Page 126 of Us Dark Few

“Not far. Less than a kilometer. It will only take a few minutes to get there by transport. A hidden elevator in the tunnel will take us up to the surface.”

Takeshi was silent for a moment, studying Brock with a sharp eye. “So be it. I’ll grab us supplies for the two-week journey to Hermes. Iexpect you all to be ready.” He spoke with such calm authority and steady confidence that she was starting to believe it could work.

Brock crossed his arms. “Most of this plan relies on you,Captain. Hope you’re ready, or we’ll end up being another number in the long line of people you’ve killed.”

A muscle ticked in Takeshi’s jaw. “And you’re certain the radiation suits aren’t necessary?”

“Don’t question me. I’m sure.”

“I hope so.” Malice leeched from Takeshi as he licked his lips. “I’ll rip your intestines out and feed them to you if you’re lying.”

“I’d like to see you try,” Brock hissed, his giant fists tightening by his side.

The amount of testosterone in the air was stifling. Both men glared at each other with a blistering fury that was sure to erupt into a full-fledged fight at any moment.

And her money was on Takeshi.

“If you are done comparing dick sizes, we can get back to the plan.” Khalani pressed her lips into a thin line.

Takeshi kept his forceful gaze solely on Brock, the muscles in his body incredibly still, like the quiet calm before a trigger was pulled. It wasn’t until she said his name that he snapped out of his incensed fixation. Takeshi inched from the Death-Zoner, turning to her with a storm brewing in his eyes that had her brows pinch together.

What was up with him?

He turned to the others, barely acknowledging her. “There’ll be an inspection in three days, and the guards will be on stricter watch then. That’s why we do this in two days or never. All five of you must be prepared.”

“Six,” Khalani interrupted.

Takeshi whipped his head to her. “What do you mean six?”

“I’m asking Winifred to come with us,” she replied in a tone that brokered no room for argument. She refused to leave Winnie behind.

“The crazy librarian?” Brock scowled.

“Why?” Takeshi seethed.

“I know you won’t understand, but she is like family to me and won’t be a burden. Winnie is smart. Shewantsto leave,” Khalani insisted.

Brock shook his head. “The woman is old. She’ll only slow us down.”

Her expression hardened. “This isn’t up for debate.”

“Fine. But no more,” Takeshi growled and turned his head toward a couple of guards walking in their direction. “No more talk of this. Be ready in two days.”

Takeshi marched toward the guards and spoke with them, heading in the opposite direction of their group.

“This is really happening,” Serene whispered, as if only now grasping the implications of their daring plan.

In a few days, they’d either be standing on the earth’s surface, breathing the free air, or be buried beneath it. No second chances.

Only potential beginnings and assured endings.

****

A frenzied anticipation built inside her as she hastily ran up the stairs to the library. She hadn’t spoken to Winnie since their last fight, and the knot in her chest tightened with each step. She didn’t bother knocking and let herself into the library.

The familiar sound of music echoed through the room, and she inhaled deeply. The warm aroma of old books and a faint hint of rosy perfume enveloped her senses.

A small smile curved her lips, as if she could finally breathe again.

---