K fluttered beside the barn door, waiting for them to get closer. He morphed back to human. It must have been his first time turning into a bird, because his feet ended up being a foot off the ground. He fell and slipped, landing on his back.

“Ow.” He grumbled, dazed.

“Keep practicing.” Thomas told him, offering his hand. The younger boy took it and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. “Nice control.”

K blushed. “I… practiced last night.” Cat ears popped out of his hair and he rushed to cover them. “That still happens.” He said sheepishly.

Dan patted K’s shoulder. “Remind me to tell you the story of how I discovered my ability.” He said playfully. “Those ears will seem like nothing.”

If Hunter had cat ears, they would have perked up. It was a story Dan didn’t like talking about. Only Lucas knew it, and he’d been sworn to secrecy. If Dan was offering it, he was either feeling more confident, or he felt a connection with K.

Tristan cupped her hands around her paper crane, which was holding itself up against the door. “In here.” She voiced what they all already knew. She stepped away from the door. “I can’t open it. If I’m not holding this, my ability will wear off.”

Thomas reached for the doorknob, but jumped back when the whole door burst into flames. “Lucas!” he hissed.

“I got it.” Lucas said nonchalantly. His hand was raised toward the door, embers dancing between his fingers. When the door was all but reduced to ashes, he closed his hand and the door set itself out.

“A little more warning would be nice.” Michael grumbled as he pushed down the door. It was still hot, so he was the only one who could touch it without getting hurt. “You almost barbequed Hunter’s brother.”

“Sorry.” Lucas grumbled. Through his body language, Hunter understood. He’d been anxious to get Jasper back and the door had just erupted. He’d gotten it under control before anyone realized what had happened, but he was still shaken.

Hunter touched his arm and whispered in his ear. “Emotions make it harder to control.” She reminded him. He nodded stiffly.

Instead of hay and horse stalls on the other side of the door, they were met with metal flooring and a long, dark corridor. Lucas called on his flames again to give them light, but they still couldn’t see the end of the hall.

“This doesn’t look very abandoned.” Dan mumbled. He was shaking. Every so often, he’d jump forward, his ability activating on its own.

“Stop doing that!” Michael hissed.

“I can’t help it.” Dan protested. “How are you not freaking out?”

Most of their group just shrugged. They all knew Thomas had been through this before, but it was Tristan’s response that surprised them. “I’ve been here before.” She snuck a quick glance at Hunter, but turned away before anyone else noticed.

“Let me guess.” Lucas eyed Thomas, watching for a reaction. “Mr. Ranson wasn’t the only one you helped escape.”

Hunter watched her brother closely as he shook his head. “He wasn’t even the reason I came here.” He put a hand on Tristan’s shoulder. “There was a group. Most of them went into hiding in other countries. Peter became a teacher to keep an eye on the students who were in danger.” His hand tightened on Tristan and he fell silent.

“I was five when I was taken.” She continued. “I barely understood what an ability was.”

“Why did you stay here?” K asked. He was shaking with fear for the girl. “They could have just taken you again.”

“I was needed.” She held up her still cupped hands. “I joined Thomas’ band of Merry Men.” She smirked. “I’m an outlaw.”

Despite the heavy atmosphere, her joke got a handful of smiles.