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Jade

Jade sensed someone standing behind her and shifted uncomfortably. It was probably Avin since the Castle had allowed him to stand and move. What did he want? She stopped crying, but she didn’t turn around to snap at him. She couldn’t do that to another who carried the guilt of death. Jade discreetly rubbed her face on her arms, which were once more covered in the familiar black uniform fabric of the Haven. She raised her head, turning to look at him.

The clenched fists, the look of self-loathing — Jade saw all this before it fled away. She couldn’t tell someone like this to back off.

”You okay?” she asked.

Avin said, “I’m —“

”Isaias Baum, son of the Farmers Baum of Benevola Haven: divulge your deepest regret,” the Castle cut off Avin’s reply.

Isaias jumped up out of his seat and came to Jade. “Are you alright?” he asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.

”I’m fine!” What did he want from her? Moral support? Jade sighed. It was the least she could do, so she didn’t push him away.

”You don’t need to continue with the countdown,” said Isaias. “Don’tchya know I’m going to tell you? Well, this is what I regret: I’m a coward!” His voice rose to a shout. “People think I’m risking my neck to help others. Know what? It’s nothing! Nothing! I feed the Culled and give them kind words and let them die. I let the Benevolents send more to their deaths without lifting a finger against them. I’ve done nothing! And I even let people praise me for it,” he said bitterly. “That’s what I regret.”

Jade looked up at him in confusion. How was helping the Culled doing nothing for them? They could hardly expect him to change the society or attack the Benevolents. That would be stupid. Suicidal. She glanced at Avin, wondering if he could help her explain this to Isaias.

”Isaias,” she said, “you’re not a coward.”

He sighed in exasperation.

”You stood up for Rosemary.”

“Like that did any good.”

”You still did it, you idiot!” Jade put her hand over her mouth. She looked pointedly at Avin. He might be able to say something without insults coming out. They rather detracted from her argument, after all.