Chapter 1


AN: Hello. Welcome to part two of the Lord of Crimson Series. If you are new to this story, I highly encourage you to go back and read Lord of Crimson Book 1:Judgment.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters, that's all Stephenie Myer's department!

"There are two tragedies in life. One is not getting what you want, the other is getting it." -Yuri Orlov, Lord of war


As I woke up from my slumber, I gradually opened my eyes.

Uncertainty clouded my mind as I pondered whether the room itself was shrouded in darkness or if there was something amiss with my own eyes. As I cautiously sat up, I could sense a faint cushioning beneath me, indicating that I was resting on some sort of thin padding. My curiosity compelled me to reach out, but my hands recoiled in surprise as they unexpectedly made contact with cold, unyielding bars.

Startled by this unexpected encounter, I instinctively pulled my hands back, only to encounter yet another barrier when I attempted to stand. The oppressive darkness continued to engulf me, leaving me feeling trapped and vulnerable. To my utter dismay, I realized that I was completely devoid of clothing, adding to the growing list of mysteries that plagued my mind.

Confusion and frustration surged through me as I grappled with the enigma of my whereabouts. How had I managed to survive? My memory harked back to the haunting image of Enzuk cradling my lifeless body, the life draining out of me with every passing moment. I gingerly touched my bare stomach, where Enzuk's tail had pierced me, expecting to feel the remnants of a deep wound. However, to my astonishment, there was no trace of the puncture, only delicate stitches adorning my skin. The area still bore a slight tenderness as I ran my hand over it, but it bore no resemblance to the gaping hole that had once marred my abdomen.

Suddenly, a foreign voice broke the eerie silence, offering a glimmer of hope in this disorienting darkness. "Easy," the voice said.

I shifted my gaze towards the source of the voice, only to be overwhelmed by a surge of panic as the veil of darkness continued to shroud my vision. Despite my desperate attempts to clear my sight by blinking repeatedly, the oppressive cloak of darkness persisted, obstructing my view like an impenetrable barrier.

"Who are you?" I stammered, my voice trembling with fear. "And where am I?"

Just as despair threatened to consume me, a sudden burst of illumination flooded the room, as if someone had flicked a switch and brought the lights to life.

"My name is Dr. Melxa, and I possess expertise in both medical and scientific fields. Currently, you find yourself on a transfer vessel, confined within a compartment designated for human occupants."

"Humans?" I questioned timidly, observing a being that bore resemblance to Enzuk, albeit lacking the same level of intensity. It was an intriguing sight, for this individual possessed identical eyes to Enzuk, yet their physical build differed significantly. I was sure this new creature was male but he appeared less robust, lacking the same muscularity.

I stared at Melxa closer. He didn't have the shimmering scales that Enzuk processed. His skin had an otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of beings from another planet. The texture and color of his complexion seemed to defy earthly norms. The unique and peculiar nature of his skin was interesting. He possessed a complexion that was remarkably pale, resembling the purest shade of white. His skin appeared ghostly, almost ethereal, as if it had never been touched by the warmth of sunlight. This otherworldly feature added an eerie and mysterious aura to his appearance. Why did Melxa not possess scales like Enzuk? I recall reading in the journal provided by Darren that one of the captured Omna had its scales forcefully removed. Does this imply that some creatures naturally develop scales while others do not? Or perhaps their scales serve as a protective armor that they willingly put on? I wondered if there is a deeper significance to their scale formation or if it is merely a physical characteristic.

Despite his youthful appearance, it was impossible to determine his true age. Initially, I had assumed Enzuk to be young, but to my surprise, he revealed himself to be centuries old. It seemed that they didn't age at the same rate as ordinary individuals. His hair, a stunning shade of pure white, cascaded down in short silky strands, adding to his enigmatic aura.

I squinted my eyes in the direction of Melxa's voice, pulling my knees closer to my chest for comfort.

"The healing liquid I applied to your wound may cause your vision to be temporarily blurry. Although the wound has healed well, the lingering side effects are still subsiding," Melxa explained.

Concerned, I asked, "Where are my clothes?"

