Kings and Crowns: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

them!” The people in front started climbing the stage.
    “Come on!” Alan yelled. “What are you guys waiting for? Let’s get out of here!”
    Vince and Saul did not react. They stared at each other, frozen in place.
    Alan threw his arms up. “What are they doing? We have to leave!”
    Ella ran up and dashed to the center. She grabbed their arms and pulled them out of their daze. They ran off stage with the others as the ravenous mob followed. Ella led them down the street and around the corner. The steady roar grew as the mob got closer.
    “What do we do?” Alan said. The desperation in his voice was palpable. “There’s no way we can outrun them, and there’s nowhere to go.”
    They all looked at each other with defeated eyes. They gathered close and joined hands, bracing themselves for impact. They closed their eyes as the mob washed over them.
    Vince crouched as a man dove over him and toppled onto the pavement. A sea of arms pushed them together and pulled them apart. Vince struggled to keep hold of Rupert. A lady slammed into his shoulder and pulled him away.
    “Saul!” he yelled. “Ella!” His voice was lost in the noise of the crowd.
    They held him in place and tackled him to the ground. His heart raced as they struck his face and body. He closed his eyes and tried to focus. Control his breathing. Overcome the chaos. When he opened his eyes, a sack was pulled over his head and tightened. He could no longer see as they dragged him away. A sharp pinch shot pain up his arm. He grew nauseous and dizzy. His eyes began to drift. As he sunk into unconsciousness, the crowd disappeared.
    An unknown voice whispered in his ear. “Don’t worry, buddy. I’ve got you.”

TEN
    VINCE AWOKE IN a groggy state. His eyes fluttered, stinging with dryness. He was lying in bed, his head propped up by a pile of pillows. The walls were white and bare, and the checkered tile floor was spotless. To his side were machines stacked on top of each other, blinking and beeping with a rhythmic beat. Wires twisted out and attached to his arms, head, and chest. He pulled them off and tried to stand up. The machines blared a loud constant beep. He played with the buttons until the piercing sound stopped.
    A young lady walked in holding a clipboard. “No, Mr. Vigo. You can’t leave just yet. We have to keep an eye on you until the sedative wears off. Get back in bed.”
    “Where am I? Where are my friends?”
    “Don’t worry about your friends. They’re all safe and sound. They’re getting full body scans so we can treat any injuries from the rally. The Spire’s treatment centers are the best in the City, so don’t worry, you’re all in good hands. My name is Margie, and I will be administering your body scan.”
    “The Spire? How did we get here? That mob, they had us.”
    The lady flashed a welcoming grin. “Fortunately for you, Mr. Greene has people undercover in the Crowns. They extracted all of you safely.”
    “But why? Why would Greene want to save us?”
    “Why wouldn’t he? Everyone here loves you. You’re proof that our research matters. You’re our success story. Vince and Saul, the boys who defied death and traveled from Rodin to meet Mr. Greene. What an inspiration. I imagine you must be excited to meet him. To shake the hand that granted you immortality.” She laughed. “Of course, we all know it’s not actually immortality. I’m sure you’ve figured that out by now. But it’s fun to pretend. And it’s pretty damn close.”
    Vince gave her a funny look. Did she know they were here to stop Greene? “Can I see my friends?”
    “Not until we scan you. It is important that both you and Mr. Shepherd are at your healthiest.” She turned the machines back on and placed the wires back on his skin. “Just sit back and I’ll come get you when we’re ready. And don’t go messing with these machines again.” She left the room and shut the door.
    Vince peered out the window to a magnificent view of the