Chapter 5
NEW GAME, NEW RULES
The darkness that follows is anything but sleep.
I’m in a room that’s simultaneously unending and collapsing, golden walls shrinking down around me until I’m suffocating. Glass rains down from nowhere, a thousand glittering shards cutting the air to bits.
Someone is screaming. The sound bends and echoes until it doesn’t even sound human.
I raise my hands to shield my face—
Except they aren’t mine.
Pale, bloodied fingers stretch upward, trembling at the motion. A faded red hem brushes past my vision, soaked through and torn.
A warm hand seizes my wrist. I hear a boy’s voice, sharp and urgent: “Look at me—now!”
It rings loud, piercing my eardrums, then dissolves into an endless static that ceases all thought.
I jolt against nothing. My body doesn’t move, but my chest heaves like I’ve run a mile. The warmth against my wrist is gone, replaced by the cold metal cuff biting against my skin. The surreal world leaks like water through my shaking hands.
My eyes crack open to bright white.
Sleek white walls, bright white lights. A cold, unfeeling bedroom.
And him.
Mister M leans against the doorframe like he’s been waiting hours for me to stir. His smile curves without an ounce of warmth.
“Up,” he demands. “You’ve wasted enough time.”
I push onto my elbows, head still spinning. My legs feel like wet sand. Whatever was in the dark drink still claws at me, sagging impossibly heavy in my veins.
“Slower than Avery,” he observes, as if this is some game I don’t know the rules of.
His gaze skims over me, wholly unimpressed.
I must look dreadful—hair mussed, collar crooked, cuff blinking a vivid orange that denotes me as unsteady.
“Messy doesn’t suit you,” he murmurs, straightening the crease of my collar himself.
“And when you look bad, I look worse. Do you see the problem?”
I nod, heat rising in my cheeks.
“Then fix it, 214. Quickly.” He leaves me with that and turns, expecting me to follow.
I do, because that’s what they’ve taught me.
I’m apparently the last one awake, which I don’t find very comforting.
The rest of the girls are gathered in a small sitting room that sits just beyond the door I emerged from.
It’s simple, practical, maybe a bit drab.
A gray sofa, two even grayer armchairs, and a small coffee table on a shag rug.
The wall to my right is consumed by what I can only describe as a giant half-translucent mirror.
Its looming presence is a bit off-putting, though I can’t place why.
The back wall has a large glass door and a badge scanner.
The door to the rest of the wing, I think.
On my left, there are identical wooden doors, each bearing a golden plaque marked with designations.
219, 216, 276. Juniper, Ivy, Avery. Only one door sits on my right, 212.
Brielle. Each door is also equipped with a glass viewing window.
No privacy, even in sleep. Not a surprise.
The organization says the only girls who need privacy are girls who have something to hide.
I have nothing to hide. Nothing important, at least.
It’s clean. Too clean. Like a stage I’ve stumbled onto without being handed a script.
I resist the urge to retreat into my room, moving on uncertain legs and settling into the nearest chair.
Brielle flashes me a warm smile, but her eyes are locked on Mister M, who’s taken a place at the front of the room.
“Now that sleeping beauty has decided to grace us with her presence, there are matters to attend to.”
He wants a reaction. I don’t give him one.
“This is your common room. You’ll treat it with respect and keep it spotless.
The enforcers aren’t your maids, and you don’t want to find out what happens if I find you abusing your freedoms.” He strides to the mirror, tapping it a few times.
It flashes clear, revealing a small office on the other side. “And I will always find out.”
If his goal was to make us more wary of him than we already are, he’s doing a fabulous job.
“Six months,” he says, prowling down the line.
He pauses briefly on Ivy, who’s still splayed out on the floor.
He toes her ribs with his dress shoe, and she mutters something like “present” under her breath.
He huffs, seemingly satisfied, before continuing.
“That’s how long you have to prove yourselves.
You’ll be evaluated each month. Obedience is just the beginning. ”
I gulp down a breath, swallowing every ounce of uncertainty that digs at my chest.
“When asked, you will perform. You will prove that my training produces excellence. Some of you will shine. The rest of you…” He flicks his gaze deliberately toward me. “Well, you’ll find out soon enough.”
My stomach drops through the floorboards. I can feel the color leeching from my face as I contemplate shriveling up and disappearing from sheer anxiety. I force a smile instead. He knows best, after all. He’s just keeping me engaged. Eager to learn. Motivated to do better.
Yes, I’m sure that’s what it is.
“In three months’ time, the organization will be holding a ball for the investors and sponsors to preview our exceptional work.
At least one of you will get to accompany me.
” Mister M stares pointedly at Avery when he says it, assessing her with narrowed eyes.
I nod regardless, clinging to the fact that he said, “at least one,” which means the rest of us still have a chance.
Impressing the investors would be huge for getting noticed before graduation.
Impressing Mister M? Now that could prove a challenge.
Avery doesn’t shy away, blue eyes glinting with pride. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
His fingers twitch at his sides, but he merely nods. “That’s all for tonight. Your workbooks are on the shelf. I expect to see chapter four ready for review by morning.” He points at Avery. “You’ll be coming with me.”
She’s on her feet in seconds, padding after him like an obedient puppy.
Mister M straightens her collar, attention still locked on us.
I try to keep my pulse level as he looks me over.
You’d think after six months I’d be used to his judgment.
Guess not. His eyes go glassy, mouth moving wordlessly like he’s recounting a to-do list.
“Oh, and sedation’s at nine now. If I find out any of you”—he flourishes his wrist and points directly at Juniper—“give the enforcers any trouble, there will be consequences.”
Mister M offers an amused grin, dipping into a mock bow. “Get comfortable, girls. This is your home now. Whether you deserve it or not is up to you.”