Zara slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the brightness of the sunlight which flooded into the train station. She found herself sitting on the floor, propped up against a ticket machine. Her head pulsed with pain, she reached up to touch the back of her skull but found her hands had been bound together. Panic-stricken, she frantically looked around for her bag so find it had been taken. Turning her head, she manoeuvred her body and twisted to see behind her. The group of men gathered by the entrance, rifling through her possessions and whispering in hushed voices. Stood at the centre of the group, tall with his broad arms folded was the military man she had seen at the pharmacy. She was almost certain it had been him that had struck her. He looked up and met her gaze before striding over with a dark look in his eyes.

''Who the hell are you then blondie?'' He spat. Zara shrunk back and lowered her head. ''I won't ask again'' He stated calmly, pulling a gun from the waistband of his combats and pressing it to her temple. Her legs trembled with fear.

''I-I-I'm Zo-ey'' She stammered, unsure of why she lied.

He stood up and put away the gun. ''So, Zoey, what's a young girl like you doing wandering the streets. Why aren't you rotting in your little girly bedroom?'

Zara winced at his words and tried to think quickly ''I was too scared to have the vaccine, so I ran and hid. Then I was alone''.

He leant down until they were face to face, she could smell his rancid breath as she held hers. ''Liar.'' He whispered, before raising a hand and striking her across the face.

She cried out and tipped sideways curling into a ball in fear.

''I know exactly who you are Zara Quinn, son of the great Hayden Quinn of Hayden Pharmaceuticals. It's your daddy's fault that nearly everyone on the planet is being eaten by maggots. Him and the corrupt government, it makes me sick.'' He spat. ''You will tell me everything you know and then I will make you suffer for what your father did.''

Zara lay sobbing ''I don't know anything trust me'' she shouted, between gulps ''I left as soon as they told me what was going to happen. I didn't want any part of it and they didn't come after me. I don't even know where the survivors were going. They flew off in their helicopter to god knows what luxury resort somewhere. I really couldn't care less''.

The man pulled her up off the floor back into a sitting position. He looked at her tear streaked, defiant face and laughed ''You really don't have a clue do you blondie, you think the rich are on an island? You have no idea how long this conspiracy has been planned for.''

''Dante!'' One of his men shouted over. He gave Zara one last filthy look before walking away.

Resting her head on her knees, Zara's heart raced as she processed this new information. She knew now that Dante and his thugs must be part of some rebel group, maybe even terrorists. She longed to ask him more about what he knew of the survivors, but the less she said the better. If he thought nothing more could be gained by questioning her then he would have no further use for her. She shuddered and looked around trying to spot an escape route. It seemed hopeless as she was bound tightly, and they had a gun, maybe even multiple guns so even if she were to run she would not be able to dodge a wave of bullets.

She sat still instead, straining her ears to hear what the men were discussing. She could hear a new voice, a female talking to Dante with an urgent tone. Zara craned her neck to see what was going on, the woman had her back to her, but Zara got a glimpse of her dark hair tied in a ponytail and she held a walkie-talkie in her hand. The group of men left the station abruptly, leaving Dante and the woman talking in hushed whispers. Dante pointed over to where Zara was tied up and the woman nodded. Zara quickly turned back and tensed preparing to kick, punch and bite if she had to. Then a shot rang out. Zara froze, terrified thinking she had been shot for a moment but feeling no pain. She heard a body crumpling to the ground and closed her eyes tightly as footsteps walked towards her.

''Zara?'' A familiar voice said with a slight accent. ''Zara open your eyes, we need to be quick''.

Zara opened her eyes wide, shocked at the figure crouched next to her. ''Marguerite?! How? I don't understand, I didn't think you could speak English?'' She was speechless as Marguerite used a knife to cut her ropes. As realisation dawned on her, she backed away from Marguerite. ''Why are you with them? Do you work for them? Oh my god! Are you a terrorist?'' She exclaimed in fear.

''Zara listen to me. Your mother knew you would never be in support of the vaccine. The government had this planned for a very long time, so Vivien hired me to pretend to be your housekeeper, but she wanted me to watch over you when the time came. She knew you would run but she had to go with your Father, so she couldn't come back for you. It was easier to pretend I couldn't speak English so as not to give myself away. I was afraid these men would discover you and punish you for your father's mistakes, so I have spent the last few months earning their trust in case this happened and I needed to keep you safe.'' Marguerite tucked Zara's hair behind her ear tenderly.

''They are bad men, Zara. They have been prowling the whole of London, killing anyone in their path. They only allowed me to join because of my military experience. They are planning something, I think. A rebellion against the governments I think. God, I'm just so glad you're ok.''

Zara reached up and took her hand. ''Thank you, Marguerite, I always did like you'' laughing before frowning ''I have so many questions''.

Marguerite stood up and hushed her, ''No time Zara, you really must run now. I told Dante's men I thought I saw movement outside, they will be back at any moment. You must go, promise me you will leave London. It's not safe and there are more, even worse, rebel factions out there.'' She handed Zara her backpack and hugged her tightly.

''Why don't you come with me?'' Zara asked hopefully.

Marguerite hung her head, ''I can't, I really wish I could, but I need to stay in London and monitor the situation. But I will find you, I promise.'' She let Zara go and pointed towards the exit ''Now GO!''

Zara nodded her head silently, tears running down her face. She spotted movement behind Marguerite, Dante pulled himself up from the floor and pointed the gun at her. ''Marguerite look out!!'' She yelled as Dante pulled the trigger. Marguerite jolted as the bullet hit her in the back, she mouthed the word 'Run' before she fell to the floor. Zara didn't need to be told twice, she bolted for the exit as Dante dragged himself after her.

Authors Note:

As always a HUGE thank you to those who have read, voted and commented. I'd love to hear more of what you think!

What do you think of Dante? Where should Zara go from here?

Next chapter will be uploaded on Friday!