Meiling and Jenny pushed through the thick of the gym, stepping over fallen cleaner women and stunned students. The gunfire outside had slowed but not stopped; every few seconds another bullet ripped through a window, but now combined with the sounds of students trying to claim their freedom, academy had become a cesspool of violence.
Jenny glanced over her shoulder at Meiling. "We're almost there. Just keep close to me."
Meiling's eyes flicked across the room one last time, and a familiar face—or rather, the lack of one—made her gut clench.
Xue.
Her cousin was nowhere to be seen.
Meiling slowed for a heartbeat, the weight of realization heavy on her chest. "Of course…" she muttered under her breath. "As expected… She's not someone I can rely on for anything."
Jenny tugged her arm. "Meiling, come quick! We can't stop."
Meiling shook her head, snapping back to focus. "I know. Let's go."
