Unfortunately, I don't have time to dwell on these thoughts, however, as the doctors turn their attention back to me.They unclasp the restraints, and I slump to the floor, my muscles trembling from the ordeal. Exhaustion weighs heavily on me, and I can barely muster the strength to stand.How long had I been trapped here? What more did they want from me? As if on cue, the heavy steel doors slid open with a loud clang, the harsh sound grating against my frazzled nerves. I tense, dreading whoever or whatever has come to torment me next. To my surprise, it's not the principal that returns, but a female scientists clad head to toe in white coats. The woman immediately starts a brisk walk towards me, her jaw set in a rigid line that sends a fresh wave of fear through me. Sweat prickles across my skin as I scramble backward, putting as much distance between me and the doctors as the cramped space allows. "Stay back!" I cry, my voice cracking with defiance and dread."Don't you dare com

Everything aches as I sit here on the frigid floor of the lab. I feel hollow, numb inside and out like my soul has been ripped from my body, leaving an empty shell behind. The fluorescent lights above cast a harsh glare that pierces through my heavy eyelids, yet I can't find the strength to close them. I stare blankly ahead, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts, yet feeling oddly disconnected from it all.I can't believe my mother would do this to me.My body trembles from the cold seeping into my bones but I don't have the will left to move. After what feels like an eternity, the heavy metal door hisses open with a rush of cool air. I don't even look up to see who enters, finding I no longer care what fresh horrors they have in store. Strong hands grip my arms, yanking me from the floor without care or concern. I'm tossed onto a table like a rag doll, my limbs splayed out awkwardly. Straps are secured across my wrists, ankles, and waist once more with efficient, clinical pre

We're almost there, the exit is just down the hall. After everything we've been through, freedom is finally within reach. In my excitement, I push through the crowd with the unconscious boy in tow, my heart pounding from elation as I outrun my classmates.But just as I'm about to make my move, a familiar figure comes charging towards me - Everett, the literal bane of my existence.She blocks my path, her eyes narrowed into a menacing glare."Going somewhere, Ande?" she hisses, her eyes narrowed to slits.I scowl, tightening my grip on the gurney handles. "Get out of my way, Everett. I'm getting out of here."She lets out a harsh laugh, shaking her head. "I can't let you do that. You all belong back in the Labs, where you can't cause any more trouble.""Trouble?" I spit, my anger boiling over. "You call what you've been doing to us 'trouble'? You're monsters, the lot of you!"Everett's expression darkens, and she takes a menacing step forward. "I told you to go back ANDE."I sneer bac

I stare down Ethan, my eyes narrowing in disdain at the way he inches back, trying to keep his distance from all of us. The nerve of this coward, putting his own life before the safety of these innocent students! I can't let him get away with this."Did you let your cousin die too, Ethan? Did you let valerie die too, huh?" I ask, my voice dripping with accusation. "Is that why you're so willing to sacrifice all of us?"Ethan's eyes widen, and he shakes his head frantically. "No, Ande, you don't understand. I don't have a choice! If I don't cooperate, the rest of my family will be wiped out. I'm begging you, please, just let me do this."I scoff and shove him away from the doorway, pinning him against the wall. "I can't stop, no matter what you say. Our class's lives are at stake, and I won't let you jeopardize them." I growl, my eyes dark with malice.Ethan crumples to the floor, cowering in fear as he looks up at me. I turn and continue down the hallway, determined to find a way to

(Ethan's POV)My hands shake as I move quickly between the lab stations, gathering any supplies that could be of use. The guilt and fear are almost suffocating, memories of my past betrayal threatening to overwhelm me. How can ande trust me again? After Everything?I see a flash of red hair and a small teasing smile and I have to close my eyes over the onslaught of painful memories.Valerie.God, why her?Shaking my head, i push the thoughts out of my mind.I can't lose focus, not when so many lives depend on what I create here. Ande's fiery words sparked a new determination in my core but facing down blackwood is a whole different beast. I knew the labs offered the best chance of slowing or knocking him out however. The distance provides more time and cover than the weapons vault, and chances are high the principal has sealed that location by now anyways. I'm just finishing mixing a few volatile compounds when I hear shouts and pounding footsteps approaching. Dread sinks in my