A cure like that would cause people to give up everything they have and more so, just for the chance to live and be healed.
The greed of humans is known throughout our realm, unchanging throughout history.
I’m going to be used as a blood bag to profit off of until I’m no longer needed.
“You’re a sick bastard,” I seethe through a clenched jaw.
His echoing footsteps carry him to my side.
“I will keep you alive as long as you keep making me rich,” he says simply. “And you will, have no doubt. My new chemical being tested on you for your capture provided the photo evidence I needed to sell it on the black market.”
My teeth grind as I try to shove down the tidal wave of anger and shame. They burned me, broke me, and then immortalized it in glossy prints.
Evidence, he calls it.
Well I have a different word for it: theft.
Of my dignity.
Of my body.
Captured in the moment it was weakest after their assault, paraded for strangers’ eyes without a shred of consent.
Heat stings behind my eyes, but I choke it back down, attempting to bury it beneath rage.
His smile shifts as his voice drops, thick with blooming obsession. “What are you, Briar? What bloodline makes you different from the rest?”
The mention of my bloodline has my own lips curling into the smile of a predator, letting my fangs extend to their full length. “My bloodline is one that won’t hesitate to wipe you and anyone associated with this place from existence. I can’t wait for you to meet them.”
I don’t know if I’ll be able to get myself out of this, or if my parents will find me in time, but I know one thing to the depths of my soul: There will be vengeance, be it by my hand, or my families.
His smile turns vicious, the civilized mask peeling away to reveal the true depths of him. “I welcome them to show up. I could always use more subjects to pull blood from, in case I accidentally go too far in our sessions.”
My chest tightens at the way he purrs the last word.
“You heal fast. Too fast for death to touch you if I’m careful.” My smile begins to slip as he continues his rant. “That makes you my perfect outlet. Every cut, every burn, every scream…you’ll recover. Which means I can start again. And again. And again.”
His hands thread together, settling in front of him and making him the picture of satisfaction. “Your blood makes me rich. Your pain makes me whole. And the best part?”
His grin slices wider. “One requires the other.”
CHAPTER 11
BRIAR
He circles the table holding the weapons with the lazy patience of a predator who already believes the kill is his.
“Answer me this and I’ll skip today’s session,” he murmurs softly, piercing me with his pale eyes. “What is your last name?”
I think back to before I knew there was a false wall in my cell and I’d whispered my name like a prayer for strength. I’m lucky it was too soft for the brothers to hear, or any video surveillance I’m sure they have running.
My eyes flutter shut for a moment. I need to be more vigilant.
I open my eyes and give him nothing, holding my silence like a weapon.
His smile slants. “No answer? Then maybe we’ll start simple so you have an idea of what your confession will save you from.”
He flexes his hand, admiring the curl of his knuckles as he approaches me. “Sometimes it feels good to just use these.”
