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The axe's edge strikes directly into Carmen's throat. Blood instantly gushes out around the blade. The axe hits her so quickly that she has no time to react, and her expression remains the same. Her hands fly to her throat and grip the axe that's still embedded. Tyler pauses for a split second, stunned. She tries to speak, but only the sound of gurgling echoes through the hallway. “Tyler, pull the axe out!” My voice snaps him out of his trance. He glances at me, then back to Carmen. His right hand is still gripping the axe’s handle. He lifts a foot and kicks Carmen backward, the axe dislodges, and blood sprays out, splattering several feet. Her body twitches as she slams to the floor with a loud thump. I stand up and take the axe from Tyler's shaky hand. Tyler doesn't move his face or body, trembling in shock. I grab his shoulder, pulling his attention back to me.

“Tyler, come on, we need to go,” I say, pulling him toward the stairwell. “Tyler! We have to go before others arrive.”

Tyler looks up, and our eyes meet. His expression is hollow, like his soul has just been ripped out. The blood splattered across his face makes the whites of his eyes stand out and he’s staring as if he doesn’t understand what I am saying. I pull his arm again and he begins walking, following silently like a ghost behind me.

20

THEO

The door to the medical center is locked. I pound my fist against it. “Let us in!”

After a moment, I hear shuffling behind the door, then the door flings open. Mary steps back from the doorway, letting Tyler and me step inside.

“Oh my god, what happened?” Kelly gasps, running up to Tyler, who still has the same shocked look on his bloodied face.

I began to speak, but Julie interjects, “What happened to you? Why is there blood all over both of you?” she asks, running her hands over my chest and arms, looking for an injury.

“We’re okay,” I say, looking back at Tyler. “Well, I’m fine. Tyler’s in shock. We both killed someone.”

“Killed someone?” Mary asks, quickly closing the door and restoring the barricade.

“Tell us what happened,” Julie demands.

“Can you find me something to clean myself up with first?” I say, wanting to get the blood off my face.

“I’ll grab you something,” says Mary.

She runs to the closet and brings a box of antiseptic wipes over to Tyler and me. I take one and do my best to clean my face. Kelly helps Tyler while he stares blankly at her.

“I… killed someone,” his voice trembling, almost inaudible.

“It’s okay, babe. You’re safe now,” Kelly says, rubbing his back in a soothing motion.

“The situation is far worse than we thought,” I say, still scrubbing my face.

“What do you mean?” Mary asks, opening another pack of wipes to hand over.

“He means we're in a fucked-up situation, and I don't know how we'll get out of it,” Tyler says, quietly.

We all quickly turn to look at Tyler. I’m surprised he’s speaking. Then his eyes shoot to mine and his entire mood shifts. There is an anger in his eyes I've never seen before.

“Go ahead, Theo, tell them,” he pauses, staring at me. “Explain what you did, and what you made me do.” Everyone's gaze lands on me.

“I only forced you to kill that woman because if you hadn’t, she would have killed you. They all want to kill us!” I snap. Turning away from Tyler, I run my fingers through my hair and let out a long breath.

“Ok, look, can you just tell us what happened?” Julie demands.

“It’s bad, but we did find Logan. He is the one in charge—actually, he’s only in charge of half the ship.”

“Half the ship? What do you mean by that?” Mary asks.

“I'm not entirely sure. When Tyler and I made it to the atrium, we overheard two of Logan's men, Randy and Todd, arguing. We couldn’t hear what they were saying, but Logan walked in, and we heard him ask about something he’d told them to do. They said they had, but they couldn't find anything, then⁠—”

“Find what?” Julie asked, cutting me off.

“I’m getting to it. From what I understand, Logan and his group have all the food on the ship, and some guy named Chris has all the water.”

“I know Chris,” says Kelly, her face brightening. “Well, I know of a Chris. Not sure if it's the same one.”