Inside My Head (Silent Moment Series: Book 6)

Chapter 38

However, the urgency of our situation couldn't be ignored. "I hate to cut the moment short," I interjected, "but Russell has told everyone it was a false alarm. They're not evacuating. We have no distraction."

Echo's sigh conveyed the weight of our predicament. "The rest of our friends are still in trouble, and we don't have enough people to fight our way through," she lamented.

Bellamy, ever the leader, spoke up with a calm resolve. "We're not here to fight," he said softly. "We're here to liberate."

Layla, nodding in agreement, added, "Bellamy's right. And the only weapon we need for that is truth."

Nelson's quip, "You sound like Gabriel," lightened the mood momentarily, but it also reminded us of a key player's absence.

"Where is Gabriel?" I asked, the realization hitting me. "And why did he sound the alarm so soon?"

Echo, thinking strategically, voiced a concern. "They won't believe us just because we tell them the truth."

Bellamy, focused on finding a solution, prompted, "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking Ryker helped us start this. His mother will help us finish it," Echo suggested, her plan forming in real-time.

I looked down at the mind-drive in my hand and passed it to Bellamy. "They think I'm Joseph. It can't be me." The realization was a bitter pill. My role as Joseph had its limitations, and in this case, my perceived identity could hinder our efforts.

We sprang into action, our movement swift and purposeful. Moving as a medium-large group through the compound of Sanctum presented its own set of challenges. Stealth was near impossible, and it wasn't long before we were spotted by the Sanctum citizens. But in truth, stealth wasn't our goal. We needed to be seen, to make a statement. Bellamy, with a firm yet careful grip, had Priya by the arm. He led the way, his stride confident and determined as we approached the gathered crowd. The air was thick with anticipation, a mix of curiosity and unease rippling through the onlookers as we made our way toward them. Our presence drew a range of reactions from the crowd. Some faces showed confusion, others fear or intrigue. The sight of Bellamy escorting Priya, a known Prime, was a visual none of them had expected to witness. We were a peculiar procession, each of us carrying the weight of our mission and the hope of what we were about to accomplish. The crowd grew denser as we neared the center of Sanctum, the murmurs and whispers growing louder.

This was a pivotal moment, a turning point in our rebellion. The plan to reveal the truth about the Primes and their manipulation had to be executed flawlessly. Bellamy, leading Priya, symbolized the beginning of this revelation. Our presence, our actions at this moment, would either ignite the spark of liberation or plunge us deeper into conflict. As we moved closer to the heart of the crowd, the tension heightened. We were about to confront the very foundations of Sanctum's beliefs, to challenge the narrative that had been fed to its people for generations. It was a gamble, but one we were willing to take for the sake of truth and freedom.

Bellamy's voice rang out clear and authoritative, capturing the attention of the crowd. "The power is out, the shield is down, but we are not here to fight!" he announced. "I have something to tell you that will be hard to hear, but it's the truth. The Primes told you that we're your enemy. They lied. They lied about everything. They're not gods. They don't become one with their hosts. They kill them. They steal your bodies so they can live forever. Tell them..."

All eyes turned to Priya, who stood hesitantly, the weight of her confession palpable. Bellamy's gaze on her was expectant, a silent urging for her to speak the truth. It was a critical moment; Priya's confession would either validate our claims or cast doubt upon them. After a tense, prolonged pause, Priya's voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence. "It's true," she admitted. The crowd reacted with audible gasps, the revelation hitting them like a physical blow.