"Your clothes had to be removed for examination purposes. Considering the severity of your condition, clothing is the least of our worries," came his response.

Feeling a mix of emotions, I rocked myself from side to side. "You actually healed me?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yes, miraculously," he confirmed.

"Why?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"The answer to that is complex. For now, let's just say that you have been kept alive for the sake of scientific exploration," he replied. I couldn't help but scoff at the irony of the situation.

"You want to conduct experiments on me," I stated, my realization evident.

"Yes, but not at this moment. We will need to return to my personal laboratory before any real testing can be done."

As he made his way toward his desk, his massive tail gracefully swayed between the folds of his pristine white lab coat. With each step, it seemed to possess a life of its own, adding an air of elegance to his movements. As he reached his destination, he delicately picked up a notebook and began to jot down something, his focused expression highlighting the importance of the task at hand.

"However," he continued, "Until that moment arrives, you can find solace in resting. I will provide you with small portions of easily digestible food to ensure your stomach can handle it. I have taken the liberty of making some adjustments to your enclosure. In the event that I am not present upon your awakening, be assured that all your essential needs are already taken care of. Within your cage, you will find a bowl of water conveniently placed on one side. On the opposite side, there is a flap that you can easily push past. Beyond this flap lies a designated area where you can comfortably relieve yourself. This area has been thoughtfully designed to resemble a typical human bathroom, complete with all the necessary facilities, with the exception that standing is not possible.

The situation felt incredibly humiliating and I was sure my face reflected that.

"For now, you will receive food twice a day, without any treats. I want to ensure that your stomach can tolerate them before introducing any additional indulgences." I rolled my eyes. The idea of treats seemed absurd to me. I couldn't help but smile at the ridiculousness of it all. I felt like a lab rat. Or maybe some sort of pet.

In a desperate attempt to regain a sense of authority, I found myself uttering the words in a firm tone, "I insist on being provided with suitable attire."

He laughed a little, "I understand your desire," he smirked at me, "but humans have an impressive ability to adapt. It's something I admire about your species. You will adjust in no time," came his response.

"I don't want to adapt. I want clothing," I insisted.

"Again, I heard your request. However, I am not here to cater to your preferences," he said in a more serious tone. "Consider yourself fortunate to still be alive. Clothing should be the least of your concerns," he said dismissively.

The words spoken by him made me again question the reason for my continued existence. Wasn't it Enzuk's sworn oath to end my life? In fact, I vividly remembered Enzuk carrying out that very mission, as he mercilessly pierced my abdomen with a sharp blade. So how did I find myself on this ship? And more perplexing, why was I still breathing? Enzuk had always boasted about never failing a mission, leaving me to ponder the enigma of my survival.

"Why am I still alive?" I wondered aloud, my mind consumed by this bewildering puzzle.

"The answer is complex, as I said. For now, let's just say that you have been kept alive in the name of science."

I scoffed, finding irony in the situation. This was nothing more than a humiliating reversal of my and Enzuk's position.

"Enzuk," I murmured under my breath, my voice barely audible.

"At least your memory is in tack. He is currently absent," Melxa responded, his attention focused on a delicate glass object he was manipulating. "But I am confident he will soon rejoin our ship. We have been journeying from Earth for three days now. However, Enzuk chose to remain behind to complete his mission."

I glanced around with a sense of unease. Had I really been out for three whole days? It was hard to believe that we were now three days away from my home planet, Earth. The realization hit me hard, especially knowing that Enzuk, had chosen to remain behind. Despite my overwhelming anger towards him, he still remained the sole Omna individual with whom I had developed a sense of familiarity. He was the solitary person who truly understood me, allowing me to express myself without reservation. Despite our conflicting interests, our unique bond provided a safe space for open communication. Still, I couldn't deny the fact that he had made a chilling attempt on my life. In fact, his sinister plan had come dangerously close to achieving its goal.

"You mean...he stayed behind to exterminate the remaining humans?" I asked, my voice filled with irritation.

He chuckled, a cold and unsettling sound. "I suppose, to put it bluntly."

