Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Raven

Raven couldn’t decide which was worse: the harsh, blinding light or the relentless ticking sound. They’d called it a suite, but it was anything but. The room was bare, save for a cot, a bucket, and a large two-way mirror on the wall.

Sometimes, she could see through to the other side. But not today. Today was going to be another hard one.

The heavy door crashed open, followed by a cold splash of water. It was a routine she still hadn’t adjusted to. This time, she’d tried to take cover under the cot, but his aim was always spot on.

A thin gown was tossed her way, landing in the puddle.

“Are you dead yet?” he asked.

“Not that easy,” she replied.

There were nights when she considered using the thin sheet around her neck instead of returning to the chair. Raven dragged herself out from under the cot. Every muscle movement felt like a knife stabbing into her.

“Still got some fight in you. I’ll cut your time in the healing tank again. Hurry up before I have to drag you.”

Raven counted the scratch marks on the wall. ~65 days.~ She wondered if they knew she was missing. Did they miss her? Did they care? Had they moved on? Were they happy?

She pulled the wet gown over her head, but before she could pull it down, he grabbed the material and dragged her across the cold, rough floor, back to the room they called Midnight.

Raven tried to pull the gown down to protect her backside from the scrapes and bruises. ~What’s the point?~ she thought.

“I’ve got a special guest for you today,” he said.

A chill ran down her spine. She hadn’t told them anything. Had they still found out? Raven avoided his gaze as he strapped her into the cold metal chair.

“She hates your face as much as I do,” a familiar voice said.

She was grateful her head was strapped to the chair, or she might’ve snapped her neck turning towards the voice. He walked around to the front and fixed his red eyes on her.

He tightened the last strap. “The universe was kind enough to make two of you. She even cried at its beauty once the liquor wore off.”

“That’s right. There are two of you,” General Fleu said.

It was beautiful, and she had cried, but only because she thought it was Dhol coming to rescue her. Raven had almost been reckless enough to ruin everything.

After spending time with him, she’d realized he wasn’t her Dhol.

“I need your twisted mind to break her,” he said, pulling out some vials from a drawer.

“Oito—”

“I’ll make it worth your while. The cameras are already off, and I know you like your privacy, so I’ll be in my office,” Oito said.

General Fleu rubbed his chin. “Did you give her the shot?”

“Going all out, are we?” Oito asked, moving to a cabinet.

Oito placed a bottle filled with a red liquid on the rolling cart. The cart was stocked with the usual items: needles, pliers, clamps, scalpels, and other tools that belonged in a horror movie.

General Fleu tossed his pack on the floor by the stool and sat down. He adjusted the light, angling it directly over her face. She squinted and frowned. ~He’s always been an asshole.~

Oito adjusted the bandage on his neck. “Do you want her gagged?”

General Fleu laughed. “I think I can handle it.” He filled a syringe with the red liquid.

The door closed with a soft thud, and after Oito’s footsteps faded away, General Fleu pulled a canteen from his pack and held it to her cracked lips. She accepted it without question.

When the other guards offered her food and water, it always came with ~conditions~, but right now, she needed it. It had been almost two days since she last had water and about a week since she ate.

Raven had passed out a few times over the last few months from lack of food and water.

“I’m quite impressed you’ve lasted this long. I thought I was going to have to kill you,” General Fleu said.

“My boat won’t sink,” Raven said, smiling.

He pulled a tablet from his pack. “Not intentionally, but if this comes back positive, it will be only a matter of time no matter what you do.”

A sharp prick to her arm made her flinch. He placed the sample on a slide and pushed it into the tablet. After a few moments, it beeped. He cursed and showed her the screen.

Her heart stopped as she read and reread the result.

“We have to take care of it or—”

“I know, but—”

“But what? You won’t be able to keep it, and whoever is responsible will be punished. You didn’t listen before. Listen now.”

“I—I need time to think,” Raven said.

“This is the only chance to do it without being seen,” he said.

Raven’s heart started racing, and her toes tapped against the metal. Her mind was fogging up. Everything was spinning.

“I can’t. I’ll find another way.”

He sighed. “I was hoping you’d wised up since the last time we met, but I guess not. It’s already been taken care of.”

“What? When did—”

~the damn canteen.~

Her vision blurred, then the tears spilled over. “You didn’t.”

“All you have to do is sit there and let the process happen.”

“You’re dead. Fucking—” A stabbing pain erupted in her lower stomach.

“I told you. I won’t let you bring him down with you.”

His face was void of emotion as he watched her. A warm trickle began, slowly pooling under her. The stabbing sensation increased in strength and frequency.

“Your life is over. There’s no need to drag everyone into it. It’s better to start with a clean slate. You never know, you might just be the king’s new favorite. Just don’t fuck up this time.”

Raven felt a dizzying lightness in her head. Her teeth ached from the force of her clenching jaw, and her body trembled, consumed by a fiery heat. She couldn’t find the words to speak, but she was certain he could read the message in her eyes.