Everyone was silent.

"What happens if you don't?" Jillian asked quietly.

"...He... I'm not sure, honestly. He'll probably come out and get you himself, then give me a punishment that would range from burns to lashes," Kieran replied, subduing a shiver.

Jillian looked away to hide her fear.

"What will happen to the one that goes?" Preston asked.

"They'll be made to work for Gethen and possibly brainwashed if they resist too much."

"So, one of us has to go?" Maddie asked.

Grace looked over at her, and though Maddie tried to hide it, saw a flash of determination in her eyes.

"Ye-"

"No." Grace cut Kieran off instantly. "I know what you are thinking Madison Messenger. You will NOT go with Kieran to be brainwashed and forced to work with the villains. We will think of another way!"

"There is no way we're letting him take you. Take any of us," Gavin added, looking her straight in the eye.

"One of us is going," Maddie stated firmly. "You already had who-knows-what done to you and Grace was tortured. Neither of you remember. Now, I don't have the best memory, but I can fight this. And I will. No one is stopping me."

Grace grabbed onto her arm. After a moment, Gavin followed. Jillian and Preston exchanged a glance.

"You can't stop her," Jillian noted.

"Yeah. We all know how stubborn she is. And violent." Preston rubbed his arm where Maddie had dragged him on top of her and Gavin.

Grace looked her in the eye as she dropped her arm and nodded.

Gavin searched Maddie's eyes helplessly for some cue that she might leave this battle for someone else to fight, but there was nothing. All that shone was her determination. He slowly let go of her wrist.

"We have to go," Kieran prodded gently.

Maddie hugged Jillian, then Preston, and a long hug with Grace, saying, "Look after them."

She turned to Gavin. Gavin held her gaze silently, but was begging her not to go on the inside. Maddie leaned over, her face only a few inches away from his. Gavin turned red, but Maddie was redder.

Grace squealed, then covered her mouth. She was tempted to lean over and push Maddie into-

DON'T YOU DARE, Maddie's mental voice screamed, hearing Grace's thoughts.

Gavin stood there completely embarrassed. Maddie leaned over so her face was near his again. She leaned over and...

Awkwardly patted his back.

"U-Um..." she stuttered. "Goodbye." She turned to face the group. "All of you."

And with that, Maddie, Raymond, and Kieran were gone.