On my way back last night, my mind was all over the place thinking through everything. Until I had finally realized none of it would matter or make sense until I got sleep. But even that proved difficult when I couldn't even fall asleep from the soreness of my arm, unable to find a comfortable position. My body thanked me when I slept through the second alarm, my brain tired from whatever happened with Derek, to seeing Evelyn, and then Cecil's threat.

I passed the countless final corner in the halls leading to the dining hall when I stopped short upon seeing him. Tyler was just up ahead, talking with some other guards. He looked healthy enough, and happy. But what happened to the Tyler I'd seen chained up? And why had he been?

My feet had still been walking slowly forward, glacially so. My look was glazed over, hazed with the thoughts swirling inside my head. Tyler had noticed me and began approaching me, all before I had even noticed him coming closer, "Alexis?"

I was pulled out of my daze, "Tyler."

He clearly looked unsure; of what I wasn't positive. I was happy to see him, just confused at how I was really seeing him right now. "Where have you been?"

"What do you mean? I've been out on-on mission! Didn't they announce that?" He looked flabbergasted, as if my question were crazy, his eyes alight with an exciting spark.

"Oh, no," I blink at him, shaking my head trying my best to fake a smile. "They didn't say anything about that. I think after the last Arc that left, and well... when they died I think they stopped announcing it..." I trail off when I notice how he was looking at me.

A smile had spread across his face and his hand went up to caress my cheek, putting a strand of hair behind my ear. "I've missed you. God, you're so beautiful." He pulls me roughly into his arms, tightening his hold around me.

I couldn't help the smile that now genuinely spread across my face. "Thank you, Tyler." I lean closer towards him. "I've missed you too," I breathe.

He pulls away briefly only to hold my cheek and pull my face towards his. I step closer to him still, against his chest that widens with a sigh when his arm wraps around my waist. Our lips meet and I smile momentarily until his lips dance more forcibly against my own. His hand moves to my neck as I slide both of mine upwards across his broad chest.

Pulling away, I face him smiling, "It is good to see you again."

"Mhm," neither of us had made a move to separate. I notice his warm smile. "I've missed you."

I laugh lightly, "You already said that..."

"Did I?" he had finally stepped back, reaching to hold my hand. "Well then I meant it."

"I was just," I stop, trying to find the right words. I was worried about him, but after Cecil's threats of being together, was it safe to I admit that? "I never saw you after you ran into the tower that day. And with the screams, I th-thought the worst."

"Alexis, I'm so sorry," he holds my hand tighter. "I just didn't have a way of telling you. I told my dad he should tell some of the recruits I had been training that I would be gone..." he trails off, seeming confused.

I stifled an eye roll and bit my tongue. "Well he never told anyone, Tyler. I didn't know what had happened to you." Of course his father withheld this information. Tyler just couldn't see that his dad was the reason, or understand why.

"Well I'm sure he didn't mean to. Things have gotten... busy lately. The attack on Arc 34 was just the beginning."

"Yeah, about Arc 34. Do we know what happened to them?"

"We? I do. But Alexis, you..."

"I can't know, is that it?" I throw my arms out to the side, upset.

"No," he was firm on this decision apparently. "That isn't information recruits need to know. I'm sorry, but it's too dangerous."

Dangerous. I was beginning to really hate that word. Not only because it was always used against me. But also because out of all the dangerous situations I had faced thus far, I prevailed. And I'm stronger now because of it. I frown as I think back to how I had changed in my time knowing Tyler. How that word may have stopped me before, but it certainly wouldn't now.

"Alexis, I know this bothers you. I just, it has to do with things...out of our control. The werewolves are... getting smarter."

"Smarter?" I couldn't help it after everything I had learned. Tyler was being naïve, gullible. He believed everything he was told. "Yeah, they are smarter than us, trust me on that."

"Than us? What's that supposed to mean?" he stepped forward, clearly frustrated with me over my condescending tone. "You don't get it. I am trying to help you."

"I know what you're trying to do, Tyler. But that's just it," I sigh. "I know more than you think I do."

He did a double take at me. "And what is it that you think you know?"

"Excuse me? I don't think; I know. Derek told me," I say crossing my arms.

"Derek-?" He started then stopped himself, clearly upset. "And how much time have you been spending with Derek while I've been gone?"

"Tyler this isn't about Derek! Calm down! He is just useful for information and answering some questions I have." I say to him to calm him down. "I have barley seen him while you've been away..." I add in the end as a lie when I see my words had barely helped him relax.

