They set off early in the morning. From what Kael had observed over the past few weeks, it was around six—the hour Cole always left.

  "Damn, it's so cold," Kael spoke.

  Cole nodded in agreement. "Of course. It's that time of the year."

  The sun was barely visible through the industrial haze, but they still paused to catch the cold breeze on their faces. The morning air was sharp enough to make Kael shiver.

  Making things worse, winter was already taking hold. This was the most difficult period for the inhabitants of the Outer Circle. The reasons needed no explanation—they were plain for all to see.

  'So many people are gonna die again, huh.'

  He glanced back at Cole's cabin behind him.

  'Well, at least I have a better home now.'

  They kept walking for an hour or so, making their way toward the northern reaches of the sector. There weren't many people outside at this hour, so Kael didn't worry much about being spotted.

  "Can you tell me now where we're going?"

  'Curiosity's been killing me for the past two weeks. What kind of job brings in that much food and money?'

  "Oh, my mistake." Cole glanced back at him. "We're actually going to meet a group of my comrades first."

  "There are also things you need to see," Cole added. "And know about the place we're heading to."

  Kael frowned.

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  "I didn't know you had comrades."

  'This crazy bastard has friends? What kind of people could get along with this guy?'

  'Oh god. Am I about to meet more people with brain damage?'

  'What did I do to deserve this?'

  Cole interrupted his thoughts.

  "You know how things work here."

  "You can't survive on your own."

  Kael opened his mouth. But he couldn't find the right words. His current situation was proof enough of Cole's point.

  They walked in silence. After some time, a massive gate came into view. The walk from Cole's place had taken about an hour and a half—his cabin sat near the middle of the sector.

  This gate was different from the others he'd seen at the sides of the sector.

  It was the entrance to the Inner Circle. A heaven for those outside; a hell for those within. The world everyone in the sectors dreamed of. Every sector had a main gate like this, plus smaller side gates leading to the same place. Kael had seen it multiple times before. Truth be told, everyone had been here at least once. Yet no matter how familiar it became, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread.

  The gate was massive. Twice the size of the ones leading to other sectors. Same shape, but heavier. More serious. Military vehicles patrolled the area—he could hear their engines rumbling in the distance. Guard rooms lined the walls, soldiers visible through the windows. Watchtowers rose above everything, spotlights sweeping slow arcs across the ground.

  Somewhere inside those towers, an Awakened watched. Every gate had at least one. They wouldn't come out unless things got serious, but they were always there. Waiting.

  Leaving was easy. Anyone could walk out.

  Entering? Impossible without permission.

  'Every citizen inside probably has one of those. Must be nice.'

  Before they could reach the gate, Cole turned down an alley. The streets had started to fill with people now—late enough that going out was normal. They wound through backstreets for a while, twisting and turning until Kael lost track of direction.

  Every few corners, Cole checked behind them.

  Kael noticed. But he didn't ask.

  'Is this place actually so significant?' he thought

  They stopped at a shack. Didn't look special. Slightly smaller than Cole's place, but still good enough to live in.

  "Is this where your comrades are?" Kael asked.

  Cole pressed a finger to his lips.

  "Shhhh."

  He knocked on the door. In a weird pattern.

  For a few seconds, there was silence. Then a voice from inside. It was feminine and calm.

  "What? It's just Cole."

  The door opened.