Page 125 of Akarnae

Just like the last time, the darkness was overwhelming. Alex wished she had something to see with, but she hadn’t had the heart to steal the woman’s only light source. She couldn’t believe that she’d slept through the Lockdown sirens, but maybe they hadn’t penetrated into the painting.

She carefully felt her way along the walls, making sure not to press too hard against any of the other artwork. Moving as fast as she dared, she hurried towards the staircase that would lead her up into the Tower and then out onto the grounds. It would be lighter outside and she would hopefully be able to find out what was going on.

Step. Step. Step. Step.Thump.

“Ouch!” she hissed into the darkness after colliding with the bottom step of the staircase. She hopped on one foot and bent over just as a radiant light flared out from the top of the staircase. Stubbing her toe had actually saved her from being blinded by the light, since it burned to look at it even from the corner of her eye.

“Who’s there?” she asked, shielding her gaze with her hand.

“Alex?” called a shaky voice.

“D.C.,” Alex said with relief. It was just her roommate. “What’s going on? Why has the Lockdown been activated?”

The other girl didn’t answer, but as the light moved steadily down the staircase, Alex’s eyes began to adjust. When her vision was clear enough, the sight in front of her made her wish it was still too dark to see.

“How kind of you to be ready and waiting for us, Alexandra. I was under the impression that I’d have to drag you down here, kicking and screaming.”

Aven. Talk about horrible timing—she was exactly where he needed her.

“I was wondering when you were going to show up again,” Alex said, trying to keep her voice steady. “It was considerate of you to wait for exams to be over.”

“Education is important, Alexandra,” he said with a mocking smile.

“You really should call first, next time. It’s more polite,” she said, wondering why she was deliberately goading him.

Aven’s eyes glinted dangerously. “How careless of me. However, I did drop by your room first. Thank you for the Liquid Light—as you can see, it’s rather useful.”

The thought of Aven going through her stuff made Alex visibly shudder.

“Fortunately, I’ve brought a gift to make up for my lack of etiquette,” Aven said.

Alex sucked in a breath as D.C. came into view. She was being pushed down the staircase by another man who stopped just behind Aven. The light illuminated D.C.’s terrified features, along with the jagged knife that the man held to her throat. It was a familiar knife.

“Gerald,” Alex said, trying to keep her panic from showing.

“You and I have unfinished business,” the tattooed man said menacingly. “We were interrupted last time.”

“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten,” she returned. “Does Marcus Sparker know you’re here? Or are you just a hired lackey with loose loyalties?”

“Gerald is one of my… associates,” Aven said. “He’s here to make sure you keep up your end of the bargain.”

“What bargain?” she demanded, turning back to him. “I’m not helping you with anything.”

“I think you’ll find that I have ways of convincing you.”

“You’re wasting your time,” Alex said. “I won’t help you get where you want to go.”

Aven looked at her for a moment, not saying anything, and the silence was worse than his dangerously smooth voice.

“Let’s take a walk,” he finally said.

Alex opened her mouth to protest, but Aven latched onto her arm so fast that it surprised her enough to keep quiet. She struggled against him, but the harder she fought, the tighter his grip became. He dragged her across the foyer and down the staircase, with Gerald forcing D.C. after them.

To Alex’s relief, the stairs stopped at the main Library level and didn’t go any further. Aven’s light—herlight—illuminated the closest bookshelves but nothing else.

“I have a question,” Alex said as he continued to drag her forward, lighting up new shelves as they passed. She’d given up the struggle, choosing to save her strength in case she needed it later. “The second time we met, you told me you were once a student here. But if alumni are allowed onto the grounds, why did you trigger the Lockdown? Both times? It was your fault, right?”

There were certainly more pressing questions Alex could have asked, but she needed a distraction from her growing anxiety. His answer would hopefully mean one less unsolved mystery, which might help calm her nerves, at least somewhat.

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