With every wail of the sirens, Mark's breaths picked up.

He couldn't see the chaos unfolding in the City—couldn't see what triggered the haunting cries—but he could hear it, even from this high up.

Shouts, alarms, screeches. Glass shattering, metal bending.

Mark stared at the City... at the sloping buildings and the glittering lights. It would have looked peaceful—breathtaking, even—if it weren't for the swelling croon of chaos. His gaze lingered in the heart of the City, where the lights seemed the brightest... the most alive.

An explosion rattled the ground, lighting up the City in a fiery light.

Mark flinched, eyes wide.

Smoke flew into the air. A building crumbled and crashed.

Holy shit, thought Mark, mouth agape. His fingers dug into his legs until his knuckles were white. What the hell do I do?

Antinstine leaned over and rested a hand on top of Mark's, gazing at him through his lashes. Mark flinched and snapped out of his trance; his gaze whipped onto Anti's.

"You're tense," breathed Antinstine. He was deathly calm, even now. If anything, the wail of sirens and chaos seemed to relax him. It was unnerving.

Mark pulled his hand away, looking back out the window. Lights flashed against buildings in the City. Bullets. But he couldn't hear them.

"What exactly," said Mark, "did you put in that pill?"

Antinstine gazed at Mark for a moment, considering him. He glanced out the window, and when another explosion lit up the City's insides, he smiled.

"If the pill stripped their abilities within seconds, it would've been obvious," said Antinstine, fangs glinting. Mark gazed at him through the corner of his eye, uneasy. "Instead... I designed it to enhance an Evolved's abilities to their full potential for half an hour. Helps spread the excitement, y'know? Makes those bastards trust the damn thing." His lips curled into a smirk, and his eyes darkened. "But then, after the time's up... the drug turns them human. They'll just think the drug wore off."

He turned towards Mark, face wild and excited like a child getting candy.

"Wonderful, isn't it?" he breathed.

Mark swallowed, and he managed a smile, his insides twisting and turning. "Yeah," he said quietly.

He stared out the window, trying to focus on the pretty, glittering lights of the City. But with the sirens, and the billowing smoke, and the toppled buildings, he couldn't stay calm.

Mark shifted on the windowsill, exhaling. "If Edwards comes," he said, trying to cover the sound of the sirens with talking, "what do you plan to do?" He clenched his fists. "There's no way he can't hear what's going on."

Antinstine rose a brow, then hummed, resting his head back against the windowsill. His hair fell over his eyes, but it did nothing to hide the spark of energy in them.

"I didn't think about that, actually," he admitted.

Mark's heart fluttered, and he swallowed.

That meant Antinstine was unprepared. As malicious a plan as the drug, Cherub, was, he hadn't fully thought the aftermath through. His only goal was to make every Evolved human, kill them, and reign supreme as the only one with powers—the only High Evolved.

The Tear Stealer intervening wasn't even a possibility to him.

Mark regretted opening his mouth. He'd just given Antinstine time to think about what to do.

"He wouldn't be able to stop me," said Antinstine, pulling Mark out of his trance. "He's weak, if you haven't noticed. I may have started off human, but even I could tell he wasn't like the other Highs."

Mark wrung his hands together. Antinstine wasn't exactly correct.

Dark was weak in comparison to most High Evolveds, but he had the strength of wit—of knowing other people's secrets. He wasn't the strongest in pure, brute force, but he was more dangerous, slipping through the shadows, watching, waiting—then striking in for the kill at the perfect moment.

And then there was his ability to bend tears—to make someone go blind with just the clench of a fist.

Mark shuddered. He knew that by experience.

He glanced at Antinstine, lingering on the glow of his eyes. He wondered how much force it would take him to go blind under Dark's ability. How much it would take to make him collapse and scrabble on the floor, feeling nothing but pain and the panic closing in on him like a vice.

It made Mark smile in the slightest.

"Yeah," said Mark softly. He shifted in his spot, then faced Antinstine, taking in his features. He lingered there for a moment, silent, and when Antinstine noticed his unwavering stare, he rose a brow at him.

Mark smiled. "Remember," he said, "when you asked me if I wanted revenge?"

Antinstine slowly faced Mark. The blare of chaos seemed to fade when they locked eyes.

There. He had his attention.

Mark hummed, let his words hang in the air for a moment, then scooted forward, tightening the distance between them.

Antinstine may have been desperate for Mark to stay by his side, but they both knew he still had doubts about his loyalty.

Mark would win his trust, right here and now.

"I remember being trapped in that lab for days," Mark lied through his teeth. "I remember the darkness and the loneliness." His leg brushed against Antinstine's. "And then his face, opening the door... no sympathy or remorse. Just his own interests in mind."

