15
Ava
I do not understand where I am.
I am sprawled on the floor, restrained by tightly wound, zip-ties like I’m some dangerous prisoner. My eyes twist, dizzying me.
“She’s awake,” a voice says.
I open and close my eyes in rapid succession, blinking so hard it actually hurts. At first, I wonder if I’m still in the simulation. But when I look up, I see stern faces, thick helmets with bulletproof eye-protection, and Earth Federation grade weaponry.
No, I’m not inside the simulation. That game is over and done with. I’m in the real world now.
Home sweet fucking home.
All the courage I gained inside that place wears off as soon as one of those violent thugs knocks the butt of his rifle against my cheek. I slide across the floor, pain shooting through my skull down to the nerves in my toes.
The group of soldiers laugh. “Morning, sweetie-pie. Have a nice nap?”
I furrow my brow, inhaling. “Where am I?” I ask.
Another boot to the stomach causes me to hurl. Fuck. I didn’t expect to wake up like this. I held onto faith that the bond I shared with Kalxor would be enough to connect us again on the outside.
Apparently, I was wrong.
“Look at her squirm,” the soldier taunts. “No alien to save her now.”
“Robot fucker,” another grunts and guffaws.
Elon’s not in bed with the Earth Federation. He hates the government. I’d pry for more answers if I didn’t expect them to abuse me more.
Turns out, they’re going to do that regardless of what I say.
The head soldier bends and grabs a bunch of my hair, twisting his fingers deep to get a lot a lock on me. Searing pain tugs at my scalp, forcing my jaw open.
He pulls me onto my feet and looks at me, dead in the eyes.
“Tell me. Did you enjoy fucking that beast?” he asks.
I don’t reply, and I’m trying my hardest not to tear up. I’ve felt a lot of pain, but I’m not sure I can handle any more.
Another armed, black-booted soldier meanders around me. “Are you deaf? He asked you a question.”
I bite the center of my tongue until my jaw darts open.
“Yes,” I whisper. “Now, please stop abusing me.”
Another round of laughter and snide comments, taunts to break me down, so they can get inside my head.
I can’t believe I wanted to leave my father’s simulated world. Wherever he is right now, it must be better than where I am.
The officer in charge pushes me toward a door. When it opens, I know exactly where I am. I see the grand staircase that once led to an enchanted forest full of wild animals, hunters, and cultists. However, all of that has seemed to disappear. I’m standing in a giant warehouse, empty and devoid of any and all life.
“System’s malfunctioned,” he says. “I’m going to need you to fix it.”
My breath quickens, chest seizing up at every opportunity. Me? Fix this by myself? There’s no way.
“Why me?” I ask.