NovelEnglishChapter 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.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"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 frwas 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 caughtslipping notes into my pocket. She crossed her arms. "What are you up to, Cylan?" I sighed. I should have known she'd notice. "I'm just trying to make a difference." "By painting a target on your back?" she snapped. "Cylan, we already have a plan. You can't just go off and start recruiting people like you're leading a rebellion. It's reckless." Hande, sitting on her bed, chimed in, "She's right. You could ruin everything we've worked for." Charlotte nodded. "Cylan... too... much danger." Their words stung, but I refused to back down. "Do you know why I'm 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 daughter, the perfect person my parents wantto be. And you know what? I'm done with that." The room fell silent as I continued with emotion. "My parents think they can control my life, forceinto sperfect 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 just sit around and do nothing. I won't." Angel stepped closer with a softened expression now. "Cylan, we're not asking you to do nothing. We just... we don't want to lose you." "You won't lose me," I said firmly. "But I can't stop fighting, not now. Not when I know what's at stake." (Hendrix's POV) Skipping treatment had beca routine. Every tI walked past the medical wing, I felt uneasy. The thought of sitting in that sterile room, pretending to believe Dr. Joe's lies, madesick.
I spent most of my talone now, avoiding everyone including Angel. Especially Angel. The sight of her with Thomas made my blood boil, but more than that, it madefeel small. Weak. Useless.
I was on my way to the gym when Dr. Joe's voice stoppedin my tracks. "Hendrix. A word?" Reluctantly, I turned to face him. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like a bug under a microscope. "You've been skipping your sessions," he said calmly but no less menacing. "I've been busy," I muttered, avoiding his gaze.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Busy?" He chuckled and stepped closer. "Too busy for your recovery? Or is it something else? Someone else?" I stiffened. "I don't know what you're talking about." He smirked and sharpened his gaze on me. "Oh, I think you do. Tell me, Hendrix, how is your... sister?"
The way he said it made my skin crawl. My fists clenched at my sides as I struggled to keep m. C' sides composure. "She's fine," I said through gritted teeth. Dr. Joe leaned in slightly dropped his voice to a whisper. "You're awfully protective of her. Almost... obsessive, wouldn't you say?"
The words hit like a punch, and I felt a wave of shwash over me. Was he right? Was I twisted Disgust my stomach, but I quickly pushed it down. That's what he wanted to break me. "Leave her out of this," I gritted out. Dr. Joe's smile widened. "Ah, there it is. That fire. Keep it, Hendrix. You're going to need it." Without waiting for a response, he walked away, leavingstanding there, fists clenched and heart racing.
I stormed into the gym, trying to shake the conversation from my mind. But the guilt and guilt and anger was a toxic mix that refused to fade. I mitle couldn't let him win. I couldn't let him break me. But the cracks were already there, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold it together.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
