Chapter 28 - by Sugar Faerie

Alec

You know, if you're going to be a member of the secret police, don't study medicine before hand. It gives you bad habits. I'm a good example.

The rebel leader... several cuts, two of them serious, bruising, possible broken leg.

Injuries. I count them. Even when I inflict them myself.

Even when we tortured that little girl, I found myself tallying up the damage we'd done as we left her. We did a lot. It's a wonder she didn't die.

The blonde Drake's taking back to her cell. Cuts, severe bruising, head injury and most likely internal damage as well, judging by the way she can't walk. Drake's practically dragging her.

Blaine's leading another girl down the corridor, another blonde. She's got a few bruises, but the most obvious damage is to her wrists. Sliced open with the precision of a surgeon. Now that she inflicted on herself.

My collegues take another woman out, who I'm pretty sure was in solitary earlier. Obviously she didn't know anything.

Bruising, torn muscles, couple of cuts. Not too bad, considering what some of the others have been through.

Not that that wasn't about to change.

She's a pretty one, certainly. Dark skin, dark hair, intelligent eyes. I've noticed her before. She glares as they lead her past me. "You hurt Hamster," she shouts.

"The little one? Yeah, I did." No harm in inflicting a little mental anguish.

She struggles against her captors, hissing like an angry cat. "You bastard!" she shouts again, her voice increasing in volume. "I could kill you! If it wasn't for these morons holding me I would!"

Aiden, who's holding her right arm, punches her hard in the face. Another bruise for the tally. Is it just me, or did the other captor, Celeste, just frown at Aiden?

The woman is still fighting them, and I realise she's one of the few who still do. The others all seem to have given up. But she hasn't stopped.

Aiden sighs, and turns to me. "Want her? She deserves it, little bitch."

The woman stuggles harder. Behind the next cell door, I hear another rebel voice cry out, almost imploringly, "Aretha, just give up, it's no use... if you don't, they'll hurt you more!"

Aiden laughs and hisses in the woman's ear. "See, she's got the right idea..."

This woman fascinates me. How she could hang on for so long, when even the other solitary girl stopped fighting us. Would I be the one to break her? Could I be?

I tell Aiden that I'll take her, and decide to investigate. If what we normally dish out won't break her, then what will? In a sick way, I'm dying to find out.