C6

As the night draped its cloak of darkness over the facility, Ajax and Donte sat huddled together in the dim light of their dormitory, their minds consumed by thoughts of escape. The events of the day had shaken them to their core, igniting a fire of determination within their hearts—a determination to break free from the chains of their captivity and forge a new path, together.

"We have to get out of here, Donte," Ajax whispered urgently, his voice barely above a murmur as he glanced nervously at the door. "We can't let them keep doing this to us, to Silas."

Donte nodded in agreement, his jaw set with determination. "I know," he replied softly, his voice carrying a hint of resolve. "But we have to be careful. We can't risk getting caught."

Their whispered conversation was interrupted by a soft, muffled sound from the corner of the room. They turned to see Silas sitting on his bunk, his small frame trembling with emotion as tears streaked down his cheeks.

"S-Silas," Donte said gently, his heart aching at the sight of his friend's distress. "What's wrong?"

Silas sniffled, his voice shaky with emotion. "I-I'm sorry," he whimpered, struggling to find the words to express his pain. "The pain... it hurts so much."

Ajax and Donte exchanged worried glances, their hearts heavy with empathy for their younger friend. They had seen Silas endure unimaginable suffering, his resilience a testament to his strength despite his tender age.

"The pain, it's too much," Silas continued, his voice trembling with each word as he gingerly touched the bruises and cuts that marred his skin. "I can't... I can't bear it anymore."

"You don't have to apologize, Silas," Ajax said softly, his voice gentle and reassuring. "We're in this together, remember? No matter what."

Silas nodded, his tears flowing freely now, but there was a flicker of determination in his eyes—a silent promise to stand by his friends, even in the darkest of times, despite the pain that gnawed at his very being.

And as they huddled together in the stillness of the night, bound by the unbreakable bonds of friendship and shared adversity, they knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, united in their quest for freedom and redemption.