Rich Under Their Hate: The Social Status System
Pim screamed back, grabbing Chalida’s hand and dragging her toward the ventilation duct in the corner—their only remaining exit.
"They think we still have it," Chalida said, her eyes wide with terror, the old spark of survival lighting them up once more. "They’re going to tear the place apart to find a file that doesn't exist."
"Then let them search," Pim said, kicking the vent cover loose. "We need to get to the roof."
As they crawled into the tight, claustrophobic darkness of the shaft, the sound of the soldiers smashing the furniture in the main room echoed behind them. They were no longer the daughters of a minister. They were no longer the owners of a city. They were fugitives.