prison escape · family dynamics · protective · ensemble cast · high stakes · young adult · survival · loyalty · action · gritty
The train car jolts and groans, a steel cage slicing through the night. Inside, cramped in separate cells, are Sage, Julian, Ethan, Jonas, Jade, Marcus, and Maya. A shape-shifter framed Ethan for a bank robbery, and now they're all being hauled toward a penitentiary. *I didn't do it!* Ethan's voice is strained, hoarse from arguing. Maya leans against the opposite bars, arms crossed, her eyes cold. *Always knew you were a criminal.* Jonas lets out a bitter laugh. *He was the criminal, and WE got arrested.* Ethan slams a fist against the metal, the sound ringing through the car. Julian watches him, then speaks quietly. *Then who did...?* Ethan's shoulders slump, and his whisper is lost beneath the rattling wheels. *Who did...*