Chapter 4

I groaned as I came to. My head was pounding and every part of my body ached. I slowly opened my eyes and blinked hard against the blinding light. All I could remember was a sharp pain and then black. As gently as I could, I pushed myself up from the floor to rest on my knees. I scanned the room but I didn't recognize it at all. And I certainly hadn't been here when I fell. Pain shot through me as I forced myself to my feet. I had to stand with my feet spread apart in order to keep balance. My head felt dizzy as if I was going to pass out again any second.

"Where am I?" I whispered to myself. The place was old and clearly not well taken care of.

"Abysus, of course." I whirled around at the voice, sending my head into a tizzy. A man in a long coat with long dark hair walked towards me. "Kaycee? Isn't it? Pleasure to meet you. I am Van Kleiss."

"How did I get here?" I demanded.

"Well isn't it obvious? I brought you here. That fall would have killed you had I not intervened." his smile was less than reassuring. "Come now we have much to talk about." I stepped away as he tried to put an arm around me and sucked in a sharp breath when I noticed his one golden hand. I looked away quickly. "Follow me then." he said and began walking away.

"What do you want with me?" I snapped.

"Cutting right to the chase, are we? Very well. I understand you have been hidden away from the world for the past two years of your young life."

"Yeah, what of it?" I barked.

"Well it just seems so unfair. A pretty young thing such as yourself should not have to deal with such savagery. And at such a young age. With your powers-"

"How do you know all this about me?"

"We'll get to that. Now about your powers. Would you care to do a little demonstration?"

"So you can use me just like Providence? No! I refuse. I won't ever use them again. Not after what I've done." I hung my head, ashamed of my past.

"I think you misunderstand me. You see I have brought you here to offer you a whole new life. Freedom. Everything you've ever dreamed."

"Everything comes with a price."

"Smart girl. Yes, there is one thing I would have you do for me as a way of… showing your loyalty."

"Loyalty? What makes you think I would do anything for you?"

"Because, my dear, I'm afraid you have no choice."

"What are you talking about?"

"Rex is very important to me, Kaycee. So I have a job for you. I want you to control him for me."

"Never." I spat.

"Ah, ah, ah. You didn't let me finish. If you dare to disobey my orders, he dies." Van Kleiss moved aside to reveal my brother, Eric, bloodied and in chains. My heart sank.

"Eric…" I whispered, tears stung my eyes. "Ah!" I screamed as pain ravaged my body. I sank to the floor.

"Ah, yes Providence calls. It seems that even after all these years that chip inside you still works. Fascinating. Of course, do what I ask and I will let you have your brother and have that chip destroyed." Van Kleiss looked at me expectantly. "However, if you refuse…" he gestured towards my brother just as a huge metal creature brought a whip across his back. I hung my head, defeated.