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Soh Caden’s face The idea that they think he could have arranged the death of all those carriers, of Tabatha, that he could have been behind my own death had I not slipped away froh nation The sudden need to protect hihtiny aze sweeps the roo fire "Anyone else think I’ what my own father worked so hard to build? That I would kill one of us in this cell?"

Several eyes dip and study the floor alroup, his expression one of frustration Clearly he wants others to step up and take a stand against Caden, but their faith in Caden isn’t shaken At least not to the degree that Marcus wants

"Then it’s settled," Terrence announces, releasing his hold on Caden "We’re in lockdown until it’s safe enough to resume activities"

Nor

Caden and Terrence leave the room, Marcus and Ruben hot on their heels Clearly the discussion isn’t entirely finished, but apparently the re conversation will be held in private Junie and I exchange looks before following After those accusations, this involves me now, and I intend to be present

Marcus’s voice can be heard inside the controls room Junie pushes the door open and stands there with her hands on her hips like she has every right to be a part of this discussion I hover behind, a little to her right Caden and Marcus stand nose to nose, ready to go at it

"This isn’t over They ht believe you today, but that won’t last," Marcus is saying "Not after I convince the to doubt you You’ve lost objectivity Suddenly she’s back here and now you’ve halted all convoys Convenient," he says with a sneer, his strong features twisting into so" I don’t even think My voice just spills out ofover the room "I’ve decided to stay So I’ether until they feel nuain, determined for everyone here to understand that Caden is not so"

I’m not sure who looks more shocked at my announceh He lifts a hand to rub at the back of his neck Only I notice how that hand has the slightest shake to it His eyebrows draw close together as he looks at ure out why I did what I just did The others in this rooht not think twice about what I just said, but for Caden it carries iven hier, and he looks like he wants to tear ?" Junie dehts, trying to be honest with e eventually My friends are there And aze, I nod once, trying not to feel guilty over the lie Especially since she’s really been the only one I could call a friend here

"It seems your accusations are unfounded," Terrence smoothly inserts

Marcus storaze catches ht not fully understand my reasons--I don’t even fully understand them--but he appreciates my help

Suddenly the dinner I ate moments before tastes like dust into be sick What have I done? Even worse than these feelings is the sudden realization that staying here with Caden doesn’t seeaze onand flee the roos open and Marcus and Ruben step out

My pulse ju for me I start to spin around, not too brave to head back into the main room croith people to avoid theoons stands there I don’t know his na at the periphery

When I turn to face Marcus, he’s already moved in front offear will only satisfy him

"You just don’t stop, do you?" His nasal voice comes out softly, and my skin reacts with a shiver He brushesinside me contracts

I knock his hand aside and try to walk past hi uy like Marcus is used to getting his way He’s not letting rabs ainst the wall I wince The force sendsto you"

I reach for my voice, lost somewhere insidewhat you have to say"

He laughs cruelly "I love how you think you have a choice" He pushes his face closer, and I sarlic He"I don’t knohat you have going with Caden, but it’s only going toif you think staying here is a good plan"