Before Midnight

As though she was awakened from a nightmare, Alicia jumped up from the bed, eyes wide-opened.

She looked around. After scanning the room and taking note that Zeres was nowhere to be seen, her heartbeat quickened. What time was it now?

Her head whipped towards the window and her shoulders sagged in relief when she saw that it was still night-time. But the moment she realized that it was close to midnight, she climbed off the bed in haste.

She remembered what Ezekiel told her hours ago. He had told her that if there was still no possibility of Zeres' changing his mind before midnight, she must do her best to distract him and to make sure that he does not leave his hideout until morning. Ezekiel had repeatedly reminded her that she must not let Zeres leave so he would not know what was happening outside.