Chapter 45. Beneath the Vent

ARDEN

That kind of man was placed in power in the United Factions? I couldn’t believe it. All the stories I had heard about him being an advocate for students’ rights slipped through my fingers like water. It was clear he was just another man in a position of power.

As I stepped out of his office, I suddenly understood what I had become. Fodder. A factionless freak.

Still, I held my head high as eyes landed on me. The badges on everyone’s collars glimmered like silent warnings, signaling that I was an outsider in a world where conformity ruled.

By the time I reached our first class, the atmosphere hadn’t improved.

“Hey!” Rowan greeted, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I sighed, turning to meet his gaze, trying to muster as much sincerity as I could. His eyes showed something—concern? With that, he slowly withdrew his arm.

“Thanks,” I muttered, redirecting my attention to the board. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was an unwanted presence.