As the door closed behind Hawthorne, the room fell into a tense silence. Alex sank to the cold, damp floor of his cell, his foot throbbing from the brutal impact of Hawthorne's cane. He gritted his teeth, willing himself to endure the pain, to not show any sign of weakness in front of his captors. He glanced up to see the rest of the crates being methodically unboxed by the Scorpia operatives, their movements precise and practiced, revealing more glass terrariums filled with crawling insects and strange, exotic plants.
Alex felt a chill run through him as the thoughts of tomorrow loomed like a dark shadow over him. He was already hurting and exhausted. He had been threatened with torture more often than he cared to think about. But he had always managed to escape before the situation got a chance to really escalate. But now, behind a locked door, his hands cuffed, his foot hurting like this and with his classmates lives also on the line, the situation seemed hopeless. For the hundredth time he wondered how on earth did he und up in this situation.
He glanced at the adjoining cell where his classmates, Mr. Donovan, and Viper were held. Their worried faces were turned toward him, but they remained silent, understanding that now was not the time to draw attention. Alex could see the fear and worry in their eyes.
The Scorpia operatives continued their work, occasionally glancing over at Alex with cold, assessing eyes. He could feel the weight of their scrutiny, the implicit threat in their every movement. He knew he had to be patient, had to wait for them to leave before he could speak to the others. Every second felt like an eternity, the pain in his foot and the uncertainty gnawing at him.
Eventually, the operatives finished unboxing the crates, leaving the glass terrariums stacked against the wall like a grotesque display in a museum of horrors. The man who had been ordered to keep him awake stayed behind with another guard as the rest of the men left the room.
Alex let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He shifted slightly, trying to find a position that didn't exacerbate the pain in his foot.
"Alex," Mr. Donovan's voice was a whisper, barely audible. "Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine," Alex replied, his voice steady despite the throbbing in his foot and the fear trying to take over him.
Alex sighed and leaned his head against the wall behind him closing his eyes. He wanted just a second to rest. To go through his own thoughts and memorise everything that Hawthorne had told him that could hold any significance. But almost instantly there was a sudden loud bang. Alex startled and opened his eyes with his heart beating rapidly in the aftermath of the unexpected noise. The guard who Hawthorne had spoken to, stood in front of his cell with a cruel grin, gun in his hand. Alex assumed that he had struck the bars of his cell with the metal of the pistol, causing the hard noise.
"Tired already? Looks like we're in for bit of a fun, kid." the man sneered at Alex. Alex gave him a hateful look. "I wasn't trying to sleep."
The guard put his gun back into the holster and crossed his arms smirking at Alex. "You better keep your eyes open at all times Rider. No rest for the wicked and all that."
The man turned to return to his previous position beside the old desk where his companion was sniggering at the events. Alex glared at them both and the reality of his situation started to sink in. He knew that sleep deprivation was common interrogation tactic, and it probably wasn't even going to be the worst one he would have to face here. But the knowledge of not be allowed to sleep seemed to make him painfully aware of how tired he was feeling.
Alex turned to look at the people who were in the cells next to him. Snake, two barred walls away from him, gave him a small and reassuring smile. "You got this Cub. Don't worry. We'll figure something out."
"Thanks Snake," Alex muttered, though he knew the reassurance was hollow. They weren't any closer to escaping, even if they were now more aware of what was going on regarding the operation taking place around them. He glanced at the terrariums stacked against the wall, trying to focus his thoughts. There had to be a way out, some opportunity he could exploit.
Viper leaned closer to the bars separating their cells. "Cub, what happened when he took you outside?"
Alex noticed Viper use his code name again and gave a small smile to him. It made him feel more like an operative on a mission and not just a schoolboy way over his head. A small reassurance but he accepted it all the same. "The same old. Him telling me about his delusions of how destroying the world is actually about saving it. Then some threats, me pissing him off and now the long wait for the impending torture."
Viper looked at him sternly. "This isn't a joke, Cub."
"Don't I know it", Alex muttered glaring at his hurting foot. He was sure that something was broken. The pain didn't seem to go away. But he couldn't let the others see just how worried he was. So, if he needed to downplay the seriousness of their current situation, he would, if just to keep the others under the illusion that he had it under control. Even for a while.
Hawthorne's blood boiled with fury as he walked towards the command centre they had in the main building, his cane tapping sharply against the floor with each determined step. The brief satisfaction Hawthorne had felt from threatening the young spy quickly dissolved into a simmering rage. The audacity of Rider to mock him, to defy him even in these circumstances, gnawed at his pride. He needed the information Alex possessed, but more than that, he now wanted to break the boy's body and spirit. He wanted to make the brat suffer.
He strode down the narrow corridor, his bodyguard supporting him by the other arm. Hawthorne's mind raced as he considered the implications of Alex's defiance. The boy was a problem, a thorn in his side, a constant reminder that his meticulously made plans were at risk of failure.
Reaching the room that functioned as their command centre, Hawthorne pushed open the heavy door with more force than necessary, causing it to slam against the walls. The room was abuzz with activity: operatives going through reports, coordinating logistics, and preparing for the next phase of their mission. The sudden entrance caused a momentary hush, all eyes turning toward him.
