DEVIANT [H.S.]

25 - The Polar District

Why I'm being carried in Caleb's arms, I don't understand.

I don't protest though; When Jeriah pushed me against the window, I heard a few crackles and pops that shouldn't have happened.

We're rushing down the staircase and out into the open air, Malachi's eyes intently scanning the area. Patrols aren't just soldiers, they're like ghosts. You can't see them, but they can sure as hell see you.

I want to ask Malachi for more information about Harry. But, I find it best to hold my tongue until we're in a safer place to have that discussion.

Malachi is pretty fit for his age; I watch him as he jogs at a steady pace farther ahead of Caleb and I. Caleb is jogging too, and I wonder why he isn't limping.

"I shot you in the foot days ago..." I mumble, looking up to his face. His face is serious and immobile, like a statue has overtaken his being.

"After I told Malachi the entire story, he found it best to forgive me and stitch me up quickly," He says in a monotone voice.

"You told him everything?" I ask.

Caleb nods. "I had to. I felt obligated to, actually. He was the only one there in the midst of Deviants that didn't make assumptions and such. He waited until it was the right time for me to come to him. Apparently that was two days after you shot me in the foot, which hurt by the way."

Well, no shit.

"I'm not apologizing for something you deserved. You've been a prick," I fire back.

Malachi whips his head around, looking back at Caleb and I as he is still jogging down the street. "Shut your mouths! Patrols could be on guard anywhere!"

I press my lips together and simply stop talking, the newly-found silence between Caleb and I deepening by the second. I try my best to look around, but all I really see is black.

Black outlines of buildings. Black asphalt on the ground. Black clothes us three are all wearing.

Once we've ran a good distance from the mansion and close to the more rural area of the city, Malachi stops and motions for Caleb to stand me up. I'm a little wobbly once my feet hit the solid surface, even with Caleb's hands on my shoulders keeping me steady.

"Where are we going?" I ask, observing Malachi scanning the area.

"We can't go back to the compound. They know we would head back that way," Malachi tells Caleb.

Caleb nods. "I know where we can go. It's temporary, but it will do for us and the rest of the Coalition... If they can make it on their own, without being spotted by Patrols."

Hold on, what does he mean by that? The only clarity I have is that Jeriah is looking for me with Patrols. At least that's what these two have hinted at.

Now they're saying we can't return back to the compound? That's where everyone is residing, every Deviant. Tara is there, Aubrey is there, even Harry.

"Why can't we return back to the compound?" I blurt out.

"Jeriah knows where the compound is. He has always known, it's only been a matter of time before he decides to raid it. Patrols aren't only looking for you, Serena. They're on the search for Deviants, and the first place they will look for is the compound," Caleb explains.

"Before we came to find you, I gathered everybody and told them to pack their things quickly and take the routes to the new safe zone. Hopefully, they're almost there," Malachi adds in.

"But what about all of the Deviants in Isolation?" I inquire, hinting at Harry still under Isolation's care.

"They'll be okay," Malachi assures me. "Come on, we need to get to the safe zone before Patrols begin circulating this area."