Page 55 of The Commons

I see the crocodile turn my way underwater and open its mouth to attack. A flash of terror freezes my brain, my mind completely numb.

I will be eaten by this crocodile. There is no way out. I will be torn into pieces.

Horror courses through my veins, gnawing at my insides.

I don’t know what to do. What do I do? What do I do? Oh God!

The only thought in my head is so stupid. Why am I thinking this?

The only way to avoid being hurt is to appear like I am about to be killed by their lack of action. Suppressing the panic surging through me, I turn my head in the direction of the crocodile’s mouth.

“Oh my God. She’s gone headfirst!”

“Put the damn chemical in!”

“I’m on it! I’m on it!” Patron Brik hurries.

The moment I hear their voice and legs scurrying, I start to flip in the water. And just as the crocodile is about to rip through my stomach, I see a yellow substance fill the water and the crocodile turns away from me, struggling, choking. I barge out of the water and jump out of the open basin as Patron Brik moves the cover away. I realize the other voice was from Patron Suzandrik who is right next to him.

I am infuriated. But I control myself.

Head bent, I expel my breath in a whoosh. I give a tight-lipped lackluster smile to feign calmness, then I storm out. Behind me, I overhear their voices.

“It’s either she’s suicidal or she was playing me with putting her head out to that animal like that,” Patron Brik says.

“Maybe. But you cannot afford to let her die. De Londe said hurt her on this test, not kill her. Only bruises. He would kill you if you let her die.”

“Well, he’s gonna bruise me now for letting her walk away unscathed.”

“Sorry, man! But we need to watch out for her. She’s a snake,” Patron Suzandrik responds.

Catching my breath, the door slams behind me.

Oh God, that was a stupid thing to do.

But it worked.

And what was even worse was their comments.

Patron De Londe is trying to hurt me.

My goodness—what am I gonna do?

I just became the prey, and The Commons, predator.

Blood on my hands, I realize it didn’t work. The crocodile bit me.

CHAPTER 13

No Escape

I rush to the Commonique, grabbing my stomach.

“From the Observation Test?” a nurse says upon my entrance. How does she know?

“Yes, please help!” My eyes widen, staring at her dearly.

“That’s Brik’s jurisdiction. You’ll have to wait till he approves you getting treatment. We’ll send in another order asking him.”