CHAPTER THREE

CAINE

They didn't bother looking for a phone.

They didn't need one. They just needed to escape from the terror that was Perdido Beach.

They made their way back to the car, and found the engine still running. But they were all too scared, too shocked at the current situation to drive.

So after five minutes of arguing, Leon, like always, had to step up.

Calm, he told himself.

Max sat next to him praying, while Jason sat in the back sobbing for his dad. Leon slowly and steadily placed his foot on the accelerator and the car lurched forwards, shocking Leon slightly. But then he got used to the pace of 5mph and set off.

The sky above them was darkening when they passed a huge, mansion-like building off to their right. Leon was getting tired already and the other two were already saying they were hungry.

"Let's stop."

So they did. Leon stopped the engine and the three of them edged up towards the huge metal gates, which were wide open. They set off into a jog across the courtyard, passing parked cars that would probably never be used again.

But before they could even get near the steps, a tall, dark figure stepped through the brass doors. He had long dark hair that partly covered his evil eyes.

"Who are you? Perdido Beach kids?" he asked, his voice charming and polite.

"Um, no. We came here for some research with my dad for a school project," Jason replied. "We're outsiders. We were… driving. And then…"

"He disappeared, right?" the boy smirked.

"Yeah."

"Come in."

Leon, Jason and Max followed the charming boy up the stairs, and into the grand mansion. The corridor was posh and fancy, with a velvet staircase leading upstairs.

"What is this place?" Max gasped.

"This, my friend, um-"

"Max."

"This, my friend Max, is Coates Academy," the boy grinned. "And I am Caine Sorren."

"Maybe… maybe we should go," Jason stuttered. "We don't want to get in your way."

"Nonsense," Caine smiled, as they entered a massive dining hall. "You need help, we provide help."

About twenty kids were sat around a rectangular dining table, all chatting quietly amongst themselves. When Caine entered they fell silent.

"In the aftermath of the chaos," Caine said, "me and my closest allies formed the CA Council. We have been united together to save Coates Academy and restore order."

"Where are all the adults?" Jason asked.

"That is what we do not know," Caine sighed. "But I assure you, we will find out."

"Caine, who are these people?" a tall, beautiful teenage girl asked sweetly.

"These are some newcomers, not from Perdido Beach, not from here," Caine replied. "They will be joining us."

"Oh."

"Stay calm, Diana. They are very nice people."

Leon was ushered to a seat and sat down with Max on his right and Jason on his left, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.