Thirty-Four
PlanI was the last member of the group to arrive at the cafeteria. Whispered words added to the eerie vibe already in the room. A battery-operated lantern sat in the middle of the table. The glow cast large, inky shadows, and they stretched up the mural painted walls and covered the ceiling. It was the middle of the night and no one would bother us during our meeting.
As I approached the table, my eyes narrowed. Seven bodies huddled over the lantern.
Noah looked up from the others; the light brightened his face. “Hey, I thought you would sleep through this.” He smiled at me and pulled out a chair beside him. I sat, and my attention focused on the two new members.
I nodded at Aya and Khelden. Aya raised her hand from the tabletop in acknowledgement. Sitting beside Khelden,
