As Cole and his growing group of allies began to organize, the underground's leaders took notice. It wasn't long before they made their next move—and this time, they weren't interested in sending a warning.
One night, as Cole was walking home from a late training session, he received a call from Ty. There was panic in his voice, something Cole had never heard before.
"Man, they got Zack," Ty said, his voice shaky. "I don't know what happened, but he didn't come home last night. I've been trying to call him, but he's not picking up."
Cole's heart raced. "What do you mean they got him?"
Ty's voice cracked. "I don't know, Cole. But I'm scared."
Without another word, Cole hung up the phone and bolted toward Zack's apartment. His mind raced with thoughts of what could have happened. The underground wasn't messing around anymore. They had tried sending warnings, but now they were going after the people closest to him.
When Cole reached Zack's apartment, Ty was already there, pacing back and forth outside the door. His eyes were wide with fear, and when he saw Cole, he practically ran over to him.
"They left a note," Ty said, holding out a crumpled piece of paper.
Cole snatched the note from his hand and unfolded it. The message was simple, but it sent a chill down his spine:
_"You should have stayed in line. Now, it's too late."_
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