Hawthorne's eyes locked with Red who was standing at the end of the table that was in the middle of the room. She had a map of the area spread before her. Different coloured marks and notes scrawled in precise handwriting covered it, detailing his plans, his strategies. Plans that Alex Rider had dared to mock.
"Out", Hawthorne commanded and there was a flurry of motion as everyone except Red excited the room.
Hawthorne's bodyguard brought his wheelchair to him, and he sat down. Tired after being on his feet for so long. His grip on the cane tightened, knuckles turning white.
"He's an insolent brat," Hawthorne spat, his voice dripping with venom. He leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment, willing himself to calm down. He needed to stay focused, to keep his eye on the ultimate goal. Rider's defiance was a minor setback, nothing more. The boy would break. They all did, eventually.
"Sir," Red said, her voice steady and professional, "we're ready to move forward with the next phase. All the final preparations are complete."
Hawthorne's eyes snapped open, his gaze locking onto Red. Despite his fury, he could see the efficiency and competence in her demeanour, which was a small solace.
"Good," he said, his voice low and measured. "But we still have time. I want the information that Rider has first. We need to know what he knows before we proceed. Every detail could be crucial. He can be a resourceful adversary. If we don't break him now, he could jeopardize everything."
Red nodded, her expression unreadable. "Understood, sir. What are your instructions regarding Rider?"
Hawthorne's lips curled into a cruel smile. "We'll start with the sleep deprivation tonight. But we need more. Tomorrow, we escalate. I want every possible measure taken to extract information from him. I already assigned Walker to see it through."
Red nodded, acknowledging his directive. Hawthorne's grip on his cane relaxed slightly, some of the tension ebbing away. He leaned back in his wheelchair, allowing a moment of contemplation. Alex Rider had proven to be a formidable opponent, but Hawthorne was determined to break him. The boy's resilience only fueled his resolve to crush him completely.
Hawthorne turned to look at Red who was silently waiting for orders or dismissal. "When morning comes, I want Walker to meet me before going to the boy. There are some matters I need to go through with him regarding the interrogation. You should go and let him know about my wish."
Red nodded again. "I'll do it immediately, sir."
As Hawthorne watched Red leave the room to carry out his order, his mind drifted to the upcoming day. Tomorrow, Rider would face the full force of his wrath. Hawthorne would make sure of it. The information Rider held was vital, and he would stop at nothing to obtain it.
Hawthorne stared at the map on the table, the intricate web of plans and strategies meticulously laid out. The boy might have disrupted his evening, but Hawthorne was confident that tomorrow would bring the breakthrough he needed.
For now, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, knowing that Alex Rider's spirit would soon be shattered. Soon, the young spy would be nothing more than a broken shell, ready to spill all his secrets.
Henry Donovan sat in the dimly lit corner of the cell, his heart heavy with the weight of responsibility and fear. The cold walls seemed to close in on him, the reality of their situation pressing down like a vise. He glanced around at the four students huddled nearby, their faces pale and drawn. Their eyes flicked nervously between him and Viper. Henry could see their fear mirrored in each other's eyes, a fear he shared but tried not to show.
This wasn't just a frightening experience; it was something none of them had ever imagined could happen. He felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and helplessness. He was supposed to be their protector, their guide, but here they were, relying on a teenager to navigate a situation that would be daunting for even the most seasoned adult.
His gaze shifted to Alex, who was in the cell next to them, separated by iron bars. The boy sat with a determined expression, trying to maintain an air of calm despite the obvious pain he was in. Henry couldn't help but feel a surge of anger and sadness. What kind of world had they stumbled into, where a teenager was used as a pawn in such a dangerous game of espionage and terrorism? Yet, despite everything, Alex remained composed, more focused than any teenager should have to be in a situation like this.
Henry exchanged a glance with Viper. There was a mutual understanding in that look—a shared resolve to stay strong for the sake of the students. Viper gave him a slight nod, a silent reassurance that they would get through this together, somehow.
Meanwhile, Will, Sam, Liam, and Ellie sat in stunned silence, processing the horror unfolding around them. They had seen bits and pieces of the chaos, but the full extent of their situation was only now starting to sink in. They watched Alex with a mixture of fear and disbelief. He seemed so composed, so in control, even as he was threatened and hurt. They had all heard him insult Hawthorne, who was clearly dangerous, and watched as he got hurt because of it.
Ellie sat with her fists clenched, visible tears on her face. She looked at Henry, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mr. Donovan, what are we going to do? This can't be happening, right?"
Henry opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Alex spoke up from his cell. "Mr. Donovan…"
"Please, Alex, call me Henry. I think we've reached a point where all of you can start using my first name," Henry said, his voice gentle but firm. He watched as Alex hesitated for a moment, looking at him with a thoughtful look.
Then Alex nodded slowly. "Right…Henry. If I can get you out of here, can I trust you to take the others to safety?" Alex asked keeping his voice low.