Mark gazed into Antinstine's eyes, a smirk curling on his lips. It was so easy to lie to him. So easy to string him along. He took in Mark's every word as truth; listened to him with every fiber of his being.

It made him feel in control.

Mark leaned forward, rested his hand on Antinstine's leg, and tilted his head. Anti sucked in a breath through his teeth.

"Antinstine..." said Mark, drawing his name out nice and slow. He locked eyes with him, gaze never wavering.

"If Edwards comes..." he breathed, stretching on the lie, "I want to kill him myself."

———

Color flared like fire from Xilef's shoulders as they walked through the village.

He led the large crowd of reinforcements, and yet, the Evolveds who lived there paid no mind to them, walking or testing their enhanced abilities like they weren't even there.

Emery walked a few paces behind Xilef, still getting used to his display of powers; he was always reserved in the mansion—always quiet and kept to the side. His abilities were captivating, to say the least.

"How are you doing that?" Emery said, curiosity getting the better of him.

Xilef glanced over his shoulder, meeting Emery's eyes. Emery motioned to the Evolveds walking past without a care.

"Their auras," said Xilef simply. He looked ahead, eyes scanning their surroundings. They were nearing the edge of the village.

He held up a hand, and the Evolveds slowed, their feet shuffling and clothes rustling. The color on Xilef's shoulders flickered as he looked around, and his eyes landed on the crumbling, concrete wall a few yards ahead.

He led the crowd towards the wall, then found four figures huddled in the grass. Dark turned around and met Xilef's gaze; his eyes glittered.

"You made it," breathed Dark, standing. He glanced at his own Evolveds, at Emery, and at the large crowd that pledged loyalty to his side. His heart thrummed, and he gave a small smile.

At the sight of the Tear Stealer, the crowd of Evolveds stirred in excited murmurs. Dark gazed at each of them, nodding, his breaths shallow. Xilef stood at his side and rested a hand on his shoulder.

It reminded him of old times.

"We're infiltrating Antinstine's base," said Dark to the crowd simply. "Are you still with me?"

The crowd rose with noise and passion; shouts of 'yes' and 'always' blended into a swell of agreement. Dark nodded, and he glanced at Xilef. He placed his hand over Xilef's, which still rested on his shoulder.

"Eyes can't get footage of the City," Dark said, lowering his voice. "We're going to have to keep going without her."

Xilef's eyes glimmered, and he nodded. Equinox, Lux, and Ether stood up, joining Dark's side.

"I'll find us the easiest route through," said Xilef, gaze intense. He glanced over at the crowd. "I want Emery at your side to protect you." When Dark scoffed at that, Xilef narrowed his eyes at him. "Mark may be your first priority, Dark, but you're the one leading this attack. You need to be in perfect condition if you're going to fight Antinstine."

Dark stared at Xilef a moment, then sighed, giving in. Xilef met eyes with Emery and motioned him over. When he joined their side, Dark gazed at everyone, soaking in the sight. All these people... they were here for him. For the others he called family.

Their forces may have been small, but together, they would be one hell of an attack.

Antinstine could never dream of having people like that.

Dark gave one glance at the crowd, at Xilef, Emery... at Equinox, Lux, and Ether... and nodded.

"Let's go," he said.

———

"Konray hasn't come back," said Ethan, fidgeting in his spot. The screens glowed against their figures, bright and straining.

"She could be hiding," said Eyes. Her brows furrowed, gaze flicking back and forth over hundreds of tabs. Audio blared. Pictures and text glitched.

The City footage was still static.

"I-I dunno," Ethan trembled. "That may be her ability but—that isn't like her. S-she doesn't just hide."

The screens fizzed. His outburst was distracting Eyes.

Voxe sighed and tapped on a second screen. "Stay focused, Eyes," ze said. "Ethan, come here. We'll contact her."

———

The chaos in Antinstine's mansion faltered.

Cibil raced through the halls, kicking open doors and scouring through rooms. She panted, the panic in her chest urging her on. Normally, she'd be fine under stress, but without her visions, she had no sense of direction. She felt like a kid again.

The glossy floor was cold under her bare feet. She ran up stairs, through more halls, into rooms—until finally—finally—she found what she was looking for.

Pearl. Her sister.

She sat in the library, huddled under shelves. The books had fallen around her, piles of paper and heavy spines.

Cibil rushed forward, and Pearl gasped at the side of her.

"Cibby!" she cried. She ran forward, and Cibil pulled her up into a hug, holding her close.

"Are you okay?" Cibil said, smoothing down her hair. She glanced around the room, making sure it was safe.

"I heard... big booms," said Pearl. She wrapped her legs around Cibil's waist, clinging onto her. "Are we in trouble, Cibby?"

