MAYA

Frank returned a minute later. His hands trembled as he set a tray in front of Silas. We ate in a silence so thick it was hard to swallow. When Silas finally stood up and signaled the end of lunch, he didn't say a word. He just headed for the exit and we followed him like shadows.

I could feel the stares of the entire cafeteria on my back. The whispers trailed us all the way to the elevator. They didn't stop until the doors hissed shut. I kept my head down because I knew the damage was done. The plan was officially in motion, and I was the...