Submerged

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

My skin prickled when I heard it: the slam of a door. As quietly as I could, I tiptoed toward Aspen and Dylan. They were both sleeping. I thought for a moment about how to wake them without alerting the Careers to our presence.

I carefully placed my hand over Aspen’s mouth. The skin on his face was smooth, and his expression was so peaceful that I almost regretted waking him. Trying not to make a sound, I shook his shoulder gently to wake him up. He gave a slight start, but soon realized why I had woken him. I moved on to wake Dylan. He reacted the same way, but I could see the glint of thinly veiled fear in Dylan’s eyes.

As calmly and silently as I could, I shouldered the backpack. It might offer some protection should I be attacked from behind, and it was lightweight, so it wouldn’t slow me down anyways. I handed Dylan one of the smaller knives and selected two wickedly sharp blades for myself. Making quick eye contact with Aspen, I saw that he had notched an arrow into his bow.

We stood, in silence, pressed up against the wall as the sounds of stomping, laughter, and conversation grew nearer. It was as if I couldn’t breathe.

This could be it, I thought to myself. Then, I realized, we’re just hiding here. They’ll have the advantage.

I turned to Aspen and mouthed, we need the element of surprise.

Okay, he agreed, on my signal.

Wait until they get closer, I warned.

I know, he smiled nervously, I’m not stupid.

I quietly kneeled down to lock eyes with Dylan and whispered, “Stay in here until I say to run. The floor is laid out in a circle. Turn the corner past this room, and run until you reach the stairs again. Then, go up to the fifth floor. We’ll meet you there.”

I stood back up. The Careers were getting closer, and I was almost certain that they could hear my pounding heart. Aspen locked eyes with me and jerked his head to the door.

One, he mouthed.

Two, I responded.

Three.

And we charged, weapons held high.