Cibil leaned back to look at Pearl's face; she was so much prettier, now that she looked at her in the present. She smiled.

"We aren't in trouble, sissy," said Cibil softly. "But Annie is. He did something bad, and now we have to hide."

Pearl pouted, then nodded. She searched Cibil's face, then her eyes widened. She pointed. "Your blindfold..."

Panic scrabbled in Cibil's throat, but she pushed it down. "I'm alright, sissy," she said, forcing a smile. She walked out of the library, making sure the halls were clear. Evolveds still rushed back and forth in the halls. Most of them crowded at the door, using their powers to keep it closed. Evolveds from the City were trying to break in.

Cibil shielded Pearl's eyes, and she looked around. She caught sight of Prada on the balcony. Her eyes widened.

"Prada!" she called. His gaze snapped onto her.

He rushed down the stairs, trembling, and stumbled up to her. His markings still flickered, and his face had lost color, but he looked alive.

"We're going to the basement," said Cibil. "I need you to watch over Pearl, okay?"

Prada faltered, gazing at the commotion around them. He had to forget relaying the message to Mark; he would know when Dark attacked. Right now, Pearl was more important.

"We need... others," Prada said, still breaking out of the mute spell. "My abilities..."

Cibil nodded. "Go and take Pearl," she said, handing her sister into Prada's arms. "I'll notify the Resistance."

She ran a hand through Pearl's hair, then met her eyes, smiling.

"Be brave for me, okay?" she said, patting her cheek. "I'll be back. I promise."

Pearl grinned, and Cibil nodded up at Prada. He left with a flourish, heading down a flight of stairs into darkness.

Cibil took a deep breath, flexed her fingers, and ran.

———

Mark stared at the courtyard through the window, swallowing hard. Evolveds pounded the front gates in desperation or seething rage. One of them tried to use their abilities, but the sparks in their hands fizzled out. Human.

By their reactions, Mark figured they found out that Antinstine was behind the drug, and now they wanted payback.

The mansion doors shuddered open, and a group of Highs walked out, nonchalant. They shot their hands out or flicked their fingers, and the Evolveds at the gates flew back into a line of tall hedges. They crumpled to the floor in a pathetic pile.

Mark shakily inhaled, and he glanced over his shoulder.

Antinstine was laying down on his bed with a hand behind his head, his free hand drawing shapes in the air as he hummed a tune. Mark hated how cheerful he was, especially now. When a shout rang outside, or a flare of power crackled, Antinstine's smirk widened.

He didn't understand. Antinstine had started out human; he knew what it felt like to live under the foot of Evolveds, just like Mark did. And in the time Mark was an Evolved, he didn't have any desire in hurting anyone. He enjoyed the control, of course—the feel of another person's body bending under his without even touching them—but he never craved outright massacre. Nothing like this.

Mark stared at Antinstine, his fists clenching and unclenching.

What tipped him to the breaking point?

Antinstine's lashes fluttered, and he closed his eyes with a hum when a throng of shrieks rang outside.

Was he always like this? So sadistic?

Mark swallowed.

Or were those experiments really that bad?

Antinstine dropped his hand by his head, and he glanced over at Mark through the corner of his eye.

Mark knew one thing for sure; Anti hated Dark with a burning passion. Something happened that made them so brutal with each other.

Could Dark be the reason he was such a ruthless monster?

Antinstine watched Mark stare at him.

Or is a killer born by circumstance, no matter if they're human or Evolved?

Antinstine cleared his throat, and Mark snapped out of his trance, blinking. Anti propped himself up and rose a brow, smirking.

"I get it, I'm dashing," Anti teased. Mark's face heated up, and he swore bile rose in his throat. "How long were you staring?"

Mark averted his eyes, catching a glimpse of the doors clanging shut outside. The window vibrated with the force.

"How long," said Mark instead, "are you just going to sit here?"

He stared at the bodies strewn outside the gates. He couldn't tell if they were dead or unconscious.

"The City's in ruins," said Mark, running his eyes along the buildings. "The drug's clearly taken effect." He glanced at the bodies. "And your Evolveds seem to be killing them off just fine."

A group of High Evolveds paced the courtyard, waiting for the next attack.

Mark glanced over his shoulder. Antinstine sat up, eyes half-lidded. Uninterested.

"Are you just..." Mark's brows furrowed. "Expecting them to do everything for you?" Antinstine stood up, frowning, but Mark kept going. "Like I said... I want revenge, too. I'm not—going against your plan."

The lie was sour on Mark's tongue. "But..."

Antinstine walked forward, stopped right in front of Mark, then rested a hand on the wall. He bent down, towering over him, his breath hot over his face. "Go on," he said.

