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fear 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 walls ...
THE INSTANT THOSE words left Alby's lips, Ria's heart stopped. She staggered backwards, whimpering as she covered her eyes.
"No, no, no!"
Newt immediately moved to console the girl, placing his hand on the small of Ria's back in an attempt to steady the trembling girl. Through the thin material of her shirt, he could feel the warmth of the feverish temperature of her body. Ria clung onto Newt's arm like a small child to a mother figure, heartbeat ringing in her ears like a relentless cry. His bicep tensed in surprise but he didn't push her away or withdraw. Instead, he allowed her to collect herself before pulling away.
"Look, I bloody well know it's strange to take in but we've all been in the same situation."
"I— I just don't understand, I don't even know who I am anymore. Am I dead?"she whispered, staggering on her words uncontrollably in shock.
Alby laughed, shaking his head in response. "No, Greenie, you're not dead. Just feels like you've hit your head hard and are only just waking up."
"Who even are you people?"
This time, the boy who'd helped her from the box replied. He rolled his eyes. "Us people, are just like you. The only thing that differentiates us is the fact that you're a shuck girl."
"Gally." Newt warned, noticing the subtle way Ria seemed to shrink under the heaviness of his words. He felt sympathetic for her, observing the way she tried to make herself as small as possible, wrapping her arms around her chest in a deliberate protective manner. As for her eyes, they searched frantically for an escape amongst the vast simplicity of the Glade. "Spare some compassion, eh?"
Gally shot Newt a weary glare but murmured a quick "sorry."
"Good that." Newt nodded in satisfaction, turning his attention back towards Ria. "Hey, it's okay Greenbean. I know there's a lot to think about, but in a few weeks you'll be a happy shank. Trust me."
"Shank?" Ria repeated slowly in confusion.
"Here we go ag—"
At this point, Alby cleared his throat which indicated that the conversation was clearly over. Gally bit back his words, ignoring the exasperated look thrown at him by Newt. Ria waited in forbearance for the leader to speak. A gentle yet refreshing breeze passed over her limbs and lifted her hair from her shoulders.
"Listen Greenie, I'll give ya the tour of the Glade tomorrow. For now, Newt'll take you to get some grub, you look like you need it." He said, nodding swiftly at Newt who grinned back in response. "Oh and Newt, no answers 'til tomorrow." Alby called over his shoulder, already striding away with Gally by his side.