Enzuk was assigned to kill me. So why didn't he? I was still consumed by confusion. "Why didn't he kill me? If he stayed behind to kill any remaining humans, why was I left alive?"

"I have already explained," Melxa replied dismissively. "Science. As long as you are of use to me, you will be spared. But once you no longer serve a purpose, you will join the rest of your deceased species."

Apprehension gripped me as I asked, "What do you plan to do with me?"

"That is not your concern," he retorted. "You ask a lot of questions. But understand that I am under no obligation to provide explanations to you."

"Fine. But if you expect me to cooperate, I demand clothing," I asserted.

He hissed in annoyance. "You do not make demands, human. If you are obedient and work with me, you will be rewarded. However, if you choose to be difficult, the experiments will become excruciating. Basic comforts, such as clothing, are considered rewards. Therefore, if you desire something from me, you must earn it. Do you understand?"

Fury ignited within me, causing my gaze to narrow, and he chuckled condescendingly.

"With that attitude of yours, you are certainly earning those rewards," he remarked sarcastically. "I heard that on Earth they refer to you as the 'little scientist,' but you don't appear to possess much intelligence."

"Intelligence has nothing to do with dignity," I retorted defiantly.

"On the contrary, it is everything," he countered. "If you were truly intelligent, you would realize that your fight is not for dignity, but to preserve your pride. Dignity encompasses being deserving of respect, possessing a noble mind and character. Your concern lies not in how I perceive you, but in maintaining your pride as a human, as you believe yourself superior to my species."

I remained silent as I listened to the sound of him closing a few drawers and shuffling through some papers.

"Now," he continued, "if you were to accept your current situation and collaborate with me for your own improvement, I might consider granting you some of the things you desire. However, at this moment, you haven't earned anything from me, and I have no intention of granting you any favors."

"You act like you wouldn't behave that same way if you were in my situation." I challenged, knowing that he prided himself on his intelligence. "How would you react if someone took you away from your home planet and denied you access to the very things that cover your body? Like... your scales?" I was well aware from my conversations with Enzuk that his species highly valued their scales for protection. Nevertheless, I wanted to make a point.

He chuckled dismissively. "You're attempting to defend yourself by drawing a comparison, but it's a feeble one at best. To answer your question, though, I would do whatever it takes to survive and not provoke a species that holds my life in their hands."

"I'm not asking you to set me free or guide me in escaping. I'm simply requesting clothing. If you provide me with clothing, I will make an effort to cooperate with the testing you wish to conduct."

"That's where you're mistaken, little one. It doesn't work that way. It's not me who needs to prove or earn anything from you. My tests will proceed, whether you resist or not. You're the one seeking something, and to that, I reiterate my previous statement: earn it. Now, extend your arm."

I hesitated, questioning the purpose of his request. After all, I couldn't see what he was doing, and the idea of exposing another part of my vulnerable, unclothed body made me uneasy.

"Come on, human," he urged, his voice coaxing and persuasive. I wrapped my arms tightly around my knees, feeling a mixture of fear and uncertainty. "Human, I'm giving you one final opportunity. Extend your arm," he insisted. Reluctantly, I turned my palm upwards and slowly stretched out my arm, bracing myself for what was to come. His soft hand firmly grasped my wrist, and I winced as a sharp needle pierced my skin. Instinctively, I tried to pull my arm back, but his grip remained tight as he injected me with something. "Good girl," he praised, his words sickeningly sweet, before finally releasing my arm. "That was a pain-relieving drug to alleviate the torment that would have soon engulfed you as your wound continued to heal. Without it, you would have endured unimaginable agony."

Memories of the excruciating pain I had experienced when Enzuk first stabbed me flooded my mind. It was a sensation I never wanted to relive.

"Do you see now? Obey and be rewarded. Defy me, and suffer," he remarked, causing me to flinch as he affectionately patted the top of my head. His chuckle sent shivers down my spine. "Lie down. I want you to sleep. The drug will make you drowsy, and it's crucial for your body to rest."

