You were in shock when The Guard dragged Allie and Will out of town hall, forcing them into the back of a car like criminals. Their hands weren’t cuffed, but their dignity was gone.

You and Grizz had just returned from the expedition—days in the woods looking for farmable land, maybe even a way out. The group was exhausted. Dirty. Hungry. But hopeful.

That hope shattered the moment you stepped back into town square walking through the crowd.

Confused you turned to Luke who avoided your eyes following the other Guards orders by peer pressure. Hours ago. Helena had broken up with him disappointed he lied and turned his back on Allie. Allie is stripped of her mayoral power and arrested after a coup led by Campbell, Harry, and Lexie. She is imprisoned along with Will, and Harry and Lexie are declared co-mayors.

“What’s going on?” Grizz says beside you confused looking at the scene.