RONAN'S POV

The assembly ended in chaos. Security had to escort us out through a side door. Too many students crowding. Some supported. Some are hostile. All of them are loud.

We ended up in Hale's temporary office. All seven of us. Plus Mercer. Plus Hale himself.

"That went badly," Chen said, sitting down heavily.

"It went as expected," Hale replied. "Cultural change creates resistance. Always has. Always will."

"They want us gone. Half the school wants us removed."

"Half the school is ...