However, I wasn't tired. In fact, I was too alert and on edge to even consider falling asleep. Turning my head to the side, I let my hair cascade forward, creating a shield between us.

"Lie down," he commanded, his voice dripping with authority. My eyes widened at the menacing tone he adopted. "Now."

Why did he even bother? If I felt tired, all I had to do was lie down. There was no need for him to hover over me, dictating what I should do. However, I knew that if I defied him, he would find a reason to punish me. And to be completely honest, I desperately wanted some clothing. So, I had to at least pretend to care about the orders he gave me. I would try to earn them if I could.

With a deep sigh escaping my lips, I deliberately shifted my position to face away from the front of the cage. The openness of the enclosure unnerved me, as it allowed him to freely roam around and observe me while I slept. The mere thought of his watchful eyes made me uncomfortable, so I sought solace in turning my back to him. Closing my eyes, I curled my legs up to my chest and rested my head on the inside of my arm, while wrapping the other arm around my legs.

In a low tone, he muttered, "Good girl," before retreating with heavy footsteps. "I'll wake you when it's time to eat."

I knew I wouldn't be hungry.

Suddenly, I heard a loud clank and felt the cage vibrate as Melxa had opened a door to my enclosure. Turning my head slightly, I gasped as something soft was draped and placed over my body. My hand instinctively reached out, grabbing hold of the edge of a smooth blanket, clutching it tightly to my chest as an overwhelming sense of relief washed over me.

"There you go," Melxa whispered, gently caressing the back of my head through the bars of the cage. "Your exemplary behavior has earned you something you've longed for. Remember this lesson well as you drift into a peaceful slumber, dear human." I attempted to speak, but my words were instantly stifled by the sound of automatic doors descending around me. Panic gripped me as the bars of my cage lowered, and glass-like doors replaced them, cascading down all sides of me.

Now, instead of being surrounded by bars, I found myself enclosed within thick, glass-like walls. The air became heavy and still, creating an eerie silence within my confinement. It was a sensation I had never experienced before, akin to being trapped inside a coffin.

Startled once again, I felt a cool breeze brushing against my body, causing me to shiver. I hastily wrapped a heavy blanket around my petite frame, finding solace in its warmth as the air swirled around me. The cage had transformed completely, resembling a transparent glass box. The concept of being confined within it didn't sit well with me, causing me to whimper once more. Suddenly, another sound reached my ears, causing my heart to quicken its pace. It was the gentle and soothing sound of ocean waves, as if they were softly brushing against the sandy shore. The realism of the sound made me feel as if I were truly standing on a beautiful beach.

I wrapped the cozy blanket tightly around me, seeking comfort and warmth. As I did so, I stole a quick glance at Melxa through the transparent glass. To my dismay, he greeted me with a condescending smile before manipulating a button on a remote control. Suddenly, the once clear glass transformed into an impenetrable blackness, obstructing my view of Melxa entirely. The smooth walls surrounding me now resembled a pitch-black box, enclosing me in its mysterious depths. However, amidst this darkness, I found solace in the presence of an air conditioner, gently cooling the space, and soothing sounds that embraced me, creating a serene ambiance.

Despite not being able to see Melxa, I had an unsettling certainty that he could still observe me from within the enclosure. The level of advancement displayed by this species was undeniably remarkable. However, the mere thought that he possessed the ability to observe me while remaining invisible sent an eerie sensation down my spine. Unfortunately, I found myself in a helpless situation. I was completely out of my element, far away from the familiarity of my home planet, and trapped within the confines of an ever-changing cage. Despite my best efforts, there seemed to be no solution within my reach.

As I immersed myself in the soothing symphony of the fan's whirring and the gentle crashing of ocean waves, my body naturally succumbed to relaxation. The medication I had been given began to take effect, inducing a drowsy and dizzy sensation.

Gradually, my eyelids grew heavy, weighing down my senses, while my entire body sank deeper into a state of tranquility. Nestling into the comforting embrace of the blanket, I savored the refreshing breeze caressing my face, allowing the drugs to lull me into a peaceful slumber.


Reviews welcomed. Please. Thank you.