Page 41 of Wonder

I’m not religious – never have been. But in that moment, I offer a silent prayer to whatever deity might give enough of a fuck to listen. Maybe Adam can do something.

Keep them safe.

All of them. Even Buck. He glances back over his shoulder, his expression stoic as he catches my eye.

He nods at me, and it’s strangely reassuring.

We walk for several minutes until we reach a large elevator, the gray walls lit with more of that harsh lighting. The only splashes of color come from us, the eleven of us in these ridiculous outfits.

The guards stand to the side, one gesturing. “Get in.”

It’s a tight fit as we all shuffle and then push for space. Chess wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me into him, Hatter and Buck closing in around him to surround me. The sound of harsh breathing is the only noise as the elevator slowly ascends with a loud, creaking noise.

“Be ready for anything,” Hatter whispers, almost under his breath. “Keep your eyes open for surprises.”

I glance down at my shiny black shoes. Clunky, with a low heel, they’re the worst possible shoes to run in if I need to.

I used to be a damn good runner. Once.

My hand slips over Chess’s. Squeezes.

I’m sorry.

He squeezes back.

Not your fault.

My throat tightens. There are things – so many things – that I could have, should have said to him these past six months.

And now there might not be any time left.

He holds me tightly, his strong arms reassuring. Solid and steady, as he always has been.

“Chess—,”

His name is a desperate sound, a plea for forgiveness ripped from deep in my chest. But our time has run out.

The lights above us flicker.

And go out.

17 – Buck

Panic.

Immediate panic surrounds us, the pushing and shoving throwing me off-balance as the tight space descends into mayhem.

“Brace,” I hiss. The three of us push in around Alyss, offering her a wall against the chaos that erupts around us as we’re plunged into darkness.

Someone starts to scream in the corner, the high-pitched wailing noise bouncing off the four walls.

Another thrashes at my back, pushing into me and threatening to knock me into the others. I plant my feet on the ground and hold myself steady. “You still with us, Trouble?”

Someone hits Chess from the other side, and Alyss is pushed off-balance, staggering into me.

“I’ve got you.” I wrap my arms around her, the movement too easy as I drag her into me. Panting, ragged breaths warm my shirt as I cup her head, holding her in place. “Keep breathing. The doors will open in a minute.”

“Theywantus panicked,” Hatter’s voice is loud, ringing out over the ruckus. “Take a fucking breath, all of you!”