The group of teens turned towards the night blood. "So...what's the plan?"

Aleah stood up so she was in the center. "As I told Monty earlier, the first step is to gather intel and weapons. But above all, none of you can give the impression that you know something is wrong. You are still children in the eyes of adults, and you can use that to your advantage. Always go out of your way to have mask your intent with child like innocence."

Miller nodded. "Makes sense. But what about you?"

Aleah combed a hand through her wavy, unbraided hair. "I've left the hard part to me: finding a way out. If I fail, I will teach you how to fight because you will need to know how if you want to live."

As everyone turned to leave, she grabbed Monty's arm. "I've got a special job for you. I saw some towers that sort of resembled the antenna of walkie talkies. Those are important, yes?"

He nodded. "Cell towers." A look of realization passed over his face. "The interface!"

Her dark eyes searched him. "If I can get you to a device, can you contact your people?"

Monty places his hands on her shoulders. "Our people. And yeah, I should be able to."

Aleah nodded. "Good. Get some sleep, we've got a big day ahead of us."

Time skip:

Aleah approached Jasper. "I know you like it here, I know. But trust me when I say that this might be the last chance they let us leave. Come on."

He turned back to Maya, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. "What is it?"

She reached for her face. "R-radiation. There's a breach."

Aleah backed up. "I didn't...I didn't touch you. How..."

Monty stopped packing. "What do we do?"

Aleah waved her hands around in an exasperated manner. "I don't know! I'm not familiar with the effects of radiation except on children. Umm maybe put her under the blankets. It should help act as a screen against the radiation. Or...it might suffocate her. I don't know! I didn't...if I had..."

Aleah pursed her lips as she sat in the room. Maya had almost died, and for all she knew, it could have been her fault. Huffing, she grabbed a pen and a piece of paper.

I am a danger to the people inside this facility. Do as we discussed. Tell Maya I'm sorry, because I am.

Folding the note, she placed it in Monty's pillow case before she exited the room.

Aleah glanced back and forth before opening the ventilation shaft and slipping inside, closing the vent behind her. Just as easily as she arrived, she escaped.

Aleah frowned. She hadn't been here on the way in. No...this place was more earthy and dark and damp. Aleah froze as she stepped in something wet. Glancing down, her breath hitched when she saw blood. I know where I am now.

As if she needed confirmation, animal like howls echoed through the tunnel. Aleah didn't wait. She ran and ran and ran. Every move she made, they followed. Aleah's heart pounded in her ears, competing with her loose hair and thumping feet.

She let out a omph as a arm pinned her to a tree. Her breath hitched as she stared back at the woman in front of her. "Indra."

The woman let out a snarl. "You're lucky Heda wants you alive. Move!"

Aleah raised her hands in an 'I surrender motion. "Alright. Take me to my sister."