Page 129 of Us Dark Few

Her brows pinched together as he handed her the weapon. The weight and deadly feel made her palms itch and stomach coil.

“I don’t need this.” She tried to return the gun, but Takeshi shook his head.

“Yes, you do. I won’t let you go unprepared. Here’s the safety. Only aim at what you intend to shoot, okay?” His tone brokered no room for argument, and Takeshi wouldn’t let her leave until she nodded.

After opening Serene’s cell, Takeshi quickly led them both to the end of the hall where Derek, Adan, Brock, and Winnie were waiting. No other prisoners stirred in their cells as they raced as quietly as possible through the dark.

Everyone except Takeshi and Brock crouched slightly, casting wary glances around as if expecting a guard to shoot them at any moment.

They all carried backpacks, and the weight dug sharply into Khalani’s back.

Brock shot a surprised look at Takeshi when he noticed the gun in Khalani’s hand but said nothing.

“Let’s go,” Takeshi ordered.

Winnie squeezed Khalani’s open hand as they followed silently behind. Just as Takeshi said, no guards were in sight, and alarms didn’t blare as they ran to the elevator.

“Stay behind me,” Takeshi reminded them as the elevator ascended a few levels.

Khalani’s heart threatened to pound out of her chest, and no one dared speak. The overwhelming fear in the air made it hard to breathe, as if demons were tracking their every step.

When the elevator doors opened, Takeshi swiftly guided them through a labyrinth of tunnels. Occasionally, he raised his fist and halted their advance, glancing at his watch and waiting seemingly endless minutes for a guard to pass before they continued their escape.

They navigated the maze for what felt like an eternity until they reached a small opening. In the distance, Khalani saw something she hadn’t seen since their return from Genesis.

The Braderhelm entrance.

The massive steel doors looked even more imposing and intimidating now than on the first day she saw them. Two burly guards, looking capable of snapping her in half, stood at attention with rifles resting on their shoulders.

Takeshi motioned for them to crouch down, hiding in the stone passage.

“See that stone pillar? I led us to this passage because it blocks most of their view. Brock and I will sneak behind the pillar and shoot the guards. Don’t leave here until I give you the signal.” Takeshi’s rough stare flickered between them and centered on Khalani, sending nerves tingling through her spine.

Brock scooted to the front as Takeshi handed him a pistol with a suppressor, and gave him a harsh glare. “One wrong move, Death-Zoner, and I will end you.”

“Don’t give me any ideas, Steele. Let’s just get this over with,” Brock hissed, accepting the gun with a scowl.

Takeshi’s jaw hardened, but he turned back to the gate. Just as he began to inch toward the pillar, he abruptly held up his fist to stop Brock. A newcomer was approaching the two guards from a different entrance.

The guards straightened as the unknown man dressed in a fine suit spoke with them.

“Who is that?” Brock whispered.

Takeshi shook his head. “It’s the Warden. What’s he doing here?” he muttered to himself.

Their bodies tensed as a boom sounded throughout the halls, and the Braderhelm doors slowly swung open. Khalani’s face turned ashen, and her mouth gaped open as none other than Alexander Huxley walked through the gates.

“What the hell is going on?” Brock muttered furiously.

Flanked by two bodyguards, the Governor moved forward and shook hands with the Warden. After a few moments, the Warden gestured for the Governor and his guards to follow, bringing them close to their hideout. Khalani and the others pushed themselves against the wall as if they were fused together.

She closed her eyes and silently prayed for them not to be seen.

“Thank you for greeting us, Warden.” The distinctive voice of Alexander Huxley echoed through the cave. “I know we weren’t expected until tomorrow, but with recent events, there is much we need to discuss in finding other uses for this space.”

“Your assessment bodes well, Governor Huxley. I would be honored to serve as a councilman and eliminate the traitors.” The Warden chuckled.

The heavy footsteps led off down a separate hallway, the Governor’s voice slowly fading. Khalani let out a deep breath as Takeshi continued to eye the two guards still stationed in front of the gate.

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