Two Worlds, Book 2

Heartfelt College | Main Gate | Noon

When the gates of the campus finally came into view, a rush of relief hit them—sharp and short-lived. Sharon broke into a sprint, boots thudding against concrete, rifle bouncing against her shoulder. Her fingers fumbled with the latch, slick with sweat, trembling with urgency.

"Raj, go," she snapped, voice clipped.

He didn't hesitate, slipping through as soon as the gap was wide enough. He cast a quick look back—just enough to check her eyes—then jerked his chin at Mia. "Let's go."

Mia clutched her bag tighter and ducked through without a word. Kyle followed right after, brushing past Sharon, his jaw clenched.

"Raj, keep her moving," Sharon said, already turning back to the gate.

Raj's hand found Mia's shoulder. "Come on. Almost there."

Mia nodded, breath ragged, legs still pumping from the run. They took off toward the Union Building.

Sharon swung the gate closed. Kyle lingered beside her, eyes scanning the horizon.

"Those meds better work," he muttered, almost to himself.

Sharon didn't look at him. Her voice dropped low. "They have to."

She locked the gate with a hard click.

"We can't lose him."

A beat passed.

"Not Alan."

Heartfelt College | Union Building | Lounge

The sound of their footsteps echoed as they started running, chasing after Raj and Mia, who were now disappearing into the entrance of the Union Building. By the time Sharon and Kyle reached the door, Raj and Mia were already out of sight.

When they reached the first floor, the familiar sight of the lounge came to view.

Kara led Mia to Alan's room. "Quickly!" Kara said. Mia was already digging through her bag, her hands trembling slightly as she fumbled for the supplies.

Raj had dropped his backpack onto one of the tables in the lounge and was catching his breath, his face flushed from the run.

Andy and Vanessa approached Sharon and Kyle as they entered, their expressions grim.

"It's bad," Andy said, running a hand through his hair. "He's burning up. Ms. Martinez and Sydney are doing what they can, but—"

Vanessa cuts in. "They're barely keeping him steady. He's... he's not looking good."

Sharon swallowed hard, forcing herself to push down the swell of panic rising in her chest. "Okay," she said firmly. "Kyle, grab Raj and Ethan. I need you three to organize the medical supplies in the pantry. Be ready if Mia needs you."

Kyle nodded. "Got it." He walked over to Raj, clapping a hand on his shoulder as they moved toward Ethan's corner of the lounge.

Heartfelt College | Union Building | Lounge | Alan & Sydney's Room

Sharon eased the door open. The soft creak sliced through the hush like a warning.

The room was dim, lit only by weak sunlight seeping through a sheet nailed over the window. And then she saw him.

Alan lay on the bed—pale, soaked in sweat, and barely recognizable. His chest rose unevenly, each breath rattling from his throat like it hurt to stay alive. Every time Mia or Ms. Martinez touched him, his body jerked, a groan escaping clenched teeth.