Chapter 71 - A gleam of hope

The door to the lower floor busted opened and the sound reverberated all over the walls of the staircase. A dark silhouette cut into the foggy doorway.

"This way!" shouted a familiar voice. Grant dashed to the landing and threw himself in the arms of the speaker.

"Nicolai!" he exclaimed. "Did Doctor Churchhill made it out before the fire started?" he asked with concerned. The shadowy figure nodded. Nicolai stepped aside to let the group climbing down to exit. He waved to the director of yet another long corridor. But this time there was no smoke. As I reached their level I slowed down and waited for Demos who was helping Mrs. Robinson.

"It was a Real Human attack. They did a dozen simultaneous bombing over seven different levels. The emergency response units are overwhelmed. I've already called the firefighters but they are stuck three blocks away with an apartment block that fell on a school," he paused and Grant simply nodded.

"How do we get out? Did you access the map?" he asked, Nicolai lowered his head.

"The first three floors are ablaze, there no way to get through it without damage," he gave me a quick peek, "and victims," Grant nodded once. "However, I've informed Adrien about the situation and he made some calls. Right now there are three private helicopters picking up survivors on the rooftop," I sucked in a raspy breath.

"Why aren't we up there, right now?" I cut in. Nicolai shook his head with sad eyes.

"They are only saving humans. Their priorities are saving lives. We will be left to burn with the building if the firefighters don't come," I was shocked speechless. What kind of f.u.c.k.i.e.d-up plan was that? I couldn't believe they didn't plan to rescue the artificial.

"So what do we do?" Demos asked, standing behind me. I felt sick and nauseous.

"Can you call your buddies?" they all turned to Demos, eyes full of hope. I did too.

The growing crowd in the corridor waited silently by the exit door. We could see red sparks whirling outside through the windows. Terrifying creaking could be felt through the floor. It was unimaginable to think that the stories below were burning. My bracelet vibrated making me jump. I've completely forgotten it was there. I didn't have one moment to think I could ask for help. With a quick swap on the tiny screen, I answered the call. Mr. Ramdin's worried face appeared before me.

"Liliane, tell me you were able to make it out in time," he asked in a hast, forgetting formalities. "Please, don't tell me you're still in there," I couldn't contain my tears. As minutes passed, I became aware of our alarming situation. "Oh god, Liliane, I just saw it in the news. Anna rushed to my office saying you were late and probably still in the building. Tell me where you are? On what floor? Are you... are you safe?" his many questions and emotional tone took me by surprise. He covered his mouth and blinked tears away.

"I-I'm on the eighth floor," I managed between sobs. I was sitting on the floor with my back resting against the wall. Demos and Grant had the artificials gathered in a circle around them and they were talking about whatever plans they were making. "We are stuck, the helicopters are picks survivors on the roof, but not the artificial," my voice was a mere whisper. Anna's face appeared beside Mr. Ramdin. Her eyes were red-rimmed.

"What?" she shouted.

"Anna, I can't leave them behind. The firefighters are not coming," I choked on my words. Tears rolled down in fat drops on Anna's cheeks.

"We are coming, right?" she turned to her superior, who nodded instantly.

"We have a heavy carrier here, it's might for cargo, we won't be able to land. We can hover," I struggle to get on my feet.

"Grant! Demos! Quick!" the group turned to me with surprise. "Mr. Ramdin, those are artificial who helped rescue the residents from their apartments. Please give them the instruction," I tapped my bracelet to share the conversation with them. They all listened with the utmost attention. After a couple of minutes, Grant nodded at me with a smile.

"Liliane, hang in there, they are preparing the flight as we speak. It will take around ten to fifteen minutes to get to you," I nodded with newly found strength. Anna waved me goodbye and the connection was cut.

"Liliane," said both of my mates. They both came to hug me. I sob while smiling, clinging desperately to them. "You saved us," whispered Grant.

"I can't leave you behind," the building was rocked by a sudden explosion. The windows facing up shattered in a rain of broken glass. The small group of tenants screamed in panic. Grant and Demos shield me from the projectiles.

"What was that?" my hands gripped the front of Demos' shirt. The floor made a horrible rumbling sound. Dark smoke could be seen on the floor just below.

"We may have less than fifteen minutes to spare," said Grant grimly. I stared with horror as my hope crumbled to pieces. It can't be happening. My heart drummed inside my chest.

"I-I don't want to die," I shook my head slowly.

"Shh, it's not over yet. We won't let that happen even if it means we 'die' to save you," Demos tone was low and solemn. My head snapped up to meet these beautiful copper eyes.

"Don't you dare! I won't be able to live with myself knowing you... both are you... aren't there," I glared at him, chin high with stubbornness. Grant sighed and let go of us. I was unaware all eyes were on us. I hid my head in Demos' chest to hide my embarrassment.

"I'm not planning to die nor is anyone here. So cut the crap with the melodrama," he shook his head as we walked to Nicolai peeking out the window. He greeted Grant with a tight smile.

"So, how does it look down there?" Nicolai slowly shook his head with a frown.

"Not good."