The room was empty. Hunter felt herself deflate. Tristan had double checked with her ability that this was the room.

So where was Jasper?

She wanted to cry. She wanted to scream. She wanted to forget about this place and go home.

Pain seared in the back of her head at the same time someone collided with her front.

“You guys came.” Jasper sobbed quietly into her shirt. “You’re really here.”

Hunter’s arms closed around him in a vice grip. “Are you okay?” she sobbed along with him.

In the moment, Hunter was unaware of anything else happening around them. Later, however, she would look back and remember a second boy walking out of the room. He was so pale, he must have been in there for ages. He walked right up to Thomas and shook his hand like they were old friends, then tried to walk back into the room, but her brother shook his head.

“You’re coming with us this time.” He said firmly. “How would it look if the guards found the door wide open, but one of it’s occupants still inside?”

“Mighty suspicious, I’d bet.” The boy sighed. “Fine.” He looked over at Tristan and zeroed in on the folded crane in her hands. “Welcome home, Twist.”

“This isn’t a home.” Tristan said coldly. She paused, glaring at him.

He laughed and held up his hands. “Alright, alright. I give.” He glanced at Hunter and Jasper, still huddled together in reunion. “Must be some school.”

“Um, maybe we could have this conversation outside?” K suggested, looking over his shoulder. “What if someone sees us?”

“You’re right.” Thomas put a hand on his shoulder. “Can you try a chameleon?”

K nodded and closed his eyes. He shrank down into a gecko before fading out.

“Just be careful.” Thomas said to where he was. “We can’t see you either.” He pulled Hunter and Jasper apart and directed them down the hall. “Time to go, kids.”

Something dropped on Hunter’s shoulder. She looked over and saw K, exhausted. “Too slow.” He mumbled, closing his eyes.

“I got this.” Jasper squeezed Hunter’s hand before disappearing. “Go. I’m right behind you.”

“But…” Hunter wanted to protest, but Lucas was already pulling her along.

“He sees two guards on patrol.” The new boy reported. “They aren’t alerted, but we should hurry.”

They raced up the stairs. This time, Michael took up the rear. Lucas dragged Hunter all the way through the first hallway and didn’t let go until they were back on the other side of the fence.

“Where’s Jasper?” she asked as soon as everyone was gathered.

In response, he materialized beside her. “I’m good.” He grinned.

“You have control.” Dan said what they all could see. “After one day?”

“I had a good teacher.”

The new boy scoffed. “Those idiots don’t know anything. How could you have taught you?”

Jasper stared at him in amazement. “No. Sebastian, I’m talking about you.”

“Oh.” The boy blushed. “Well, I have been there a while.” He rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed. “I had to learn to survive.”

“Why don’t you teach?” Hunter suggested. “Like, at our school. If no one’s Broken, there’s no reason for them to disappear.”

Thomas nodded. “It’s a good idea. My people can probably swing something.”

“I’ll think about it.” Sebastian grinned. “But first, I haven’t had ice cream since I was six.”