The sound of my heartbeat feels heavy in my ears. I'm gasping for breath, racing towards the bottom

of the corridor and down the spiral staircase, following Reece through the tunnels.

Crystal trips and stumbles next to me, letting out a gasp as she falls to her knees. I skid to a stop and grab her by the waist, helping to pull her back up.

"Keep going," I hiss, pulling her along. "Don't stop."

She nods and her eyes flash with something determined, surprising me. I used to think Crystal was the one who needed babying, the one who couldn't cope, but maybe she is stronger than all of us.

"I hear someone coming," Crystal says under her breath, and I signal for Reece to get ready.

We slow to a walk as a group of employees pass. They are the regular kind: the ride attendees and the waiting staff and the ones kept in the dark, but they still slow down and watch us as they pass us in the hallway, looking at us strangely.

Reece looks ahead as he walks, confident, assertive, like he'd belong just about anywhere. When the employees turn the corner, the three of us are running again, desperate to get to the exit.

I'm barely aware of my surroundings. We go through door after door before there is a rush of cold air. I search for Crystal's face, for Reece's, but they are nowhere to be found, not until we are stepping out of the exit and back into sunlight.

The world screams to life again, bursting with vibrance and color. I shield my eyes with my hand to block out the sun, my eyes still adjusting to the light.

I will never get used to this no matter how many times I see it. Guests wander the streets in search of rides, and the smell of candy wafts through the air. I close my eyes for a second, feeling like Alice in Wonderland after she falls through the rabbit hole; this is a whole other world. And despite everything we've been through, everything we've faced, these guests don't have the slightest idea; maybe they never will.

Reece steps towards me and brushes away my tears with his thumb. A part of me wants to just crumble in his arms, right here and now. I'm exhausted, more tired than I have ever felt, and the thought of taking another step forward is too much to bear.

But then I look at Crystal, who stands frozen as she takes in the park, her eyes wide and childlike. I remember that feeling: the horror and awe and excitement in my chest, and I remember it is her I am doing this for.

"It's not real," I say, taking her hand. "Wait until you see the other world."

She smiles a little as her eyes tear up, before she gives me the briefest of nods. Her hand grabs onto mine as we walk towards the exit, trying to blend in with the crowd.

"Where are Ben and Hayley?" I ask, falling into step beside Reece.

"They're already out," he says. "I told them to head to the cabin when we set off to find you. Jewel was supposed to go with them, but she didn't want to leave you." His eyes soften as he glances over. "I'm really sorry, Aura."

I swallow back the lump in my throat and look ahead. Of course Jewel was being stubborn; she always has been.

In the distance, the line of barrier come into view. I whisper for Crystal to watch me as I get to the attendant, flashing her a smile that I hope doesn't look too frantic. She smiles back and searches my face; her eyes look suspicious.

"Leaving already?" she asks.

I panic a little, but Reece comes up behind me and tenderly grabs my hand, smiling at the attendant. "She's not feeling too well, so we're heading back to the hotel for a little bit."

Her eyes seem to soften, and she flashes what looks like a sympathetic smile. "Well, I hope you feel better soon, hon."

Crystal slips through the barrier after us, and we walk towards the station. I want to break into a sprint at this point, run as fast and as far as I can from this place, but we're too close to ruin things now.

"Shit, look," Reece says, pointing above us.

I look up to see the monorail already sat in the station, waiting to depart. If we don't get on this one, we'll have to wait another ten minutes for the next.

Then it's game over.

"We're not going to make it." My heart is racing, pounding against the walls of my chest. "Reece."

"We will," Reece says, but when I look back at him, his eyes cloud with fear. "Run."

We sprint down the path and up the monorail steps, three at a time. The last announcement is being made for departure, and I get to the top step and slide in front of the door, slamming my hand on the button.

The door groans open and I peer over my shoulder, spotting several guards as they storm up the steps. Another couple of seconds, and they'll be joining us on the monorail.

"They're coming," I whisper, stepping onto the train. "Quick!"

We hurry through the carriages, pushing past guests to get away from the doors. Through the monorail window, I see the first guard make it to the monorail button, his hand reaching out for it.

I hold my breath and squeeze Reece's hand, praying for miracle. And maybe it works, because the moment the guard presses it, the monorail splutters and jerks into action, pulling away from the station.

Hey guys, hope you enjoyed this chapter!🧜🏼‍♀️