"We need to get out, too."

I stare at the faces of Ghost, Cody, Eclipse, and Whisper in the dull light of glow sticks and flashlights.

Yes, we're in the air ducts.

"There are too many of us. From what I've heard, it only sounds like Ila could escape because of her agility and size," Eclipse reports. "If we want to escape, we have to come up with a plan that works and leave one at a time."

"That's okay! What matters is that we find Ila in the end, right?" I reply hopefully.

"Violet, I have a question for you," Whisper states. He seems to be opening up to all of us, but his name still rings true. "What are we going to do if we do get out? Where will we go?"

"That's two questions," I mutter, mentally slapping myself. I don't know.

"Well, first, let's just figure out a few strategies on how we can escape," Ghost finally pipes up. He shoots me a grin, and I smile back thankfully.

"Well, Mister Secret," Cody starts, and I already know whatever he says will be bad, "You're the one who knows the most about Ila's hopefully successful escape. So, what did she do?"

"Don't start acting all jealous that she didn't tell you. She only told me because she thought I wouldn't tell anyone, and I didn't," Ghost replies coolly. He crosses his arms and glares at the younger boy.

"The two have never really gotten along, and they're normally like this. I don't want to see this escalate any more, tensions are already too high," I whisper to Eclipse. She nods.

"Alright, why don't we all brainstorm on our own, and we can all meet up later to discuss our ideas?" she suggests.

"Perfect," Ghost agrees, and he's gone in a flash. Eclipse and Whisper leave, too, and it's just Cody and me.

"Do you think she made it out?" Cody asks me.

"I try not to think; I just try to hope," I tell him. "Don't worry about Ila too much. She's a smart girl that can hold her own. Even if she did get caught, she will figure it out and make it to the real world."

"How can you sound so confident?"

"If you say anything confidently, people will believe you," I grin at Cody. "But really, if anyone could escape, it would be Ila. Just remember: stay hopeful. You don't know how much you can do riding on an idea."