Selena's POV:

Before he could say anything, I got further away from him. I really, really need time to process everything. I need to contemplate all the new info I got. It's too much.

I opened my door, slammed it shut, threw my belt, unbraiding my hair and drowned in the coziness of my bed. Recalling everything, I stretched on my bed. It's too bewildering, this bone of contention. It's irresolvable.

Gong. Gong. Gong.

Three gongs and an unpleasant siren. That's what I heard when I was trying my best to relax my mind. Something's definitely wrong. This type of siren was never heard by me. This siren can only be rung when- oh no. Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! We're caught. They understood. They know someone was there. Please, oh sweet god of Saltybuns, don't let them know it was us, nor let anyone get into trouble because of us.

I hopped up and went out. Every single Talon was worried, dashing and wandering here and there. Another gong was heard and someone commanded to line up. In an instant, we lined up as we were taught to. Practically everyone, and by everyone, I mean everyone, was teetering and wobbling with fear. It's obvious I was trembling too. What I feared most was that Alexis was not comfortable. Her legs were jiggling with terror. If an unknown Talon gets blamed for it, I don't think I will be able to forgive myself.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

The sound of someone's heels tapping the ground was echoing with our heavy breathing and fast heartbeats.

"So, I've heard that two younglings were snooping and eavesdropping on our private conversations. You know that very well. If someone gets caught, punishment will automatically come to you. So, without further baseless talking, I order those two nosy Talons to come out and show yourself."

No one. No one moved. Not even a single inch. My heart started thumping in my chest. Eventually, a lump in my throat got stuck when they moved to an about-to-pass-out Alexis.

"Darling, could you tell me if it was her? Hm, she doesn't look like it. Silky locks hang loose and are straight. The girl's hair were braided."
"She's not the one."

Wilson frowned. Catherine nodded and walked to Daniel, who previously denied the fact that she was not the one. Daniel stood confident, a glint of proudness in his eyes. I knew he wasn't scared of them. Instead, he wished to take their neck off of their head. That's Daniel for you.

"This can't be him. No, he isn't. He's just making up. The guy had muscles. He's floppy though."

Daniel twitched. His anger ticked off. Catherine was now licking her lollipop and stuffing it in her mouth. Oh, how I wish I could snatch it from her and take away her jaws. Throw them to the piranhas would be much preferable. Seriously, that woman makes me violent. She modelled to Matthew. He scoffed and grinned.

"You think it's me? Good choice."

What in the- is he crazy?! Does he want to die?! Take those words back, you jerk!

"No, it's not him. I was there."

Heck, no! Brandon, please, no!

"Brandon was not there! It was me."

God, boys don't do it. Please!

"It was me!"

Stacey distracted them. I can't take this anymore. My vision was getting blurry. They were covering up for me. They knew. They knew I was the one. Yet, they were protecting me. If they don't stop, I'll throw a tantrum.

"Don't listen to them. It's all rubbish. You know the old ways, it was me."

Shit. Nathan, no, NO!

"And me."

Lilac? Lilac?! Oh heck, no! I started clutching my hair. That's it. I can't resist anymore.

"Yo, Lady Catherine! You know me, don't ya? I'm standing right in front of you. Take me!"
"STOP IT!"

I screeched from the top of my lungs. Pushing the crowd, I proceeded to the two Baundors standing in front of me. A hand grab a hold of my wrist. I tried to yank it away, but I failed. This hand only belong to Aiden. Seriously, do you think it's Jacob all the time? Wrong. Whatever you do, boys are boys, and I hate them.

"Let me go."

He must've sensed my rage and discomfort, so he lightly squeezed it and let go.

"They didn't do anything. It was me. I was there, trying to put the pieces together and I did. I figured out your twisted plans."

Most of my friends were answering no, trying to fool them.

"Don't listen to them. They're all just making up. Do you see it? My family is protecting me. Their motivation is strengthening the hope I have, the hope of being free from this prison. Try to learn a lesson from this, you two overacting Baundors. Skills are something to fight, but what you really need is the motivation, the power you gain from your emotions, the rage and intellect you need to win, and the will to fight for the true cause. If I have to get what I want, I will even give up living to get it."
"Selena, no. Don't!"

"This is the final time I'm telling you to back off, Jacob Haynesworth."

Scaredy cat. Doesn't even get the clue behind my warning. Buh, I'll kill him if I don't die today, which I'm planning not to.

"If this means war, so be it. Now, don't be a chicken Catherine and Wilson and fight me. If you dare, that is."

Oh yes, that ticked them off. I got Daniel's revenge. Pop the confetti, people. They were walking to me, weapons in their hands.

"You don't stand a chance against this guy, Lockhart."
"But she stands a chance if I cover her."

This time, it was Jacob. He stood in front of me, blocking me from sight.

"I told you not to poke your nose, Haynesworth!"
"Remember this, woman. I'm the First-In-Command. No match goes unannounced until I participate. Besides, I have a job, and it's to back you up."
"Are you pulling my leg?!"
"No we aren't, beautiful. We had this all pre-planned."

I felt Jacob cringing. The other egotistical knucklehead smirked in victory. I spun to see everyone in position, all ready to pounce on their prey. Perfect.

"It's now or never, Talons. For freedom!"
"Kill them all!"

The straight order from the Baundors had us on our feet.

"ATTACK!"

And this is when the battle begins.

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Word count: 1092