I leaned back in my chair, satisfaction running through me. That was a good five hours spent. Though, learning by your self was much harder than learning with a teacher.

I guessed.

School.

Starts in less than a week… I missed Brookland comprehensive. Except I couldn't really go back, could I? I would if I could; but when that sniper tried to kill me in my own school I knew it was over. When they hit Tom and I got furious; I knew I would have to leave. The rumours and looks, I could take. But when people who respected me and my privacy started to demand answers I couldn't give… what was I supposed to say?

Oi, I can't bloody answer your questions because of the control freak government. It's annoying, I know and kinda stupid because you guys are danger; but I can't say a damn thing – classified and all. Sorry.

Sometimes, I just wanted to pull out my hair (I swear, they'd drive me mad if the missions hadn't).

I wanted to yell at the world; but I knew she wouldn't want to answer me because of what I wanted.

I didn't want Scorpia down in flames. I wanted Scorpia completely obliterated. I also wanted to go back to my school and the people I knew.

There would be absolutely nothing left of that stupid organisation.

Truthfully, I just wanted to claw their eyes out, rip up their bodies and tear their world apart.

I wanted to punch something. But the things in this room were too nice to be damaged. I shrugged. At least I was being thoughtful.

I yawned and looked around the drab room; my eyes landing onto the laptop left upon my bed. I stood and walked over to the plush bed, settling down onto it.

Facebook wasn't a very nice place. But it would do to serve my purpose.

Tom: alex! where have you been? hows america and sabina?

Alex: its alright i guess. two weeks til school. really hot. nice beaches, house is big.

Tom: ive got a scar from you know what! It still hurts a bit when you touch it, and the experience is scary as hell. … they all still wonder about you and you know what, you know?

Alex: hasnt blown over yet?

Tom: nope. they say some things that hit a bit too close to home sometimes. after you disappeared for a month, it was alright; they sorta expected it. when we were told you were moving to america, rumours got crazy.

Alex: how?

Tom: they really DO think youre in a gang. doing drugs and all that.

Alex: all that's fine. but how are you going?

Tom: youre not here anymore. you werent around much, but when you were, it was loads fun. we don't get into so much trouble because you were always there with a story or tricks. no ones like that around here. a bit boring if you ask me.

Alex: im going for a walk. i need fresh air. ttyl

Tom: bye alex. miss you.

Alex: me too. ill come visit next holidays.

Tom: keep safe alex

With that, I signed out and logged off the laptop. I lay down and allowed my mind to space. The things in front of me became unseeing.

I wished Tom was here. Sabina was fun; but she wasn't Tom. She wasn't my best friend. There were some things a girl couldn't know.

Stop thinking.

I let my emotions wash over me and thought about everything, only… I was thinking about nothing. My thoughts turned into a buzz in the background and I closed my eyes.

Sleep… reaps… weak little Alex, do you want to slumber and be dead to our world?

My eyes flew wide open. I took in a ragged gasp and shot upright in my bed, heart hammering and pulse thrumming in my ears. No, no, NO! Damn it, Salvage, leave me alone! I let out a cruel sound of amusement – I guess some people could actually haunt you from their grave – or more precisely; follow like some annoying rat.

My face twisted into a scowl before I turned around and threw a punch at my pillow. I needed something to vent my anger on, but there was nothing here for me to vent on. I let out a growl of aggravation and irritation. I got up from the bed in a dark mood. "Bloody bastard won't leave me the hell alone." I rumbled under my breath. I clenched my teeth and glared at the wall in front of me. My hands curled to fists and I... let my anger go.

Climbing back under my covers, I commanded myself to sleep. School was only so far away and I needed to be ready and I also needed these reminders of Salvage GONE. The last thing I did before I fell to sleep was cuss at a dead person.

Day 7 (Recurring dream... or nightmare?)

You will NEVER get me. EVER!

Oh, but I think I will; after I'm done with you, you'll have wished for me.

Leave me the fuck alo –! Arghhh!

My scream echoed throughout the room, bouncing off the walls to let me listen to the dead boy.

You will not… pant… let me… gasp… touch you or… puff… I will… KILL YOU! I FUCKING SWEAR IT TO HEAVEN!

Tsk, tsk. Little Alex. Learn from your success; you will win, but…

I KNOW! I shouted and my voice broke.

His smile of pearly whites made me see black. You will lose a piece of the ones around you that you will find but cannot reverse.

BASTARD!

*Mental note: do not scream at your captors – it only makes them smile and your voice hoarse.

Day 6 (Ghastly business, eh?)

Clawed at your eyes… Screamed Salvage… gnawed on skin

SNAP.

Shredded… ripped… curled and exploded

ROAR!

Kill… slice…

Snick…!

Revenge…

Was cold and satisfaction what was?

Blood… Stains

Struggle… body dead… lacerations…

Obstruction… Damn! … it?

Day 5 (Let us…s…talk)

Feisty, are you not?

I blinked slowly and didn't answer. A staring contest ensued until Salvage broke the silence.

My, my. Not talking today? Did I do something to upset you, little Alex?

Like a crazed person, I smiled. He took a couple steps back to the door, not taking his eyes off me. I'll let the others handle you; but be assured – I'll be back for you.

I surged forward from the chains and snarled like a feral animal. Then I let out a bellow of intense frustration and hatred and strained against the shackles with no give.

LET ME GO LET ME GO LET… ME… GO!

After a while, my body heaving with effort, I slumped back down and my eyes flickered up to see Salvage watching me with curiosity.

I smiled and mouthed – FUCK YOU.

Day 4 (Count to five and close your eyes)

One… Two...

Don't kill me now; so I can take you later.

I blinked and leave my eyes closed for a while. I was glaring at Salvage too long; my eyes stinging whenever I blinked.

What do you want? I sounded a bit emotionless. But calm, clear and angry at the same time.

Little Alex, why do you assume I want anything at all? He said it like he was innocent of any crime when I knew he is far from it.

A bit baffled on the inside I said, Let me go if you need nothing.

Ah. Now that is a different thing. What I need… would you like to know, little Alex?

I scowled at him, gods, this man was infuriating. Yes.

His smug smile made me angry, but I kept it to myself. He paced in front of me in an old world fashion – arms locked behind his back, chin up and back straight. Listen closely, little Alex, I won't say this twice. He stops and faces me. What I need is what you've got.

I frowned in confusion. I don't have anyth –

Oh, yes. Yes, you quite do.

I don't have the things you need. I wouldn't tell you even if I did – which I DON'T.

A smile slow in the coming, Salvage replied, By the end of this week; you will.

No. I refuse.

He leaned in close and looked me in the eye. Refusing isn't an option, little Alex, haven't you ever learnt that from adults?

I willed my entire body to not freeze like a deer in headlights. Was he implying he knew how MI6 coerced me into missions? How Scorpia used me when they knew the truth? How my uncle trained me without my consent or ever knowing?

Oh… fuck it all. Damn all adults over me. Except…

Jacqueline Starbright. Never her. Never. Never ever ever...

But… didn't I already do that when I became a spy?

Fuck.