Mark leaned away, the window cold against his back.

"Your Evolveds..." said Mark. "They're doing what you ask, they're—following your orders." His gaze flitted back and forth between Antinstine's blue and green eyes. "After all they're doing for you... you're just going to kill them?"

Antinstine huffed through his nose, his lips twitching. "I thought I made that clear," he hummed, eyes glittering. "My side or not, they're Evolveds. They'll take that drug, too—and even if they don't—I'll take pleasure in killing them."

Mark pressed himself against the window, shuddering. Antinstine's presence was overbearing.

"Now," said Antinstine, "if you're worried that I'd kill you..." His gaze trailed down Mark's frame, then back up, slowly. His lips curled into a smirk, and his fangs glinted. "...then I think this might clear up your worries."

Antinstine took a deep, steady breath... brought his free hand up...

He ran his fingers along Mark's lower lip... and when they locked eyes, dread washed over Mark until he felt like he was sick.

No. Ohhh, no, no, no, he thought.

Mark froze in place, feeling trapped—body pressed against the window, Antinstine's arm caging him in, his hand at his mouth, body so close, too close—

Antinstine tilted his head, lingered—gazed into Mark's eyes—oh God, he swore he was gonna be sick—tried to lean away, but his head pressed into the window—he made a pathetic sound, breaths going shaky—

Antinstine's fingers slid under Mark's jaw—tilted his chin up—and their lips met.

———

"I'm not getting anything," said Voxe.

The screen rang. Rang. Rang.

No answer.

"Konray?" Voxe said into the screen. "Konray, do you copy?"

———

Cibil rushed down the halls.

When she locked eyes with an Evolved—nodded at them—they would join her side.

"Where's Prada?" a woman asked, five others trailing behind them. "Isn't he supposed to..."

"He's watching Pearl," said Cibil. She met eyes with a few more Evolveds passing by, nodded at them, and they turned around and joined the growing group. They raced through the halls, finding others that were part of the Resistance. Others just saw the growing mob as reinforcements for the main entrance, thinking nothing of them. Another wave of Evolveds-turned-human were rattling the gates.

Cibil met eyes with a woman ahead, and she raced up to her.

"Nara," she said. "Get Bren. I want you two to protect Prada and Pearl."

Nara nodded, her red hair glowing like fire. Her brows furrowed. "Honey..." she said. "Your eyes..."

Cibil waved a hand. "I'm fine," she said. "Go, please."

Nara gazed at the others behind Cibil, smiled at them, then rushed off.

Cibil continued gathering their forces; footsteps thundered, people muttered. The sounds swelled into a cacophony that echoed in the enormous halls.

Cibil led the large group towards the main entrance. She hadn't recruited everyone—that would be too obvious—but she'd rallied enough people to notify the others in the Resistance that it was time to stop hiding.

They stopped in front of the high-arching doors, clothes rustling and heels clicking. There was a group of Antinstine's Evolveds that were already there. Their enemies. The ones who'd killed off the first wave of intruders. They spoke with smug smirks and hooded eyes, proud of what they'd done.

When Cibil and the group sidled up to them, the Evolveds acknowledged them with nods, oblivious to what their true intentions were.

Cibil glanced back at the crowd, taking in the sight. People she'd grown up with, mentored, been mentored by... There were roughly fifteen of them, old and young alike, conversing with one other with the intensity a soldier had for war.

She was right, when she'd told Mark about the people in the mansion.

There were more Evolveds against Antinstine here, in his very home, than one would think.

The crowd exchanged glances, murmuring, then looked at Cibil. She met their eyes, and a spark charged the air, tense and heavy. The chaos around them fell back in a dull pulse, and the world went quiet.

Cibil carefully raised a hand.

The Resistance took a deep breath at the hand signal, going still... the rustle of clothes went quiet, and the pad of feet paused... The enemies by the door glanced at them, raising their brows. They began to shift, uneasy.

Cibil gazed at one of the enemies—stared him dead in the eye—and when he noticed her blindfold was gone, she raised her hand by her head.

Cibil bent her fingers over.

Powers exploded the air, and the enemies crumpled to the floor, dead.

Cibil and the Resistance gazed down at their bodies, kicked them aside... and they faced the large doors, eyes alight and faces tense.

Cibil took a deep breath and closed her eyes, recalling the visions in her head like memories. More flashes, more deaths... and then, through the City, Dark and his forces approaching the mansion.

Her lashes fluttered open, and she gazed down the halls, making sure they were clear.

"Just a few more minutes," she said, and the crowd behind her nodded, fists clenched and bodies on edge. "He'll be here soon."

Thank you so much for reading! Y'all, I'm so scared omggGGgGGG

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Kass xoxo