"Hold on, we're almost there." I desperately pulled on the clamp to free her leg, aware of the pain it's inflicting but, better pain than death.

"No, stop. You need to leave! There's no time."

"Never! I won't abandon you. Not again. "

"You have to! I need you to stay alive. For me."

I shook my head, tears clouding my vision.

"We'll figure something out, hang in there. I'll get something from the storage room, any....

the words got stuck in my throat as heavy footsteps started approaching.

"Listen! pull yourself together. If you stay here they'll kill you too. That can't happen. You need to stay alive to unveil the truth. You're the only one who can end this. If we both die then all our efforts become worthless."

"But...I..."

"Go! now."

"Okay, okay." I scurried off the ground and inspected the perimeters before making a run for it. However, her voice halted me.

"The USB. It'll guide you."

I nodded and took off down the hallway, heading for the exit. I heard thumping behind me but never turned back. They were hot on my trail but I had to survive, to tell the tale.

I almost fell after making a sloppy branch to the left but maintained my balance and increased my pace. Tears of relief rained down my cheeks as I noticed the EXIT sign and instantly felt the night breeze graze my trembling skin, covering it in goosebumps.

The automated doors widely opened as I neared, but my progress was short-lived as a sudden, massive explosion, sent my body crashing into a firm wall, knocking air out of my lungs.

Moments later, I heard voices around me and slowly lifted my head, only then did the realization that I was already outside dawned on me.

"She's alive! call the ambulance!" Someone yelled at the same time I felt my head hoisted up on a softer surface.

I felt my entire body shutting down as the familiar metallic taste of blooded erupted in my mouth. I felt numb and lifeless, but happy. Happy that I made it out alive. Happy that if I die, it'll at least be at the hospital, surrounded by my family and friends, not a monster.

The distant wailing of sirens filled the atmosphere as the paramedics and police took over the scene.

The last thing I heard was an unfamiliar voice echoing in my head before darkness consumed me.

Find the USB.