Page 72 of The Commons

“Whoever they are, they clearly do not value their measly life,” Zavish completes.

Just as I look away from Zavish, I notice a student is being dragged out from the crowd. I realize it is Tin. His face is bright red and Ciaro stares at him in shock, drawing back to avoid association with him. He is thrown to the floor just as the Fire Patrons surround him. Everyone is now silent, petrified.

Patron Colo nods to a Fire Patron. The Fire Patron takes out a stick from his pocket and puts it inside his mouth, keeping his mouth open. Just as the stick makes contact with his tongue, fire appears. The stick is on fire on his tongue. What the… He removes the stick, swallowing the fire simultaneously. After holding the stick in his hands for a few seconds, he throws it to the floor. In a flash, it lights a fire and the fire surrounds Tin.

The students roar in shock. Oh my. I hide again. What on earth is happening? The Fire Patron approaches Tin.

“Now tell me, why did you not shut off your gas after an experiment?” the Fire Patron says.

Tin shivers, his teeth quivering. “I... I... it wasn’t me. It wasn’t my fault. It was Jordan, my lab partner!”

Roars follow, and Jordan’s eyes flare up, tears clouding his eyes as they widen in fear. The Fire Patron smiles, and the other Fire Patrons exchange looks with each other as though they know something we don’t. They certainly do. That’s certain.

“Mmm, we don’t snitch. We take responsibility. Burn him,” the Fire Patron announces.

Roars emanate.

What the hell!

My heart is pounding; my legs are trembling. I try to stay still. God, what if I’m noticed here. They are sure to burn me alive. How is this happening?

I look to see the fire slowly moving toward Tin. And all at once, the fire engulfs him. Screams erupt as he squeals, and I turn my face away, shaking.

Laughter proceeds from the Fire Patrons, and I peek to see.

“Stop. You guys are stupid!” Patron Lenon enters, shaking his head with a smile.

They all immediately bow to Patron Lenon. The Fire Patron burning Tin touches his ring, which glows with red light, and the fire burning Tin instantly stops. It seems like it was just a simulation. Oh my world. The room instantly melts. I feel like I could have fainted just now.

The Fire Patrons leave immediately at Patron Lenon’s command, bowing to him again as Patron Suzandrick directs for Tin to be taken to the dark dungeon for setting off the alarm.

“That’s as much fun as they’ll have all year with the freshmen,” Patron Suzandrick says, walking past Lenon, bowing to him in her departure.

Even among Patrons, it seems Lenon is revered.

“It seems this is how we freshmen are introduced to Fire Patrons. Survival by fire. Quite a thrill,” Zavish whispers.

“That was a close call,” Jordan responds. “Do you think anyone died during the fire?” he asks, terrified.

“I—” Zavish instantly stops speaking at the sound of Doctor Val’s voice.

She returns back to the podium and continues speaking, “Like I was saying, we are deeply saddened by these events. Fortunately, this was merely a drill to test the reactivity of you students.”

Everyone stares in shock.

“It was the last drill for the freshmen Natural Test,” Doctor Val says. “Everything disorienting you saw when the alarm went off was all staged, including our dear Patron Pesh falling from a broken door. This is to teach you students that all is not as it seems.”

Here was I thinking he needed my help.

“I should have known that a little smoke from Tin’s measly cylinder couldn’t set The Commons on fire,” Zavish whispers to Jordan.

“Even in an uncommon event, you must all remain common and united,” Doctor Val says. “Never panic, and never try to do the job of a Fire Patron. You have one job if you are a student—obey instructions. Therefore, all those who failed to adhere to common behavior in this fire drill will not pass this portion of the test. If you were not spotted outside by your teachers three minutes after the fire alarm went off and your name is on the wall, follow the Fire Patrons for due reprimands,” Doctor Val pronounces.

Zia is captured from amidst the crowds, her face turning red in the same instant. Her name is on the list on the wall. I want to scream her name, but I keep my words in. I cannot afford to be spotted.

I wonder how my name didn’t make it to the list? With everything I just did.

Pesh now enters the stage. Everyone notices, and they all bow their heads. For a second, I look at him. A part of me wants his attention.