Page 133 of The Divide that Binds Us

But what does it even matter?I potentially saved the world, and it just spits back on me.Maybe I thought I was too special for this to happen to.

No amount of redemption can save me.Not with my list of crimes.

And Billie.She can’t go home.Her family practically hates her and worships Brooke.

Stacy goes back inside the building, leaving the two of us to ourselves.I wish I could run back in and see Evangeline one last time, at least for a while.

I turn to Billie.“Run away with me.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s run away.You’re gonna have to trust me on this, but I have somewhere we can lay low for a while,” I tell her.

Billie cocks an eyebrow up.“O-Okay.”

I push our packed boxes back inside the Elite building, prompting Stacy to order the security agents to bring them by her desk.She questions our motives, but for our safety, I just can’t tell her.

With the remaining coins I have left, I walk to the main street with Billie and flag down a taxi to take us to the last place I ever thought I’d go to.If it means taking down Ultima by getting stronger another way, then so be it.That will always be my priority.Azul is a coward for not facing me with this news.

Billie is pale when we step outside the taxi.

“Alice, th-this is King Remington’s estate.”

“Trust me.”

Just like before, as soon as we step on the stone path, Roon comes nearly sprinting out with ostrich feathers now adorned to his pink headband.He’s accompanied by another tall guy with dark dreads.

And a nose ring.

“Hello, hello lovelies!”Roon greets, hands on his hips.“King Remington is—”

“Sick, I get it.We’re not here to see him, actually,” I snap.“I need to get in touch with Mildred Anguine.You know, your gigantic leader I fought earlier.I’m sure you heard all about it.”

Roon smiles and gestures to the guy.“My, my, where are my manners?!This is Logan.He’s a former attendant to the King.”

“I’m Alice Reid and this is my friend Billie Castor.”

Poor Billie hides behind me like a timid little bunny instead of her highly energetic self.She peeks over my shoulder and shyly waves.

“What makes you think Mildred wants to speak with you?”Logan asks.

“She told me to seek her out if I needed her and ...I do.I need her.”I swallow some of the apprehension down my shaky throat.“Let us join you.”

Roon shakes his head.“Wow, how the mighty have fallen.Zeala messed you up that fast, huh?I mean, I knew this day would come, but not so soon.”

I cross my arms, tapping my foot.

“Well?Is there room for us?”I ask.“I’m very desperate and will be Mildred’s lapdog if I need to be.I just...I just need somewhere to stay to grow strong enough to take down Ultima.”

Logan steps forward, smirking at Roon.They share some silent conversation with their stares at each other and small chuckles, it’s irritating.

“Well, well, Mildred will be pleasantly surprised to hear this,” Logan’s deep voice chuckles from behind Roon.

“Indeed, indeed,” Roon adds.

My head is heavy with fear and a rush of heat.Logan’s lips form a sly, creepy smile as a cloud of darkness seeps into his eyes.

I just wanted to be free, but it looks like I’ll need to wait a little longer for that.

Roon outstretches his hand toward us.“Alice Reid.Billie Castor.Welcome to your new future.”

THE END