gathered while authorities held onlookers back. I searched the faces for anyone familiar.
My captors began spreading out around the building, probably looking for Lincoln, Adria, or Jonathan. I was about to be thrown in the back of a dark prison bus when I yanked my fists away.
"Cassius will never win!" I screamed, the words ripping at my throat. "He's stolen too much! He doesn't understand enough!"
Finally, I was slapped across the face, grabbed, and tossed into the truck like a rag doll. I slammed against the metal and shut into darkness.
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(a/n)
tHe iNTeNsiTY iS kiLliNG mE
But Lincoln tho <3
ONLY TWO MORE PARTS LEFT OH GOODNESS.
Alright, thanks for reading, as always. (: Of course, I can't wait for you to read on (God willing). Have a great life!
-Abigail
{August 16, 2016}
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YOU ARE READING
The Maze of Existence
Adventure» She changed everything; even if no one knew it. « Four months have passed. And nothing. Rowin has finally started to come back to her senses of real life-- even if her past still haunts her in her dreams, her waking moments, and even in her frien...
