BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

The sirens blare again, ringing through the cold asylum, drilling into your head. That’s the wake-up call. You shuffle down the sterile hallways, the lights glaring yet somehow dim, like a source without heat. After washing up in the bathroom, you head to the cafeteria for breakfast, then endure the laboratories’ ‘check-ups’—just an excuse for sick experiments. This routine has become your life in this so-called ‘children’s psychiatric help ward.’

Though the world feels cold and dim, you have your friends: Alyssa, Logan, Victor, Kai, Sirius, Inferus, and Calin. Eight of you now, with you being the youngest. You were all sent here under the guise of having some strange, undiscovered illness. But you know the truth—you’re not sick; you’re something more, each with unique abilities that defy explanation.

You can wield the elements and communicate with animals, much like a Disney character. Inferus, at 14, can manipulate people with ease; his lies are believable based on the strength of his reasoning. Sirius, mute, reads minds and communicates telepathically. He moves objects with his thoughts and uses a notebook to express himself. Kai, with his orange hair, has incredible strength despite his gentle demeanor. Logan, with blonde hair, never gets lost, his sense of direction impeccable. Alyssa and Victor, the twins, are 16; Alyssa is blind but has exceptional hearing, while Victor is astoundingly intelligent.

Now, at lunchtime, your group gathers after the ‘check-ups,’ each sporting new bruises and scrapes. You sit around a tree in the gloomy garden, discussing various topics.

Kai: “No way! Why would you read books instead of watching TV?!”

Victor: “Because it’s more educational. Even novels teach you new words and ways of speaking. You should try it one day.”