Chapter 1

When my sobs had quieted, I lay on the floor sulking. Then I heard footsteps. They were getting louder. I heard a door open outside mine, and then someone was jiggling my doorknob. It turned.

It was the man in the suit.

"Get up," he said. I didn't like the look on his face. He scared me. "Get UP!"

I must've looked terrified. He grabbed my arm and yanked me up.

I tried my best to hide my tears. He looked at my eyes. He stabbed me with his glare for what felt like the longest time.

"You're dangerous. I don't know if I'll keep you around," he spat. "Bitch."

He finally left. Through the door I saw the man that I thought was familiar. He walked away with the man in the suit. Soon the woman from earlier came to see me, too. She was dressed differently than before.

She looked angry. I was scared, I backed away.

"I know what you did to Milo," she told me, and I got confused. "I will tell you now that if you seduce my fiance the same way you made Milo put his hands on you, there will be consequences. You are one euthanization away from being out of here. But I suppose you don't understand that, do you Tara?"

I swallowed hard. I do understand.

"No, I suppose you don't," she said more quietly. "You're not so lucky. I'm your nurse while you're living here. I don't plan to be gentle. I'm not afraid of you. Nicholas is the only person who can save you if I decide you're not worth it, and he's merciless." So that's his name. I wondered why she was mad at me. I didn't tell him to touch me. I wouldn't tell anyone to go anywhere near me. She turned to the door. "If you're hungry, you better come eat. I can take you to the dining hall.

I had honestly lost my appetite, but I'd do anything to get out of this room. I followed her out the door.

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I was locked into the dining hall. 

I saw another girl there. She couldn't have been human. The hair gave her away. I didn't get any bad vibes from her, though. I was too shy to try and say anything, as if I could anyway. She turned around when she happened to hear my footsteps. I got scared when she started walking towards me. I didn't know if I wanted anymore people to yell at me. 

She stopped in front of me. There was pity in her eyes. 

"Have you been crying?" she asked.

I blinked. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know if I could say anything.

"You poor thing. They're really rough on some of the newbies," she put her hand on my shoulder. "My name is Mary." 

I tried to pronounce her name, "Mah... ree..." I said slowly. 

Her eyes widened, "Can you not talk?" 

I mumbled something. It came out as gibberish again.

"Oh, goodness! You're the worst case I've seen. Here, I'll make you some breakfast. I promise it will make you feel better! Wipe your eyes, okay?" she handed me a handkerchief. 

I dabbed at my eyes with it. I sat down at a table. At least she was nice. If only I could tell her my name... 

I heard someone come into the room. I didn't want to turn around. I did anyway. I stood when I saw who it was.

My heart automatically felt warmer. Why did I feel this way? 

"Tara..." he said with sad eyes. "I wanted to apologize for my fiance's behavior earlier. I want you to know that we don't technically have the right to kill you. She can't and won't. That's not even Nicholas's choice. I will talk to Nicholas and ask him to treat you better. Their actions were completely uncalled for, as were Milo's. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

I waited. It seemed like he wanted to say something else. I nodded, because it was the only thing I could do. 

"So you do understand?" he asked.

I nodded enthusiastically. 

For a second I saw happiness. "Do you remember who I am, Tara?"

My spirits dropped. I shook my head and looked at the floor. 

"Okay. I'll be back in about an hour to bring you into the lower levels. I-" he said, but stopped, as if he was mistaking saying something. He left, and my eyes watered. I felt lonely again.