The Ultimate Hunt

13.

Once I felt steady enough to leave the nurse's office, I made my way to the canteen where, according to both Milo and Hanako, the others should be gathering. 

When I pushed open the heavy doors to the canteen, conversation stopped, and all eyes turned in my direction. The room went silent, an uncomfortable, tense quiet settling over everyone. They looked exhausted, some of them red-eyed, and I realized that it was probably from witnessing the execution I'd been spared from seeing.

I couldn't spot Peter, Lane and Alice though.

A few of them seemed almost wary, as if they didn't know what to expect from me now. I could feel the weight of their stares and the questions in their eyes, some of them hesitant, others almost accusing. It was as though they were all bracing themselves for what I might say or do next.

Hanako, standing off to the side, offered me a small, reassuring nod. Milo wasn't far from him, watching me closely, his expression a mix of worry and encouragement. 

"I'd like everyone to listen to me now," I said, with my arms crossed and serious expression.

A few of them exchanged uneasy glances, but no one moved or spoke. They just watched, some with open suspicion, others with a guarded hope, as if waiting for an explanation, or maybe even an apology.

"I know you're all shaken after what happened," I began, trying to keep my voice even. "And I know that many of you probably have questions, maybe even doubts about me and what I did." I paused, letting the silence settle. "But whatever you might think, the truth is that it needed to be done."

Somewhere in the back, someone shifted, clearing their throat uncomfortably. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut, but I forced myself to keep going.

"What happened to Lydia, it wasn't what I wanted. None of us wanted this. I never wanted anyone to be hurt."

I barely got the words out when Simon's voice cut through the silence, sharp and accusing. "And yet, you still lured Adam into that trap and got him executed, didn't you?" He crossed his arms, his glare making it clear he wasn't going to hold back. "I guess you're fine with hurting people as long as it serves your purpose?" I knew that guy was going to be my next pain in the ass.

"Adam was different. An exception," I said, meeting his eyes directly. "He didn't care about anyone but himself. He didn't need a reason to start hurting people, other than his own selfish needs. If he'd managed to get away with what he was doing, he'd just keep going, keep lying and manipulating, killing anyone who got in his way. He would have done anything to get what he wanted."

Simon rolled his eyes, letting out a bitter laugh. "Right, and you just conveniently get to play judge, jury, and executioner?" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "So we're supposed to be grateful to you for.. what, deciding who's dangerous enough to kill?"

A wry smile crept onto my face, and I gave a single, firm nod. "Yes."

Simon blinked, as if he hadn't expected me to agree so bluntly. "You're actually serious, aren't you?"

I shrugged, keeping my gaze steady. "Say whatever you want, really. But the truth is one. I was the only one who knew the real colors of Adam. I was the only one who took action against him. I was the only one who managed to get rid of him without more getting blood spilled. I did what I knew was right, what I knew would protect us in the long run. I'm not asking for anyone's gratitude or forgiveness. But if you're all standing here today instead of lying dead because I took action, then maybe that's something you should consider before you throw stones."

Simon opened his mouth to retort, but hesitated. He glanced around again, searching for support, but most of the group seemed to be lost in thought, their expressions conflicted.