"Fine," he amends. "So what have you found out?"

"That Arc 34 was not attacked by the werewolves."

He frowned, "That can't be. How else would we have lost the entire group if not because of them?" At least he seemed calmer about the whole Derek thing.

"I don't know what else it means, or implies. Just that there are some things we don't know..."

"So what, you trust the werewolves more now?"

"No. Yes, I don't know. I trust you, and I believe what Derek says, that's all."

It stays silent for a while, the possibilities swarming around us as I face Tyler's uncomfortable expression. "Look," he finally says, shaking his head. "I don't want to get into this right now. I just got back and I haven't seen you in weeks. I just want to be here, with you."

"Well," I was taken aback by his warming words. "I just was worried about you Tyler. I mean when you were gone I really did miss you and this place-it wasn't the same without you."

He smiles widely at me, pulling an arm around my waist to bring me closer to his side. "I know you were, its ok now though." He says this slowly and quietly, as if to reassure me as he pulls me fully into his arms once more, his muscles popping out underneath his long white shirt.

Looking up at him, I meet his familiar blue eyes and dazzling smile as I follow his lead into the dining hall. It wasn't until I remembered Cecil's threat that I stop walking, his arms tugging on my side when he keeps moving. "Everything ok?" he asks me, angling his head to face me.

I smile at him, "of course. I just, shouldn't we be more careful, if were seen together..." I trail off not knowing what else to say. We had been safe so far because the others were on the scheduled morning run.

"Yeah, about that." He looked so happy, trying to hide a smile, "I thought about it. And I think I'm gonna tell my dad about us. Can't hurt, right?" My heart drops at his words, not having the heart to tell him just how naïve that idea was. "I mean then we wouldn't have to hide..." he had placed my hand on his chest now, while his other hand tipped my chin to face him. "Just imagine how nice that would be!"

I smile without happiness, trying my best to hide my true emotion. "Tyler- that would be-it would be awesome." Impossible; a beautiful dream

"Either way, well figure it out. You're worth it, Alexis." He had looked like he would continue but stopped and grabbed my hand, dragging me around the corner with him. "I just-I have to tell you something. I was out there, and I couldn't stop thinking about you. I know the last time I saw you... But I just want you to know I never stopped thinking about you."

"Oh, Tyler," I literally was at a loss for words, no one had ever said anything like that to me before. But somehow, I couldn't return the words; Derek was standing out in my mind right now. At the most impossible time, when Tyler hadn't stopped thinking about me, I had stopped thinking about him. But was it because of how I felt for Derek or was it because of how I maybe didn't feel for Tyler?

He mistook my silence as disbelief. "It's ok. You don't have to say anything. I know how you feel just by that adorable expression on your face." He laughed now, raising our intertwined hands up between us. "You're so cute when you lose yourself in thought..."

"Tyler, I did miss you. So, so much," I released my hand and wrapped my hands around him, resting my head against his chest. He returned the embrace immediately, his hands holding me to him as his chest shook in a chuckle.

I feel as much as hear his throat clear from his chest, as I step away from him. He grabs my hand and we walk around the corner wordlessly saying goodbye as he squeezes my hand before releasing it when we separate in the dining hall. Slowly gathering my meal from the spread, I return to my normal spot. Absently my gaze had reached the table where Tyler sat, along with his dad. Cecil was like a truck hitting my gut as I felt another wave of guilt, confusion, and sadness swarm over me.

Whether it was luck or not, I had eaten breakfast alone since I skipped the run. But because of that, my mind had way too much time to think. It only made me feel worse thinking about what Tyler said to me. And my reaction had surprised even myself. Since when had my feelings changed? Since he had been gone without a word? Since last night when I felt those familiar tugs at my heart at Derek's sacrifice for me?

"Long time," from beside me Tammy places her food down, pulling me out of my thoughts. As does the rest of my group as I smile at them when they take their seats. Bridget, Chase, and now Elizabeth.

"Ready for tonight?" Elizabeth looks excited.

"Oh, yeah. Of course, it will really help me!" Even I noticed how bad my fake enthusiasm sounded. Her smiled only faltered momentarily before she nodded and began eating.

"So, I got word last night I may be sent out on a mission," Tammy announces.

"That's great!"

"Wow, congrats!"

Even Elizabeth, who barely knew the group replied, "How exciting!"

I didn't realize why the silence ensued thereafter, until I looked back up. "Oh, yeah. Congrats!" I don't try to hide my lack of emotion this time.

