The primary conflict arises when Luke's parents, members of the Hidden Council, reveal to him that he has a rare and dangerous ability called"Dreamwalking," which allows him to enter the dreams of others and manipulate their thoughts and memories. This power makes him a potential threat to the Hidden community and the human world at large.
As Luke grapples with the implications of his abilities, he is torn between his duty to the Hidden Council and his desire to live a normal life. Throughout the novel, he faces external conflicts with rogue Hidden members who seek to exploit his power, as well as internal struggles as he tries to understand the nature of his gift and the ethical boundaries that come with it.
To further amplify the conflict, the novel introduces a sinister organization called the "Order," a group dedicated to eradicating all traces of the Hidden from existence. The Order becomes a formidable adversary for Luke and his friends, raising the stakes and complicating their quest for freedom and acceptance.
Through these conflicting forces, "Among the Hidden" delves into themes of identity, power, responsibility, and the sacrifices individuals must make for the greater good. Luke's journey as he comes to terms with his unique abilities and navigates the dangerous world of the Hidden and the Order drives the central conflict of the novel.