Despite the cold floor and darkness, Jasper was glad to be back in the room. ‘Class’ had been terrible.

The men had talked about nothing but military security procedures and fort layouts. It was like a history lesson on steroids, if history was happening right now.

He’d thought about Hunter and her uncanny ability to sleep through lectures, but still absorb the information. He’d smiled into his hand, imagining her trying to block out what the men were teaching. It wasn’t just boring. It was government secrets.

Jasper knew that he’d never see Hunter or any of his friends again. They don’t just release people with that kind of knowledge back into society.

He collapsed in the middle of the cold floor and cried.

Sebastian came out of the shadows and sat beside him. He didn’t make any move to touch Jasper, but his presence alone was comforting. The idea that he wasn’t alone in the horrible place made him feel a little better. Then a little worse, because he didn’t want anyone to have to suffer like this.

“I don’t really suffer.” Sebastian told him. “Most mind readers have a pretty limited range. Or they have to be able to see their target.” He shrugged. “I’m just a regular Broken here. Taking up room that might be used for brainwashing stronger users.”

Jasper didn’t say anything, but he’d learned enough to understand. Without Sebastian here, a few days of their torture would break his mind and he’d do anything for them if it meant the pain would stop.

He thought about Hunter again. She wouldn’t be broken like this. She’d remember every little detail and store those feelings away for later. Then, when given the chance, she’d pay them back.

Sebastian chuckled. “Your friend sounds intense.” He sighed. “Reminds me of someone who was here a long time ago. She’d always place herself between other kids and the men. She had control, but no understanding of what she had.”

“What happened to her?”

“She disappeared.” Sebastian paused before continuing. “A lot of people disappeared one night. She was one of them.”

Jasper paled at a thought and sat up. “Were they killed?”

Sebastian shook his head. “Everyone who disappeared had been deemed ‘Usable’ by the men. Think, swords for arms and targeted locating.”

“That sounds…” Jasper stopped talking. If someone heard him, it would cause troubles. That sounds like one of my teachers.

Sebastian laughed. “Gutsy move.”

Why didn’t they take you?

“They wanted to. I decided to stay.”

Why would anyone want to stay here?

“Would you have preferred to be alone in here?”

No.

“That’s why.”

Sebastian jerked his head toward the door. “Get up.” He instructed, clambering to his feet.

“What’s going on?” Jasper followed the other boy out of the limited light. “Is it bad?”

He couldn’t see Sebastian in the shadows, but he thought he saw the boy’s eyes glinting. “No. This is great.”

Jasper turned back to the door in time to see it pop of its hinges. It flew a short distance into the room before teleporting quietly to the ground. And the boy crouching over it made Jasper’s heart soar with hope.