Henry felt a jolt of surprise at the gravity of Alex's words. He stared at the boy, taken aback by the calm, almost businesslike tone in which Alex spoke. "What do you mean? Do you have something planned? We're not leaving without you."
Henry could see a small expression flashing on Alex's face, probably caused by pain and frustration, and suddenly, his tone sharpened as he hissed. "Don't be stupid." The harshness of his words made Henry flinch, the sharp edge of Alex's voice surprising him.
Alex's expression softened almost immediately, and he looked regretful of his outburst. "I'm sorry, sir," he said quickly, his voice more controlled. "But—of course you are. If I'm still mobile after tomorrow, I'll have a job to do here. And if I'm not then…well, I would just slow you down. If I find a way to get you out, you need to go. Immediately. And as fast as you can. I need you to promise me."
Henry's mind reeled. The words send shivers done his spine, and the way Alex spoke, as if he was a seasoned operative rather than a teenager, left him horrified. The thought that Alex assumed he would be hurt so badly that he wouldn't be able to move on his own, and still sat there looking calm and seemingly coming up with plans. It was chilling testament that his student really had been in similar situations before. Henry wanted to argue, to tell Alex that they wouldn't abandon him, but the determination in Alex's eyes stopped him.
Viper, who had been listening, moved closer, his expression tense. "Cub, what are you talking about? Of course, we're going to make sure they get to safety. That we all will."
But Alex shook his head, resolute. "No, you, Snake, Jaguar, and Raven need to search the premises here. As you mentioned, there are multiple buildings in the area and we need to gather as much information as we can. Hawthorne told me that he has planned similar attacks across the globe. We can't just stop what's happening here—we need to prevent the rest also. And for that, we need the information, the areas they are targeting, the species they are using. So, if we get an opportunity, I need you Mr. Donov…Sorry, Henry, to take Will, Sam, Liam, and Ellie to safety."
Henry could hardly believe what he was hearing. The cold, methodical way Alex was discussing this, like a seasoned soldier planning a mission, sent a shiver down his spine. This wasn't how a teenager should be thinking, much less speaking. Henry had known Alex as a quiet, intelligent student, someone who showed promise but never drew too much attention to himself. But now, he was seeing a side of Alex he had never imagined—and it terrified him.
He glanced at the other students. They were all staring at Alex. They had been counting on the adults to take charge, but now they were listening to Alex, who seemed unsettlingly familiar with this nightmare, speak with a calm authority, instructing a group of SAS soldiers and them on what to do if he can create an opportunity for them to escape.
Henry's voice trembled slightly as he finally spoke, his mind struggling to process the transformation he was witnessing in Alex. "Alex…this isn't your responsibility. You shouldn't have to bear this."
Alex met his gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of resolve and something that looked like resignation. "It's not about what I should or shouldn't have to do. It never has been. I've never really had any choice in these situations. At some point it's just about what needs to be done."
Henry's heart ached at those words. He wanted to protect Alex, to shield him from the horrors of the world. But looking at him now, he realized with a sinking feeling that Alex had already seen too much, that the innocence he wished to preserve in each of his students, had already been lost. All Henry could do now was what Alex had asked of him—to protect the others, to ensure that his students made it out of this nightmare alive.
And as he nodded slowly, Henry couldn't help but feel a profound sense of sorrow for the boy who had been forced to become something far beyond his years.
"Thank you", Alex gave him a brief smile and broke the eye contact, turning to look the SAS soldier next to him. "Viper," Alex said, keeping his voice low, trying to make sure the others wouldn't hear him. "Would you have any last-minute advice on how to…How do I stay strong when they start... with the interrogation?"
But despite Alex's effort, they all could hear his question. The room fell dead silent, smallest whispers quieting down. Henry felt a cold chill run through him. The fact that Alex was asking this question, that he even had to consider it, drove home the terrifying reality they were facing. That one of his students would likely be tortured here.
"Oh, Cub.." Viper said with a sad voice, looked around him and moved even closer to Alex. It was clear that Viper wanted to keep the conversation private. Henry turned to look the other students, feeling helpless and saw the horror that he was also feeling on their faces. And Henry decided, if the opportunity presented itself, he would do everything in his power to fulfil his promise to Alex.
Ben moved with a practiced ease through the dense forest, his senses alert. The fog swirled around him and Eagle casting shadows that seemed to dance and shift with every step. Eagle was just behind him, his steps equally measured, searching for any clue to help them find the missing children and soldiers. K-Unit had split up, Wolf and Coyote searching from different area. Their radios were on, but no messages had come through it. It seemed that neither group had yet found anything useful.
After a few more minutes of walking in focused silence, Eagle couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "So, how familiar are you with Cub? I mean, I know you're both MI6, but have you worked together?"
Ben kept his eyes on the ground, scanning for any signs of recent movement. "We've crossed paths", he said carefully. "Alex is a good kid. Resourceful."
Eagle raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. "You call him Alex now? Crossed paths, huh? Sounds like there's more to it than that."
Ben chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You know how it is, Eagle. A lot of what we do is classified. I can't go into details."
