Page 85 of They're Watching You

I reach the top of the staircase, the creepy eyes staring down on me. Only this time, they follow me and watch as I pass by.It’s not real. It’s not real. Wheezing, I throw myself into the door. It’s unlocked. Relief swirls through me, and I stagger inside.

The room is lit by two standing torches. There, against the wall, is a glass case displaying a single dark-green vial.

I stagger forward, jamming my key into the lock and twisting with all my might. It clicks. I tug on the door and thrust my hand inside to remove the vial.

In my grip, the vial stops looking like a vial. It starts to grow legs. It whispers to me how bad of an idea it is to drink this stuff.

I can’t listen to it. I pop the cork off, letting it bobble on the floor by my feet. Then I down it in one uncoordinated flick of the wrist.

The liquid—a nasty, bitter syrup—burns my tongue and throat as it goes down. I’m still so thirsty. I’d do anything for a glass of water.

When the last drop goes down, my head feels tired. The chamber is moving, like there’s an earthquake. I need to lie down. To make it stop. I start to slump against the wall but force myself back upright.Remington. I promised to save him.

I take a second to steady my breathing. In and out. The rocking of the room slows. This antidote might actually be working. At least Gavin told the truth about one thing. Still, I have to get out of here. I start in the direction of the open door, but a dark shadow pushes into the doorway. The torchlight flickers.

Another hallucination?

“I knew you could do it,” comes a voice, which seems very real. Very familiar.

The shadow steps forward into the light. The hood falls back, revealing Gavin’s green eyes, flooded with relief.

He’s blocking my way out.

***

“Maren!” Polly pushes past Gavin to get into the room. “You did it! I knew you would!”

Her radiant, gleeful expression brings on a new bout of dizziness. “You’re welcome,” I say, the words tying up together. “Now get out of my way.”

Jane peeks in now, face pale. “So, it’s over?”

“Guess your friend isn’t as badass as mine,” says Polly with a shrug, slinging an arm over me. I shove her off with what little strength I have and careen away.

“But Remington…” Jane’s gaze diverts to the empty glass cabinet. “You won’t really…”

“You know it’s necessary.” Gavin shifts in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders and frowning like a father forced to dole out a consequence.

“Well, where is he?” she asks. “He never even made it to the boathouse.”

“His location has yet to be determined,” Gavin says. “We know he wandered off course after failing to complete his puzzle. I’m assuming Maren whispered a fake location to him—well played, by the way.”

“Thanks,” I mutter, trying not to collapse.

A boyish grin slides over his lips and he reaches out to steady me. “Annabelle’s checking the other campus cameras. Once he’s found, we’ll bring him in for the ceremony.”

A surge of fear spikes in me. They’re searching for Remington. How am I going to get out of here, find him, and get help before the poison does too much damage?

“Well, you don’t need me anymore,” I say, attempting to slip past them.

“Of course, we do,” Gavin says, incredulous. “You have a seat at the winner’s feast. There are food and drinks in the next chamber.” He pats Jane on the shoulder. “It’s not customary, but you may accompany us. Some wine will help ease the sting of tonight.”

“I should be in a hospital,” I press. “Not at a feast. I really think—”

“Maren,” interrupts Gavin, turning to face me. “That antidote is better than anything the hospital can provide. I tested it on myself. I told you that I’d never let anything happen to you. In an hour or so, you’ll hardly remember the experience. Stay with us for this celebration. If after tonight, you truly can’t remain a part of the society, you’re free to go. I’m hoping you’ll come around, though. And I hope you’ll…” He clasps my frigid hand in his warm one, squinting down at me through his frames.

I tense, pulling in a deep breath and considering bulling past him. But I’m still too weak and disoriented. I have to send a message. Even if Gavin returned my phone, though, I wouldn’t have a signal down here. I’ll have to wait until I get my strength back to fight my way out.

I exhale, lowering my head and squeezing his hand in return. “Fine, let’s go have a party.” But Gavin barely has a chance to smile before the sound of footsteps thunders just outside the door. In the hall, a massive shadow shifts over the corridor wall.

---