"You can at least be happy for me... Even though you're clearly not happy with yourself."

I choke on my last bite of food at Tammy's remark. "So bitter. You sure they gave this to the right person? I wouldn't want another repeat of Jasha. Or maybe I do."

Bridget's jaw dropped as Elizabeth gasped. Chase spoke up, "No one wants that Alexis. Listen to yourself..."

"Listen to Tammy!" I point towards her, childishly.

"The only reason I'm here is to learn how to kill the things that almost killed me and did kill my sister. So, I'm sorry if I seem a little too eager to get out there and do that."

"Oh..." I didn't know what to say to that, having respect for her resounding sights set on revenge. The table was silent as I got up to walk away, having arrived much earlier than they had. "Just," I hesitated to say anything more but stuck with my initial decision. "Don't let your anger or spite blind you. That blindness could get you killed out there."

She says nothing, only nods at me, almost in respect, as I walk out. I let out a breath as I walk outside, relishing the sun against my skin. I give myself time to warm up with a few laps around the track before I stop and head to the targets. Elizabeth was there, smiling encouragingly as she hands me a set of knives.

"Thanks, but I-I thought we weren't practicing until later...."

"Nah, we can practice sooner than that! This is my favorite thing to do and teach... Also what you said before, to Tammy..."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I'm normally not so...harsh."

She shakes her head, surprisingly laughing, "No, that's not what I meant. Although that was a little... Anyways, I meant what you said when you left. It was good of her to hear, I think."

"Oh," hadn't been expecting that would be what she was talking about. "Well. Thanks!" I plaster a smile on my face and she smiles back briefly, nodding her head.

"Ready?" She picks up an array of sizes.

First, she goes through telling me how to hold the knife, which I had already learned, but she wanted to make sure I was doing right. Then the footwork, and how important it was to follow through with your steps and hips during the throw. It wasn't another hour at least until I was actually throwing anything. And on my first throw, I hit the target. A little off center but it hit the target. With renewed energy and confidence I remained at that station until lunch, leaving only when I knew I could get five in a row. I was at four when the last one landed in the second ring.

"Oh!" Elizabeth yells next to me, feigning acute disappointment.

I laugh at her, then myself, knowing how determined I'd been. "It's ok! I did it once that way, I can do it again."

"Of course you can, especially now that I properly taught you how!" She laughed more as she patted me on the shoulder. "But I'm gonna go get some food. I'll see you in there?"

"Yeah, sure." I turn around to face her but she had already begun walking away. "And hey, Elizabeth!" I say a little louder. "Thanks for the help, really."

She nods at me with a smile before turning around and continuing back to the dining hall. Sighing, I turn back around facing my target and without another thought, take a swing. It hits the center target perfectly. I smile to myself proudly, just 4 more now...

One more target left and the alarms begin going off on the grounds, coming from the castle. Immediately, I scan around me for any sign of a possible threat. When there is none, I debate on which direction to head. The last time an alarm went off like this... Evelyn. My heart skips a beat as I start moving. I just hope she had actually made it out, and alive this time.

Halfway there, I realize I would have to make something up to make it look real. Not taking another minute to think it through, I slide the knife in my hand quickly across my thigh. I grind my teeth at the pain but continue on and slide the small blade into my right boot. It was only a small cut.

In the entrance of the infirmary, I hesitate. People were screaming from rooms, clearly concerned over the reason why the alarms were sounding. I bite my lip, knowing what I was about to have to do, but roll my shoulders and continue without another thought.

A nurse had come to my attention, as she guided me into a small room that was, annoyingly, towards the back. Once in the operation room, she points to the bed and pulls back the curtain. This was going to be harder than I wanted it to be.

"Alright, just breathe sweetheart. Only be a little pinch, won't hurt a bit," she carefully pats my arm as she turns and begins to prepare the antidote. I had to laugh at the irony of that. I had a cut from a knife on my thigh, that, lest anyone forget, I would have gotten from the ruthless training we were forced to undergo here. How would a small needle be worse?

"Um, Mamn," I hold her arm back before she can actually administer the medicine to me. "It's ok. I don't actually want one. Can you just give me some... hydrogen peroxide maybe?"

She laughed at me, "Why bother with that when I can just heal you?" She now forcefully holds my arm as she places the needle in my bicep. I grunt from her surprising strength, and quick reaction. Using my other arm I hold hers, effectively stopping her from going any further. Then I pull her arm away and the needle is out of my arm as I feel the annoying warmth begin spreading.