Eagle grunted, clearly unsatisfied with the vague answer. "I hate that word. Still, must've been interesting working with someone that young. The kid's got guts, that's for sure. You should have seen him standing his ground with Colonel Sanders"
Ben smiled at that. "I can imagine."
His mind briefly flashed back to their mission in Australia. The dangers, the adrenaline, the moment he got shot and Alex's determination to get them all out safely and stop the plans of Major Yu. It had been a harrowing experience, one that left him with huge amount of respect for the younger spy. But those memories were locked away, classified and off-limits even to old friends like Eagle. Ben absentmindedly rubbed his shoulder, where the scar from the bullet wound still ached sometimes.
Eagle's curiosity was evident. "Anything you can share?"
Ben smiled wryly, his eyes never stopping their sweep of the forest floor. "Sorry."
Eagle huffed in acknowledgement. "Yeah, I figured. But it's still hard to believe that kid's almost the same age as my nephew, yet he's out here playing spy games."
"I can tell you that crossing paths with him was...eye-opening," Ben finally said. "He's got a lot more than just guts. He's got instinct, intelligence, and an uncanny ability to get out of tight spots."
Eagle shot him a sidelong glance. "Sounds like you're a fan."
Ben smiled faintly. "Let's just say I wouldn't bet against him. If anyone can handle themselves out here, it's him."
Despite his calm demeanor, Ben was worried. Alex was resourceful, yes, but he was still just a teenager. The thought of him being captured, possibly tortured, gnawed at Ben's insides. He had been through enough already, more than most adults in their line of work. Ben's grip on his flashlight tightened as he pressed on, his resolve hardening. They had to find them. They had to bring them back safely.
They continued their search, moving through the dense forest with practiced ease. The fog seemed to cling to them, making every step feel like they were wading through a thick soup. Ben's eyes scanned the ground meticulously, looking for any sign of recent activity. They had walked a long way away from the camp. Ben felt anxious. The absence of any clues was alarming.
Eagle suddenly stopped, his flashlight beam catching on something. "Fox, over here."
Ben hurried over, his heart pounding as he saw what Eagle had found. A belt, a watch, shoes, and a jacket lay scattered on the ground. He picked each item up, examining them closely. They seemed like normal pieces of clothing, no signs of MI6 issued equipment. But they looked to be a size that a teenage boy could wear. That Alex could wear.
And Ben knew for certain. "These are Alex's," Ben said, his voice grim. "They must have forced him to leave these behind."
Eagle frowned. "But why?"
Ben's eyes narrowed as he pieced it together. "I suspected it already, but this confirms it. I think they were taken by someone who knows about Alex's involvement with MI6. They must have suspected that these items could potentially hide some tech that they use."
Eagle's expression hardened. "Shit. That's concerning. If they know who he is, they'll be prepared for anything."
Ben nodded, his resolve firming. "We have to find him. Soon. Alex is strong, but everyone has their limits. But I think we are looking from the wrong direction. They would have wanted to discard these as far away from them as possible if they suspected that these could be used to track them."
Eagle furrowed his brows. "Why not leave them to the spot where they took the kids?"
Ben thought about it. "Maybe they wanted to examine them first. They couldn't stay at the location they attacked the group for long, they must have known that someone would come to look for them."
Ben grabbed his radio. "Wolf, this is Fox. We found something—belt, watch, shoes, and jacket. They could belong to Cub. It looks like he was forced to leave them behind."
Wolf's voice crackled over the radio. "Any idea why they ditched the items there?"
Ben glanced at Eagle, then back at the scattered items. "I think they suspected these items could contain tracking devices. They might have examined them and discarded them far from their location to throw us off."
"Understood," Wolf replied. "Any clues on where they could have taken them?"
Ben scanned the dark forest, his mind racing. "If they suspected tracking devices, they likely moved in the opposite direction. I suggest we focus our search radius there and follow potential escape routes that are accessible by vehicles."
"Copy that," Wolf said. "I'll let Colonel Sanders know that we're likely dealing with professionals who know exactly who Cub is."
The radio silenced and Ben drew in a breath. He thought of Alex, the young spy he had come to respect and, in a way, care for. He felt dread churning inside of him. Ironically, Alex's enemies tended to be ones that were not in the little leagues anymore. Or usually, way above his paygrade at least.
Eagle noticed Ben's distress and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "We'll find them Fox. This is good, at least this means that they are still alive somewhere. They wouldn't have bothered to make him leave these items behind otherwise."
Ben nodded and tried to drew strength from Eagle's confidence, pushing his fears aside. Alex was out there, somewhere in the dark in the hands of an enemy. Eagle might be right, he had to believe that they were still alive. Ben just hoped that Alex would also be unharmed. He clenched his jaw, determination in his eyes. They would find him, no matter what it took.
Sam sat on the cold, hard floor of the cell, his knees drawn up to his chest, heart pounding as he tried to steady his breathing. The reality of their situation had left him feeling more shaken than he ever thought possible. He glanced over at his best friend, who sat beside him, equally pale and tense. On the other side of him Liam and Ellie were leaning into each other, Liam holding Ellie close in a comforting hug.
