Three Hearts Left Intact

Chapter 32: Lockdown

Shaking her head of the mix of nerves and adrenaline, Kaila hurried down yet another corridor hopefully to find some type of information. Ever since she had entered this new wing in the department, the feeling of déjà vu kept occurring. Something about the area made the hairs on her arms stand. Pushing through she could hear down the hall had many footsteps all quickly coming her way.

Looking around for a place of escape, she dreaded having no doors or corridors around her. She knew there were two options; she could take a chance and run from them at the risk of drawing more attention to herself, or play it off and keep her head down as they marched past.

Time froze as she debated. Contemplating her pros and cons she finally gave in to an option. Pushing her hair in front of her shoulders, making sure to cover her neck she continued walking on as if nothing were wrong.

It wasn't long before an entire swarm of Hounds ran up the hall. She felt as if her legs were going to give out on her the closer they got. Each of them had a large stick in hand. Not wanting to find out what they did, she pushed herself against the wall and walked along it.

The thundering of synchronized marches finally caught up as they began to run past her. Stealthily peaking over at them, she watched as none of them paid her any attention. One by one they ran past. Just when the final Hound of the group past her she stopped to take a breathe. It was only now she realized she had forgotten to take any kind of breathe while she was besides them.

Just when she inhaled her body nearly collapsed when a hand placed itself on her back. Turning around slowly she saw the shape of a man, whose face was covered by a black helmet. "Y-yes..." her voice shook.

In a low and almost hissing voice the man told her, "keep an eye out for anybody looking like a rogue. We have word she's wondering through these halls. If you see anything call us." He stated.

Not wanting to meet his unavailable glare she nodded as he let go and caught up with his team. Breathing out heavily Kaila knew she had started something now.

It wasn't until the white halls had turned a bright red. Lights illuminating the hallway in a simple pattern along with a voice. A voice that was put forth for the entire department to hear.

"Attention! This is not a drill! We have a rogue patient wandering around these halls. She goes by the name Kaila. She's got a small build, around 5'2", blond hair, and may behave irrationally when in contact. If you see her or know of her locations, call my office immediately. Until then, the entire department is on lockdown." Lauren's voice rang through the intercom, looking at the people around her Kaila saw everyone angrily throw their hands at the mention of lockdown. "Nobody is allowed in or out of this department until she is accounted for. I have Hounds searching every inch of this department. If someone shall get in there way or if they find out someone was assisting her, you will be apprehended. Lockdown is put into effect immediately."

The static that echoed after the storm wasn't loud enough to cover the hate filled speech those around the small girl were saying.

Not wanting to draw any attention to herself she tried to get away from the crowds of people. With the description Lauren gave, time was her enemy. If someone around her simply glanced her way they would know who she was.

She began to walk slowly out of the area before someone stepped in front of the door she was approaching. Looking in front of her with surprised eyes, she saw Mary standing there looking at Kaila with fear in her eyes.

"I hate lockdowns. I can't go home or talk to anyone outside. Those Hounds better hurry and find that girl already. I just want to be able to leave by the end of my shift." She complained. "What do you think about this?"

"Uh..." Kaila felt as if a bomb was just placed in front of her. She needed to get away as fast as she could but a barrier was preventing her from doing so. "I...yeah it's terrible. Hey listen Mary I really need to be going. I...uh...I have to...use the bathroom! Yeah really bad." She began to shake her legs in discomfort.

"Uh, yeah sure. Go on." She moved out of the way. When Kaila forced a smile and walked out, Mary called out to her before she could completely disappear from view. " Hey Kay, when your done. Come join my pals and I for lunch. We'll be in the greenhouse. Since we're on lockdown we want to at least be able to enjoy the view of the outside world."

Nodding her head she saw Mary smile and go back to the common room. Left in the dark blinking red hallway she began walking away from the room.

The eerily empty halls and loud siren going off in the background were finally setting into her nerves. The once peaceful surroundings were now replaced by one that was striking fear. Unlike before, she was seeing an uncountable number of Hounds. Each of them breaking into every room aggressively searching. The little peace that existed in this department had completely disappeared.

After a few minutes of being unsuccessful in her search, Kaila had no other option. Remembering the path to the green house, she began heading to meet up with Mary who seemed to be her only friend in this nightmare. On her way there the loud shouting and screams caused by the Hounds seemed to get worst.

Everyone in the department began panicking, all shouting Kaila's name in an attempt to get her turned in quicker. Hiding her face with her hair she couldn't help as a tear dropped down her face. All the pressure put on her and the fear she's stricken in the heart and soul of those around her began to overwhelm her.

Just as the greenhouse door came into view the loud shouting from the Hounds became so loud that her ears began to ring. Quickly running inside she was surprised to find the room completely empty. The only thing other than plants that occupied the room was a single piece of paper with a knife sticking it on a table surrounded by seed packets.

She walked over to the paper and pulled the knife out of it before holding it in the light coming from outside.
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Let me know what you think. Thanks Lexx signing off