She looks more than confused now, backing away with the syringe pointing upright in her hand. "Dear, what..."

Pressing my lips into a thin line, I step towards her, "Sorry about this." Then I hold her hand with the needle, pulling it out of her grasp. Quickly, I throw it on the counter beside us as I grab both sides of her head and knock mine against hers. She sighs at the impact, but I'm not done. I swing my elbow up into her forehead, effectively knocking her out. She slumps forward as I slowly lower her to the ground, careful to not make any more noise.

Glancing on the counter, I scan for the container the antidote would be held in. A small bottle is on the counter, with no label. I take the chance it's what I need and take the needle the nurse had just began to use on me and refill it with the contents of the bottle.

I'm back outside roaming the halls to the exit when I realize how I looked. I lowered my left hand with the syringe and slowed down when I approached the counter by the office. It would have been normal for anyone to walk out the front door when they were done and healed, but neither of those were true now. I continue as normal until the last second and dart to the right, down the darker lit hallway, picking up my pace. It leads me along the less familiar route I had only taken on accident once before.

Finally rounding a familiar corner, I slow when I approach his cell. Was I still sure about this? The alarms were still ringing, quiet as they were, as to be expected. But what if it was Derek who had escaped and this was all for nothing? I take a deep breath and push open the door. Exhaling, I rush to him, I had entered quicker than normal but he was awake, probably from hearing the alarms.

"You're here," he breathes out, seeming almost relieved to see me.

"And you're awake... Look we need to get out of here."

"What are you talking about? Are you ok after-well after last night?"

"And you're not the one who escaped either." I had barely heard what he said.

"What makes you thi-"

I cut him off, shaking my head while raising my left arm with the syringe. "Derek, don't hate me for this..." I then stab the needle into his chest, my eyes level with his shoulder at the height he was hanging, as I look into his eyes, now a wide blue. His neck veins bulge and I back up as he grunts, his muscles constricting all over his body.

"Alexis, what did you do?" He says between gritted teeth as he continued his grunting. I watched miraculously, as the wounds across his torso heal first, then his legs and arms. He was healing much faster than I did, as I looked down briefly to my thigh, just now beginning to clot. The metal chains clatter in front of me as I look back up at Derek, who had ripped his left hand off the chains. He stands to full height now, which seemed taller than I thought he would have been as he looks to his right hand in the chain, ripping it off as if it were only a thin rope.

His chest continues heaving even after he regains his full standing height, looking down where the needle had been placed. "That could have killed me," he seems angry, yet surprised at the same time.

"Yeah, well, it didn't. So, you're welcome."

I blink as he returns his gaze back to me, cocking his head to the side in a 'wtf' questioning look. "What are you planning?"

I finally look at his eyes again, having performed a full scan of his now healed body, in all its sweaty, glorious perfection. "Uh," I stutter, momentarily forgetting that I even had a plan at all. "I-well I kinda, don't... have a plan." I was afraid of his reaction.

When he only laughs, I release a breath. "So you give me the ability to heal, with alarms already going off, and hope for some way to get out?"

"Well," I shrug my shoulder, trying to frantically come up with something on the spot. "I mean I figured if the alarms were going off, it can only mean a prisoner has escaped. In which case, more than half of the guards are out there looking for them; whoever it is. Which also means, that we," I point to him then myself, "can explore and try to find a way out!"

He shakes his head, looking down. "Well, guess we don't have a choice now but to try then, huh?"

"Exactly," I sigh, nodding towards the door. "Ready?"

"One... second," he had begun to walk around the room, picking up random items, weighing them in his hands. "I'm trying to find-ahah! Found something." He turned to me now, holding a large ax in his hands, raising his eyebrows at my look. "What?"

"That's a little too obvious." I answer him as I too scan the room, satisfied when I find a smaller embalming tool. It had a sharp side to it, just small enough to slide into someone's abdomen without so much suspicion as an ax. I shake my head at the directions my thoughts had just taken before grabbing a similar weapon for myself. "Here you go."

When I hand it to him, he takes it reluctantly. "Really? This is all I get?"

I step in front of him when he reaches for the ax, his face  getting uncomfortably close to mine. Or maybe not so uncomfortable...

"Fine," he gets the idea without me having to say anything more, even though I had meant to. His gaze darts down, to my lips? But then he's moved away and was at the door by the time I turn around. I quickly follow him as we stay silent for a few seconds.

"I don't hear anyone, we should be ok," he says even though he was whispering.

I nod as I follow him, but I stop short when I see who is waiting outside.