Sam leaned in closer to Will, his voice barely a whisper. "This is... this is so messed up. I never thought things could get this bad. I mean, I think Alex really got hurt and now—he's talking like... like…"
Sam took a breath. He didn't seem to find the right words to tell how he felt in the situation they were in. He just wanted a moment of normalcy, him talking with his best friend. But his thoughts were scattered, a tangled mess of fear, regret, and confusion.
Will nodded, his eyes still locked on Alex, who was engaged in a quiet conversation with Viper. "I know, mate. I don't even recognize him right now. It's like he's someone else...I don't know how he's staying so calm."
Sam swallowed hard, trying to make sense of everything. "I always thought I could handle this kind of stuff, you know? I mean, with my cousin in the SAS and all... I thought maybe I'd want to do that someday. But now, seeing all this... I don't think I can. This isn't what I imagined."
Sam had always admired his cousin. He remembered the stories he would tell during family gatherings, tales of bravery and adventure that had always sparked something in Sam's imagination. The thought of joining the military had crossed his mind more than once. It had seemed so cool—an exciting life full of action, where you could be the hero, the one who saved the day.
But now, hearing Alex discuss their situation with such grim resolve and asking for advice on how to handle torture, that fantasy was shattering before his eyes. This wasn't the thrilling adventure he had imagined. This was real, and it was terrifying. He was seeing, up close, the brutal reality of what being in such a dangerous situation meant.
Will tore his gaze away from Alex and looked at Sam, his expression mirroring the turmoil Sam felt inside. "I get it. I thought it was cool too... but now? Now I just want to get out of here. I don't want to be a part of any of this. I just want to go home."
Sam glanced back at Alex, who was now leaning against the bars of his cell, talking quietly with Viper. He could see the tension in Alex's posture, the way his hand occasionally clenched into a fist as if he was trying to hold something back.
As they watched Alex lean against the bars, an uncomfortable guilt began to gnaw at Sam. He'd always envied Alex in some ways, when Alex had been part of a football team, got good grades at school and was liked among teachers and students. It seemed like he had gotten it all without even making any effort.
That envy had turned into bitterness, especially after Alex had started to be so distant from the rest of them. Acting like they were stupid enough to believe his obvious lies about the mysterious absences. Throwing all the good things he had going on away without proper explanation. Sam hadn't hesitated to join in on the gossip, even adding his own twists to the stories.
Sam felt a deep shame settle in his chest. They had been so wrong. Now he could see that Alex hadn't thought less of them, hadn't been thinking that they were stupid. He just hadn't had any other choice. Sam thought about the enormous secret that Alex had kept for himself over a year now while facing dangers Sam couldn't even imagine—dangers that were now all too real for them too.
Will must have been thinking along the same lines because he shifted uncomfortably beside Sam. "We were so wrong about him."
Sam nodded slowly, his throat tight. "Yeah, we were. I can't believe we were so stupid. I mean, all those things we said about him, the way we treated him... making his life in school so hard when he was going through things like this. Hell…I can't even imagine how hard it must've been."
Will sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I feel like such an idiot. I mean of course we couldn't have known but…I shouldn't have been such a jerk about it."
Sam bit his lip, his mind racing. They had been so quick to judge Alex, so quick to distance themselves from him just because he was shrouded in mystery. Well, now they knew why. Now they were seeing the real Alex, the one who had been through things they couldn't even fathom, and the realization stung.
"I think we need to say something to him," Sam said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "We owe him an apology."
Will hesitated, glancing at Alex again. "You think now's the right time? I mean... look at him. He's dealing with so much already."
"I know," Sam replied, his voice thick with emotion. "But if we don't say it now, we might never get the chance. He deserves to know that we're sorry."
Will hesitated, clearly apprehensive about approaching Alex in his current state, but then he nodded. "Yeah, okay. Let's go."
The two of them stood up slowly and made their way over to Alex's cell. Liam and Ellie watched them with curiosity but remained seated, following them with their eyes. Sam could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him with every step, but he pushed through it, determined to say something to their classmate who was trying to keep them safe.
When they reached Alex, he looked up at them, his expression softening slightly as he saw them approach. The hardened, focused look in his eyes faded just a bit, replaced by something more familiar, more like the Alex they knew.
"Hey," Sam started, trying to keep his voice steady. "We just... we wanted to check on you. See how you're holding up."
Alex gave a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm okay."
Will furrowed his brows, not convinced. "You don't need to lie to us. Of course you're not okay."
Alex sighed and closed his eyes. "Fine…But this is not the worst thing that has happened to me so until we cross that bridge, I'm going to say I'm okay."
Will and Sam glanced at each other. That was disturbing to hear. "Right…", Will said unsurely.
Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the room, and Alex's eyes snapped open. "Alright!" Alex shouted furiously and glared at the guard who had slammed a table to cause the noise when Alex's eyes had been closed more than a couple of seconds.
"You know the rules, Rider. Eyes open", the guard retorted, and Sam could see him enjoy tormenting his classmate. Sam felt something tightening in his chest.
