Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 99

(Cylan's POV)

The room buzzed with muted voices and cautious glances as I leaned over the map we'd drawn on the back of cafeteria napkins. It wasn't perfect, but it was all we had. Around me, a handful of patients, mostly those who were fed up with the center's lies, huddled closer, looking as determined as I did.

"We can't just sit back and wait," I said. I kept my voice firm but low. "Every day we waste, more people suffer. Emily is out there somewhere, and we all know this place is hiding more than just her."

A boy named Jared spoke up. His thin frame was almost trembling with nerves. "But what can we do? If they catch us, we're done for."

"We work together," I replied. "We dig, we gather evidence, and when we're ready, we expose them. We use what they've taught us against them." My gaze swept across their anxious faces. "But I'm not forcing anyone. If you're too scared, I get it."

•

No one moved. The silence felt heavy, but in it, I saw their resilience begin to strengthen.

Later, back in the dorm, Angel caught me slipping notes into my pocket. She crossed her arms. "What are you up to, Cylan?"

have known she'd notice.

a target on your back?" she snapped. "Cylan, we already have a plan. You can't just go off and start

sitting on her bed, chimed in, "She's right. You

"Cylan...

doing this?" I asked. "Because I've spent my whole life being told to stay quiet, to do what I'm told, to be the good

think they can control my life, force me into some perfect little mold. And Ellen? She's lying in a hospital bed right now because her fiancé couldn't handle the fact that she had a past with me. Emily's locked up somewhere because she tried to help me. I can't

stepped closer with a softened expression now. "Cylan, we're not asking you

me," I said firmly. "But I can't stop fighting, not now. Not when

...

(Hendrix's POV)

felt uneasy. The thought of sitting

time alone now, avoiding everyone including Angel. Especially Angel. The sight of her with Thomas made my blood boil, but more than

gym when Dr.

locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like a bug under a microscope. "You've been skipping your

and stepped closer. "Too busy for your recovery? Or

stiffened. "I don't know what you're talking