I tip-toe across the room and out the door without a glance over my shoulder. In the morning when he wakes up, he might be mad, but an Unfortunate shouldn’t share a bed with their Fortunate, anyway. Not like one would if they were in a relationship. Vince already caught us snuggling once and I don’t want to risk it again. My feet pat against the wood, making soft sounds as I make my way down the hallway towards the stairs. As I reach out for the ball on the end of the banister and turn down the stairs, I see Thirteen.
“Thirteen?” I whisper, more out of shock than anything else.
She looks… different. Her face is gaunt and sullen—obvious even in this dim light. “Nine.”
“How are you?” I cringe at my stilted question, but let’s face it; this situation is anything but comfortable.
She tilts her chin and straightens her shoulders. “I’m all right… not as good as you, but I’m surviving.”
Not as good as me? What the hell is that supposed to mean? I let the comment roll off my shoulder. She’s right. I’ve had it easy.
“I heard about what happened at Vince’s birthday… I’m glad Kade came in time to help you.”
Instantly, I detect bitterness in her tone. Is she mad at me? “I’m sorry… did I do something wrong?”
“No,” she hisses under her breath, her voice cracking. “You never do. Now, excuse me while I go do my whore duties.”
I flinch. Was that a shot at me? She’s going to ‘please’ a Fortunate, which is all I’m supposed to do for Kade… so is she calling me a whore? Can you even be a whore if it’s forced? Well, with me, it’s not force. Kade would never force me to do anything, but it is all I’m supposed to do. She attempts to storm past me, but I grab her hand, forcing her to stay put. Her bones are brittle in my hand. I feel like it’ll shatter if I squeeze too hard.
“There’s a mine,” I tell her, unable to stop myself. “A Sario mine north of here—across the lake, over the fence, and on the other side of the mountain. It’s being used as a safe haven for Unfortunates.”
She snatches her hand away. “Why are you telling me this?”
“I want you to go. Don’t put yourself through torture, Thirteen. It’s not worth it.”
Thirteen snorts and leans in. There’s nothing friendly about her face… the girl I knew in the Unfortunate camp is gone. “If it’s such a good plan, why are you still here?”
I blow out air. It’s a question I’ve thought about for a while. I know I can get away. Kade leaves more than enough room for me to run, but I can’t. “I can’t leave, Thirteen. I need to be with Kade…”
Her face pinches together and I know she doesn’t understand. Who would? Choosing to stay with your Fortunate when someone is telling you about freedom—true freedom—sounds insane. Then, realisation lights up her features. Her brows arch and her lips part. “You love him?”
“No,” I state immediately, running the palms of my hands over my dress. “It’s not like that. I mean, it is like that, but—”
“You’ve spent all this time feeling sorry for me when it’s I who should feel sorry for you.”
I frown. “Why?”
“Because you’re clearly deluded. He has you wrapped around his little finger. He might protect you, Nine, but you’re still an Unfortunate. As disposable as a dirty cloth.”
With an uncharacteristic sneer, she turns away from me. I can’t be upset with her… it’s not her fault. This life has ruined her—Vince has ruined her.
“You can be free, Thirteen,” I whisper loudly. “Think about it. If we’re all disposable anyway, what’s the harm? If you decide to go, you have to warn them. Tell them that the Sarios will blow up the mine.”
She doesn’t look over her shoulder. She keeps her head down and her shoulders squared before disappearing into the dark hallway. I guess I can’t force her. If she knows what’s best for her, she’ll go. I got her into this mess. She was assigned as a kitchen hand and because of me, Vince uses her for other purposes entirely. Thirteen deserves better and I hope she listens. I really do.
∞
A thump against my door wakes me, bright and early. After speaking to Thirteen last night, I crashed out. It was easier to fall asleep without Kade next to me. I had nothing here to send my body, or brain, buzzing. I sit up quickly, so quick my thin blanket slips off and lands on the floor. I rake my fingers through my hair as the distinct sound of busy feet slapping the floor just outside my door shakes my room. I guess the Unfortunates are busy this morning. I can only imagine what kind of ridiculous breakfast they have planned today. I force myself out of bed and over to my wardrobe. I think I’ll opt for the traditional, white Unfortunate tunic today. I’m sure Kade won’t mind, otherwise why would he put it in my wardrobe?