Will sat down next to Viper and Sam followed his lead. Being this close, Sam could see Alex more clearly. His pale face, the obvious tiredness in his eyes and the mouth pinched in pain. "Is your foot okay? It looked that it got hit quite hard." Sam asked quietly with genuine concern.
Alex glanced down at his injured foot and took a deep breath. "It's fine," he said, but the strain in his voice was unmistakable.
Will huffed with annoyance. "You're lying again."
Sam nudged Will and gave him a stern look. They came here to apologize. Not antagonize Alex more. Alex noticed the subtle nudge Sam gave Will, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the tension between the two.
Alex shifted his position slightly, wincing quietly as pain shot up from his injured foot. He could see the concern appear on their faces, a stark contrast to the distance they had kept from him at school. It was strange to see them like this, worried about him when they had been so quick to judge and dismiss him before.
Viper was also watching Alex with concern, clearly aware of the pain he was enduring. Sam wondered if Alex was at least being honest with Viper about his current state, both mental and physical. They had been deep in conversation earlier, and Sam truly hoped that Alex was confiding in someone while here.
After a moment of silence, Alex spoke quietly "If I'm guessing right, you didn't come to just to check on me. So how can I help?"
Sam hesitated, his eyes dropping to the ground for a moment before he forced himself to look at Alex again. He could feel the words getting stuck in his throat, but he knew he had to say them. "We... we wanted to apologize," Sam finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alex's expression softened further, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. "Apologize? For what?"
"For everything," Will added, his voice more firm but laced with regret. "For the way we treated you at school. For the things we said, the rumors we spread... all of it. We were wrong, Alex. We were stupid, and we're sorry."
Sam nodded, his gaze earnest as he met Alex's eyes. "We didn't understand you, and instead of trying to, we just... turned against you. You didn't deserve any of that."
Alex looked at them for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Thanks," Alex said finally, looking at them sincerely. "But it's okay, I get it. You didn't know, and... well, none of this is what we expected, right?"
Will and Sam exchanged a relieved glance, the tension easing slightly. "No," Will said with a weak chuckle. "Definitely not what we expected."
Before they could say anything else, one of the guards stomped over, his heavy boots echoing ominously against the concrete floor. He stopped close of Alex's cell, his eyes glinting with malice. "What are you lot whispering about?"
Sam and Will looked as Alex shot the guard a sarcastic smile, the sharpness in his voice returning. "Just wondering if we can get some of our deposit back from this field trip. I have to say, the accommodations and hosting could use some work. It's not living up to expectations."
The guard's smirk faded, replaced by a look of irritation. "You think you're funny, Rider?"
Alex leaned back against the wall, his gaze steady as he met the guard's eyes. "You know, I get that a lot. People say I have a knack for humor."
The guard's face darkened, and he took a step closer, his hand twitching near his gun. The air in the cell grew thick with tension, the threat of violence hanging just above their heads. Sam and Will noticed Viper instantly shift his position to more alarmed and hard look entered his eyes. But before the guard could make a move, his companion called out, "Leave him. He's just trying to get a rise out of you."
The guard hesitated, his hard glare shifting down to Sam and Will. "You're not here to socialize. Move away from the bars."
Sam and Will flinched at the guard's harsh tone. They hesitated for a second, but the guard's menacing stare left them no choice. Slowly, they stood up, backing away from the bars.
"Leave them alone," Alex said, his voice steady as he looked directly at the guard, trying to divert the man's attention away from his classmates. "They were just checking on me. There's no harm in that."
The guard smirked, his eyes narrowing with cruel amusement. "I'd disagree. It seems there's quite a lot of harm in socializing with someone like you."
Alex clenched his fists, the anger simmering just below the surface, but he knew better than to push it further. The guard was just looking for an excuse to make things worse, and Alex wasn't going to give him that satisfaction. They stared at each other, the tension between them thick and threatening.
Finally, the guard broke the stare, his lips curling into a sneer. "No more talking," he growled before turning to walk away.
As the guard's footsteps echoed down the hallway, everyone in the cells settled back into their spots, the cold silence returning with an almost oppressive weight. The only sounds were the distant, muffled voices of the other operatives outside and the occasional creak of the old building, but the tension in the air remained, a constant reminder of the danger that loomed over them all.
Hours dragged on like an eternity, each minute stretching painfully into the next as Alex sat rigid in his cell. The cold concrete beneath him seemed to sap the warmth from his body, leaving him shivering despite the tension that kept his muscles coiled tight.
As the night progressed, the exhaustion began to creep in, tugging at his eyelids, but he knew better than to give in. The moment he closed his eyes, the guard was there to jolt him awake again, the loud noises reverberating through the cell block keeping everyone awake. His eyes burned with exhaustion, his muscles ached, the pain in his foot a constant annoyance but he had decided not to sleep. Not to close his eyes, just so the others could rest.
Alex glanced over at his classmates, who had finally drifted off to sleep, huddled in the corner together. He envied them, the escape they could find in sleep, but he knew it was a luxury he wouldn't be provided tonight.
