I look back, expecting Eric to drop dead... but he doesn't. I glance at the gun, and see that it's still smoking from the impact of the shot. But how... Oh. He was shooting blanks. Relief washes over me. I really didn't want to be in the middle of another murder.

"That was a warning. It won't happen again. If I see you getting on Four's nerves again, you might just end up in the chasm... or... who knows? Trampled underneath the train tracks. Is that understood?" Eric smirks, blood running down his nose.

"Oh, of course you'd stick up for him. He's a leader's son. Of course you'd try to butter him up. He's nothing but a weak, pushover stiff who just happens to be related to an instructor." Zeke crosses his arms. "And you think harassing innocent people, holding knives to their necks, and threatening to kill those who don't do what you want makes you strong?"

Eric's eyes widen. "Oh, yes. I know all about how you treated Cassandra when you first came here. And if you want to remain here for even another second, you'll think twice about messing with any of my friends."

Eric scoffs, trying to seem nonchalant. "Whatever. Let's go, guys." I release the breath I'd unknowingly been holding. "Thank you for that." Zeke shrugs. "What are friends for? Want to have a drink with Lauren and me?"

I nod. "I'd like that." We head to the hidden elevator and travel up to the one-hundredth floor. As soon as the doors open, a blast of cool, fresh air hits my face. "Four, welcome to the party!" Lauren grins and waves at us. "Try not to fall over the edge, will you?"

Lauren rolls her eyes. "I'm not that stupid." She tosses a bottle in my direction, and I open it gratefully. "You won't believe what just happened," Zeke says. "What?" Zeke shakes his head. "Eric made the stupid mistake of ganging up on Four a few minutes ago." Lauren gasps. "What? Did you kill him? Did Four die?"

I burst out laughing. "Uh, no I think I'm still alive." Lauren tips her bottle and drinks. "Good, 'cause if you ever even think of dying-" I roll my eyes. "I know, I know. You'll kill me." Lauren smiles. "You've learned well, Grasshopper."

Laughing, I open my bottle and take a sip. The burning liquid feels good as it slides down my throat, and soon, I'm swaying from side to side. "So, can you tell us more... About Matthew?" I frown. "What do you want to know?" Zeke shrugs. "Anything. You can trust us. I promise." I feel certain I can trust them... but can I trust myself?