Page 75 of Echoes

"And you also understand that while I am not a member of day-to-day staff at Lilydale, I have the authority to make decisions in regards to your admission."

"Still yes."

"Great," he says happily, surprising me. "Arthur, call the guards. Have them escort Ms. White to solitary isolation. I think a week should do it."

My demeanor drops, mouth opening in shock. "What?!"

Alexander looks at me, eyes narrowing. "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, Ms. White."

"Wait a minute," Dr. Smith loudly chimes in. "That's not necessary."

"Do not question my decisions, Christopher, or else you will be out of a job. I easily found a psychiatrist to step into the new role. I can easily find a replacement for you as well."

Mr. Whittingham walks past us, opening the office door. I hear him motioning for someone, my heart racing. I turn to Dr. Smith, eyes pleading with him. He looks back at me with sorrowful eyes, defeated, shaking his head.

"You can't let them take me," I shout to him as a guard enters the room. "I haven't done anything!"

The guard grabs my arms, pulling me toward the door. I struggle in his grip, trying to break loose.

My feet drag along the ground as he pulls me into the corridor, the three men watching from the doorway.

I let out a scream of frustration, throwing my elbows back. I manage to clip the guard in the ribs, resulting in him slamming me chest-first into the wall to get a better grip on me.

"Get your fucking hands off me!" I screech, hearing footsteps behind me.

"What's going on here?"

I stop struggling at the familiar voice, turning my head to find Damon standing in the hallway. He's staring at the five of us casually, hands in his pockets. There's not another guard in sight escorting him, and when his eyes land on the three men by the door, his lips upturn into a smirk.

"Family reunion without me? I'm hurt," Damon says sarcastically, touching his chest.

"Get back to your room," Whittingham sneers at him.

"I don't think I will," he replies, unfazed. "Get your hands off Avery," he adds, staring daggers at the guard.

To my surprise, I'm let go, slumping against the wall. I quickly turn around, watching them all with wide eyes as I try to catch my breath.

The guard stands next to me, still close by at the ready, but he's watching Damon. I recognize him from other interactions—Connor, I think.

"Don't listen to him," Whittingham huffs to the guard. "Take her to solitary confinement."

Damon's eyes dart over to me against the wall before returning to Whittingham, smirking. "He doesn't answer to you, Arthur. I told you to remember your place."

He scoffs, turning to Alexander. "Dosomething."

My mouth falls open at the strange turn of events. Dr. Smith just leans against the doorframe, seemingly happy not to get involved—and alsorelievedto see Damon step in.

"Damon—" Alexander starts, a look of fury on his face.

"Oh, fuck off, Father. Save whatever pathetic bullshit you are about to say for someone who cares."

Chapter 25

Damon

The hallway erupts into spontaneous reactions. It's blissful—I love causing chaos. Even Lilydale's most powerful men are no match for their emotions—falling like dominoes when I crush their minds.

Pathetic.

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