Alex tried to focus on anything other than the oppressive fatigue gnawing at him. He counted the cracks in the ceiling, traced the lines of the bars in his cell, and replayed the events of the past day in his mind, searching for any detail he might have missed, anything that could give him an edge for what was to come. But Alex felt his thoughts begin to blur, his exhaustion making it harder to concentrate. He forced himself to sit up straighter, the pain in his foot flaring up again, but he welcomed it. The pain kept him awake, kept him from drifting off.
As the hours ticked by and the exhaustion continued to gnaw at him, Alex couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled in the pit of his stomach. Tomorrow was coming, and he didn't know if he'd be ready for it.
He sighed quietly, drawing in a shaky breath, willing himself to stay awake. Tomorrow loomed like a dark cloud on the horizon, heavy with the promise of more suffering. It was a weird feeling, to hope that this torturous night would be over but at the same time, wishing that tomorrow would never come. Alex felt tears prickling in the corner of his eyes. Product of exhaustion, frustration and desperation he felt at the moment. But he forced himself not to let them show. Not to show any signs of breaking or weakness. He had to stay strong. For all of them.
And for now, all he could do was wait. Wait and hope that when the time came, he would be strong enough to protect those who were counting on him. That he wouldn't let them down. But he could feel the fear gnawing at the edges of his resolve, whispering that this time, he might not make it out. That this time, he might fail.
Alex squeezed his cuffed hands into fists, nails digging into the skin of his palms as he focused in on his breathing. "This is what they want", he thought, fighting for some strength. "Stop giving them what they want. Stop doubting yourself. You've done it before. You can do it again."
And so, he kept his eyes open, forcing himself to stay alert, even as the hours crawled by and the weight of exhaustion bore down on him like a crushing tide.
In the early hours of the morning, the door to the building groaned open, the sound cutting through the oppressive silence of the room. Alex's bleary eyes focused on the new arrivals. The others also stirred from their restless sleep as the door opened. The commotion and the arrival of new people had pulled them from the edge of slumber. They blinked groggily, squinting against the dim light and straining to make sense of the new development.
Two new operatives entered the room, their footsteps heavy on the concrete floor. Alex watched them nod at the guards. "Time for a shift change."
The guards that had been watching over them stood up, stretching their arms. "Finally. Keep an eye on Rider. We got orders, no sleep for him."
One of the new guards, with a visible bruise on his jaw got the widest grin on his face. "With pleasure", he said, his gaze locking onto Alex with a look that promised trouble. With Alex's foggy brain it took some time, but eventually he recognized the man as the same operative he had knocked out in the woods before their capture. Great.
The bruised man's grin widened as he moved closer, his eyes glinting with barely contained animosity. Alex's stomach churned with a mix of dread and resignation. He was too exhausted to muster the strength to respond, but he understood what was coming. The man obviously held a grudge, and Alex knew he was about to face the brunt of it.
The other new guard, a wiry woman with a stoic expression, kept her distance. She glanced around the cells with a detached air, clearly uninterested in the interactions of his colleague.
The man with bruise moved to Alex's cell, the malice in his eyes unmistakable. He leaned against the bars, his voice low but dripping with venom. "Well, well, well. Look who's still awake. You remember me, don't you?"
Alex met his gaze, his own eyes heavy with fatigue. "Yeah. I remember."
The man's smile turned cold and his voice lowing to a whisper. "Good. Because I remember you too. And I haven't forgotten how you made a fool of me."
Alex's fatigue was overwhelming. His muscles ached, and his mind was struggling to stay alert. His body tired after being in constant pain and staying up all night. And now that the others had already rested and were awake, his eyelids felt impossibly heavy, and despite his efforts, he began to drift.
Just as his head dropped forward, the man's voice cut through the fog of sleep. "Stay awake, Rider!" he barked, his tone sharp and taunting. "You don't get to rest just because you're tired."
Alex jolted upright, struggling to open his eyes. He shook his head, trying to clear the haze. The operative watched with a cruel smile, clearly enjoying Alex's struggle.
Meanwhile, the woman began distributing food and water to the rest of the prisoners. Viper and Snake were handed portions of bread and a couple bottles of water. The sight of the meager rations was a grim reminder of their situation, but it was something—something that Alex was conspicuously left out of.
Ellie, Will, Sam, and Liam looked on with concern as they got their shares from Viper. They had been quiet and subdued, their faces reflecting the weariness and fear that had become their constant companions. As they ate, their glances frequently darted to Alex, their guilt and worry evident.
Henry shot a worried look toward Alex. "Are you alright?" he asked softly, trying to catch Alex's eye.
Alex tried to nod, but the effort to stay awake made his movements jerky and strained. "I'm fine. Just... a bit tired."
Viper's eyes, sharp and alert even in the dim light, flicked between Alex and the new guard. "Don't let them get to you. You'll get through this."
The man, hearing their conversation and enjoying his moment of power, leaned closer.
"It seems that you get no food, no water, and no rest. Such a shame." He said with a mocking voice.
