Page 100 of Ravage

Grey throws me a knowing look as Arthur steps up, and I feel my hands curl into fists under the table.

"Good afternoon, students," he starts happily. "Today is a great day for Lilydale."

Avery gives me a confused look, her face puzzled as she listens carefully.

"Today marks the anniversary of dear, sweet Lily Emerson-Dale's passing. Her legacy lives on in all of you. Her life was not wasted, this facility giving you all a second chance…"

He pauses for dramatic effect, though the other patients just stare blankly at him. Avery's head snaps toward me, her eyes wide as she processes the information. I don't look at her though—not trusting myself to stay calm if I see the empathy and pity in her eyes.

Arthur clears his throat, unfazed by the lack of reaction. "To commemorate, we have been working hard with our team of professionals, and I am pleased to announce that we will be trialing new therapy alternatives."

My spine stiffens as my knuckles turn white. Next to me, Avery tenses up as his words sink in.

"That fucking cunt," Grey whispers angrily, reaching for Avery's leg under the table.

"As an initiative and a show of good faith, we will be offering a reduction on your sentences here for anyone who voluntarily opts in to join the trial. All we need is your signed consent and upon completion of the trial, we anticipate you'll be in a position to leave Lilydale."

There's chatter through the hall as his words finally spark interest in the patients. Avery's head whips around, and even without looking, I know she's seeking out Capello.

I can hear her breathing get deeper as she tries to calm herself, Grey leaning over to whisper into her ear.

"Dr. Elsher will be in his office during your free time," Arthur states loudly. "If you are interested, please make your way there. We are canceling classes today and extending free time which starts now in honor of Lily. The guards will be there to assist with queues. Thank you."

He steps down, throwing one final glance back at me before slinking out of the hall.

When he's out of sight, noise erupts as people talk, excited about the prospect of getting out of here.

"He's going to send them out of here in body bags," Avery snaps quietly. "We have to do something."

"I need to go speak to him," I say, standing up.

Avery's hand swings out, grabbing my wrist. "Damon…" she starts, voice laced with pain.

"Don't, Avery," I murmur, not trusting myself. I'll snap if she looks at me with those pitying eyes. "It's fine."

She hesitates, not letting me go. "I'll come with you. Or Grey," she states, turning to him for support.

Grey reaches out, gently prying her hand back from me. "We've got this under control, little killer. Trust us." He squeezes her hand, entwining their fingers as he gives me a nod.

I take off after Arthur, tapping my pocket to check for the envelope. He vanishes through the door at the end of the corridor, my eyes narrowing on the line of people against the wall waiting to enter Elsher's office.

They are going to sign their own death warrants and don't even realize.

He knows I can't protect them all at once, particularly if they go willingly. I didn't see this coming, but that's okay—they won't see me coming either.

The guard at the end of the corridor steps aside as I approach, clearing the path for me.

"Open the door," I demand.

He quickly swipes his card, punching in my mother's birthday before swinging it open. I cross the threshold of the entrance, passing Dorothea's empty desk, and slam open Arthur's door with my palm.

It bounces off the wall, the two men turning casually to look as if they expected my arrival.

"You're too predictable, Damon," my father sighs with disappointment from his place behind the desk. He's sitting in Arthur's chair while the other man leans against the wall,watching on with a smug smile that I can't wait to wipe off his face.

"Then you should know what's coming next," I taunt. "But I bet you don't because your heads are too far up each other's asses."

My father taps his fingers on the edge of the desk, disinterested. "The order passed yesterday. It's over, Damon."

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