The Wardens reach us in another thirty seconds and gather around the four we were facing previously.A Warden I don’t recognize speaks up. “It appears we’re at a standoff.”“No. We don’t want any trouble. We were willing to go along, but they tried to expose Leah and we asked them to let the Prime decide her fate, that’s all.” My voice cracks toward the end of the statement, revealing my bravado for what it is.We’re facing down at least fifty Wardens right now, with no leverage other than our lives. Even if we gave that up, it wouldn’t save our friends. There might not be anything that can save them now, after our fight angered and injured more Others.The Wardens appear undecided, however, and it’s probably because they don’t have any instructions on how to deal with us. At least until the one in charge falls back on his default setting, which for a Warden means cruelty and a disregard for human life.He shoves Emmy and Reese to the ground. When Emmy tries to stand up, he grabs a handful of hair and tosses her backward so hard she cracks her head on the ice and lays still.