Until seeing some food, Alex hadn't felt hunger over all the other signals his body was screaming at him. But now his stomach growled in protest. He ignored it, focusing on maintaining his composure. The last thing he wanted was to give the man taunting him any more satisfaction than he already had.
The fatigue was nearly unbearable; his head bobbed uncontrollably, and his eyelids felt like lead. Each time he drifted, the man's harsh voice jolted him awake.
The time distorted around him. Every second and minute stretching on forever. Despite his best efforts, Alex drifted again, his head falling forward before a sharp voice pierced through the haze. "Eyes open Rider! I'm not here to babysit you. I see you close your eyes one more time, I'll cut your eyelids off."
Alex snapped upright again, struggling to stay conscious. The exhaustion was a constant battle, his vision blurring and his body aching with every attempt to remain alert. With every passing minute, Alex fought against the overwhelming urge to collapse. His body ached, he was in pain, his mind was foggy, and staying awake was becoming an excruciating effort. But he knew he had to remain vigilant, no matter how tired he felt. The need to keep his focus and be ready for whatever came next drove him to keep his eyes open, even as exhaustion threatened to pull him under.
Walker sat in his dimly lit room, flipping a combat knife in his hand with a practiced, almost lazy motion. The blade caught the morning light with every rotation, a small, sharp reflection bouncing of the walls around him. He thrived on the violence and chaos of his work, and the thought of the upcoming task filled him with a sense of grim anticipation. Finally, he got to do something else than just wait.
Red had come to tell him last night to meet with Hawthorne before starting with his assignment of breaking the Rider boy. Morning had arrived and he guessed that Hawthorne would be awake by now. Time to meet the man in charge. Walker sheathed the knife with a swift motion, got up from his bed, adjusted his gear and left the room.
As he reached Hawthorne's door he knocked on it firmly. He got permission to enter and Walker pushed the door open to find Hawthorne already seated in his wheelchair, his fingers drumming a slow, deliberate rhythm on the armrest. The room was empty save for the two of them, and Walker could feel Hawthorne's simmering anger filling the room.
"Sir," Walker greeted with a nod, closing the door behind him. He stood in front of Hawthorne, waiting for the older man to speak first.
Hawthorne looked up, his eyes narrowing as they met Walker's. "I met the boy," he said, his voice low and laced with venom. "Rider."
Walker inclined his head slightly. "How did that go?"
Hawthorne's fist clenched, the knuckles turning white. "He's an intolerable little brat. He dared to mock me. Mocked everything we're doing here. He has no fear, no respect. I want him broken, Walker. Do you understand me? I want him hurt."
Walker allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. This was the part of the job he had been waiting for. "How far do you want me to take it?"
"You can decide on that," Hawthorne replied, his voice steady despite the anger that still simmered beneath the surface. "The boy's sleep-deprived and today we'll start with pain. Real pain. Then, if he still doesn't break... well we'll see about that."
Walker nodded. "I'm sure he breaks, but I need more information. What is it exactly that you expect me to extract from him?"
Hawthorne's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Everything he knows."
Walker's jaw tightened, his irritation evident. "I'm afraid I need more context. What's the mission here? What's the endgame?"
Hawthorne looked at Walker, assessing the man in front of him. Hawthorne didn't want too many people knowing his plans. It always presented risk for leaks. "Why should you need to know every detail? Your job is to get the information out of him, not to question my plans."
Walker's frustration almost boiled over. Even now, when he was sent to interrogate Rider, he was not given full information about the reason why they were here in the first place. "Understanding the bigger picture will make me more effective in the interrogation. The more I know, the better I can tailor my approach."
Hawthorn's expression darkened, a menacing glimmer appeared to his eyes. "This isn't a discussion, Walker. The boy is a nuisance that needs to be dealt with. Just make him talk. One would think that a Malagosto graduate should be able to handle an interrogation with minimal information. If you're as skilled as your background suggests, you should be able to perform even under these conditions."
Walker took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Understood. I'll make sure he talks."
Hawthorne leaned back in his chair, his gaze unyielding. "See that you do."
After a pause Walker said, keeping his tone neutral. "But if you really want to break him... we've used the classmates as leverage before. Threatening them usually gets a reaction."
Hawthorne considered this, his expression thoughtful. "Perhaps," he mused, "but not yet. I want Rider to suffer first. I want him to feel the pain personally before we start using those around him. Physical, mental, it doesn't matter as long as he's broken by the end of it. Beat him down until he's nothing but a shell. If he doesn't give us what we want, then we'll start threatening the others."
Walker grinned, a predator ready for the hunt. "I'll make sure of it. By the time we're done, he'll be begging to talk."
Hawthorne's gaze lingered on Walker for a moment, the satisfaction of his decision apparent. "Good. Go now. And report everything directly to me."
Without another word, Walker turned and left the room, already planning the methods he would employ to break Alex Rider. Hawthorne's orders were clear: hurt the boy, make him suffer. And if that wasn't enough, then the others would pay the price. Either way, Walker knew that by the end of this, Alex Rider would be a broken, bleeding mess—and he would enjoy every second of getting him there.