∆JULIAN’s POV∆I stared at Theo’s frozen face, waiting for him to say something back to me. When he kept sitting there like a statue, I reached out and gently rested my hand on his arm."Hey," I murmured, keeping my voice low so I wouldn't wake the other boys sleeping across the floor. "I know you're terrified. The last time we tried to run, the guards caught us before we even got near the fence. But this time is different. I've spent three years watching their shift changes. I swear to you, Theo. This time, we're getting out.”Theo didn't pull away, but he didn't look up at me either. He just stared down at the floor, his small hand squeezing the little glass jar of herbal ointment until his knuckles went white."I'm fine," Theo said quietly. His voice sounded flat, like all the tears he had been crying just a few minutes ago had completely dried up.I swallowed down the knot tightening in my throat, telling myself he was just exhausted. Anyone would be numb after being whipped and t
Last Updated : 2026-09-02 Read more