The Culling Read Online Free PDF Page A

they think they nabbed the conspirator, we can’t take any chances.”
    “Got it.”
    He pulls himself up two rungs at a time.
    I clamber up after him. As soon as we’re topside and split up, I have to make sure the Imposers spot me. The only thing is, I conceived my crazy plan before I witnessed that Canid tear someone apart. My sweating palms almost slip off the next rung.
    By the time I catch up to Digory, he’s already sliding the manhole cover open, peering left and right just over the edge, and offering me his outstretched hand.
    Gripping it, I scramble up the rest of the way and join him on the surface.
    “This street’s clear for the moment,” he says. “I know some shortcuts we can use to double back, and from there I can get you home.”
    “I can find my own way back, thanks.” From the look on his face, my words might as well be stingers.
    “But it’s dangerous. Let me just—”
    “I’ll be okay, really .”
    “Suit yourself.” He kicks the manhole cover back into place. “Besides, I can’t waste any more time here, with the lives of so many others at stake.” He storms into a side alley.
    Damn it. “Digory, wait!” I race after him.
    He stops and pivots toward me. “Yes?” The word strikes like hail.
    “Thanks. Thanks for everything.”
    His expression softens. “One thing. You know what I was doing out here breaking curfew. You never told me what you were doing.”
    I can’t tell him. Especially knowing how he feels about the Establishment. He’d never understand. I shrug. “Just making sure I get ringside seats for the procession.”
    Digory shakes his head. “I’m sure you’ll take care of yourself, Lucian. Maybe someday you’ll realize this is bigger than you.”
    He disappears into the maze of alleyways before I can say anything.
    The only trace left of him is the rolled poster he’s forgotten, nestled against my heart.
    I reach inside my coat and trace it with my fingertips. Though it’s made of paper, it feels more like lead. I need to get rid of it before—
    “Halt. Hands where I can see them.”
    The blood frosts in my veins. My heart feels like it’s going to burst through my rib cage. As much as I thought I prepared for this moment, the reality of it eclipses any notions I’ve deluded myself with. The terror is overwhelming, stifling my breaths.
    I don’t want to die.
    “Turn around,” a sharp baritone voice commands.
    I can’t move. It’s as if I’m not in my body anymore. Digory. Why didn’t I listen to him?
    “I said turn around.”
    If I don’t turn around, they’ll shoot me from behind. And my brother will be all alone.
    The signal from my brain finally reaches my feet, and I turn around to face my fate.
    A squadron of Imposers is facing me, weapons drawn, a wall of black death.
    Remember what Digory said … the fear controls us, makes us weak .
    No. I won’t be weak. I have to be strong for my brother. He’s all that matters.
    The lead Imp lumbers toward me, a tall, massive man with close-cropped pale yellow hair and winter-gray eyes. He shoves the barrel of his gun into my forehead.
    “You’re in violation of Government Statute F.4312—Observation of Ordinance Regarding Public Assembly. State your name, citizen.”
    “Spark,” I manage, though my mouth is dry. “Lucian Spark.”
    “Mr. Lucian Spark. You will be detained and remanded into the Custody of the Citadel of Truth, where Honorable Prefect Cassius Thorn shall pronounce judgment and sentence you for this infraction. Do you understand?”
    Not that they care if I do or not, but I play the game nonetheless. “Yes. I understand, Sir.”
    “Search him.”
    What little courage I’ve mustered dissipates in the crisp morning wind. Digory’s poster. It’s still hidden inside my coat pocket.
    Two other Imps slither from the shadows and start to frisk me.
    Getting detained for breaking curfew is one thing. Being arrested for an act of treason is not part of my plan.
    I squirm at their