I finally look away from glass tube, feigning unconsciousness as the scientists as the scientists finish up their notes make for the exit. The door slides shut behind them with a soft hiss and I allow myself to breathe a sigh of relief. At least for now I am alone. I wait a few more moments to be sure they have truly left before slowly opening my eyes. The harsh lights of the lab assault my vision, causing me to squint as my eyes adjust. I glance around, taking in my limited surroundings, trying to ignore the way my body aches and throbs after what they have put me through. I shudder, hating how vulnerable I feel strapped down like a lab specimen. My gaze falls upon my bound wrists, raw and irritated beneath the thick leather straps holding me securely to the table. I experimentally tug at my restraints, grunting with the effort, but they do not budge."Come on, come on," I mutter through gritted teeth, yanking at the restraints until my wrists ache. I strain against them with al
Everything aches as I sit here on the frigid floor of the lab. I feel hollow, numb inside and out like my soul has been ripped from my body, leaving an empty shell behind. The fluorescent lights above cast a harsh glare that pierces through my heavy eyelids, yet I can't find the strength to close them. I stare blankly ahead, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts, yet feeling oddly disconnected from it all.I can't believe my mother would do this to me.My body trembles from the cold seeping into my bones but I don't have the will left to move. After what feels like an eternity, the heavy metal door hisses open with a rush of cool air. I don't even look up to see who enters, finding I no longer care what fresh horrors they have in store. Strong hands grip my arms, yanking me from the floor without care or concern. I'm tossed onto a table like a rag doll, my limbs splayed out awkwardly. Straps are secured across my wrists, ankles, and waist once more with efficient, clinical pre
My eyes crack open reluctantly, dry and gritty after whatever meager rest I managed to find strapped to this cold metal table. Every muscle aches in protest as I test the binds feebly, mouth parched and body stiff. For a moment there is blissful stillness, then the heavy doors sigh open. I go motionless, pretending the depths of unconsciousness while sharp scientist eyes scrutinize monitors. Their hushed conversation carries clearly in the empty silence."His vitals are stable, but the new serum doesn't seem to be as strong as we'd hoped," one of the scientists says, brow furrowed in concentration."We'll just have to increase the dosage for tomorrow's test," the other replies, jotting something down on their clipboard. "The higher ups are growing impatient. We need results. Fortunately, the subject seems to be recovering faster than expected."I strain to hear more, dread pooling in my stomach as I wonder what other horrors they have planned. God, what are they going to do to him
We're almost there, the exit is just down the hall. After everything we've been through, freedom is finally within reach. In my excitement, I push through the crowd with the unconscious boy in tow, my heart pounding from elation as I outrun my classmates.But just as I'm about to make my move, a familiar figure comes charging towards me - Everett, the literal bane of my existence.She blocks my path, her eyes narrowed into a menacing glare."Going somewhere, Ande?" she hisses, her eyes narrowed to slits.I scowl, tightening my grip on the gurney handles. "Get out of my way, Everett. I'm getting out of here."She lets out a harsh laugh, shaking her head. "I can't let you do that. You all belong back in the Labs, where you can't cause any more trouble.""Trouble?" I spit, my anger boiling over. "You call what you've been doing to us 'trouble'? You're monsters, the lot of you!"Everett's expression darkens, and she takes a menacing step forward. "I told you to go back ANDE."I sneer bac
I can feel Everett's body tense under my grip m, and I can hear the murmurs of my classmates behind me. They're unsure about this plan, but I don't care. I'm not going to let anything stop me from escaping this place."You've got one minute to decide," I say, my voice calm and steady. "Time's ticking."Everett stares at the camera, her expression a mix of fury and desperation. "No!... Father, you can't seriously believe this!" She grouses, "Everyone knows I'm too valuable to kill. He won't let you do it". She glares at me, her eyes fierce. "He's bluffing, he won't kill me," she says, trying to sound confident, but her voice wavers.I sneer at her pathetic attempt at bravado, my grip tightening around her arm."I'm not bluffing," I say in a low, menacing tone. "Try me."Everett's eyes widen with fear as she tries to tug herself free, but I hold her fast. A shiver runs through her body and she turns to the camera, her voice trembling. Turning to face the camera, I plaster on a false
I stare down Ethan, my eyes narrowing in disdain at the way he inches back, trying to keep his distance from all of us. The nerve of this coward, putting his own life before the safety of these innocent students! I can't let him get away with this."Did you let your cousin die too, Ethan? Did you let valerie die too, huh?" I ask, my voice dripping with accusation. "Is that why you're so willing to sacrifice all of us?"Ethan's eyes widen, and he shakes his head frantically. "No, Ande, you don't understand. I don't have a choice! If I don't cooperate, the rest of my family will be wiped out. I'm begging you, please, just let me do this."I scoff and shove him away from the doorway, pinning him against the wall. "I can't stop, no matter what you say. Our class's lives are at stake, and I won't let you jeopardize them." I growl, my eyes dark with malice.Ethan crumples to the floor, cowering in fear as he looks up at me. I turn and continue down the hallway, determined to find a way to
I push myself up from the cold concrete floor, every muscle aching and sore. That last attack did a number on me, but I can't show any weakness, not now. Blackwood chuckles darkly as he watches me struggle, amused by my pathetic display. "I knew you would give up eventually, Ande. You may be the top student here, but you're still just a boy. You could never hope to defeat me."I ignore his taunting and slowly reach my feet, leaning against the wall for support. As much as I want to drop and admit defeat, I know I can't. My classmates are counting on me to stop this madman. If I fail, who knows what horrors he has planned for them? The destitute let out an irritated sigh, growing impatient with my resilience. "Just admit it's over; come bow before me. I may let some of your little friends live if you beg prettily enough."A new fire lights inside me at his threatening words. I'll die before I let this monster hurt anyone else. Scanning the room desperately for anything that can h
(Ethan's POV)My hands shake as I move quickly between the lab stations, gathering any supplies that could be of use. The guilt and fear are almost suffocating, memories of my past betrayal threatening to overwhelm me. How can ande trust me again? After Everything?I see a flash of red hair and a small teasing smile and I have to close my eyes over the onslaught of painful memories.Valerie.God, why her?Shaking my head, i push the thoughts out of my mind.I can't lose focus, not when so many lives depend on what I create here. Ande's fiery words sparked a new determination in my core but facing down blackwood is a whole different beast. I knew the labs offered the best chance of slowing or knocking him out however. The distance provides more time and cover than the weapons vault, and chances are high the principal has sealed that location by now anyways. I'm just finishing mixing a few volatile compounds when I hear shouts and pounding footsteps approaching. Dread sinks in my