I reached the vine wall and carefully parted the thick greenery, revealing my secret exit. With trembling fingers, I unlatched the small door and pushed it open, cool morning air rushing in.
"Go," Redmon whispered. "I'll be right behind you."
I slipped through the opening, dropping silently to the soft earth outside. Freedom beckoned just twenty yards away from where the dense forest began. I took two steps before glancing back to ensure Redmon was following.
That's when everything went wrong.
The greenhouse door burst open. Light flooded the space as armed guards poured in, weapons trained on Redmon.
"Stop right there!" one shouted.
Redmon roared, the sound shaking the glass walls as he charged toward my exit. One guard fired something, not bullets, but darts that embedded in Redmon's shoulder. He staggered but kept moving.
"Run!" he bellowed to me.
I should have run. I should have disappeared into the trees while they focused on him. But I couldn't leave him.
I reached for one of my powder pouches, ready to create a diversion, when strong arms grabbed me from behind. I hadn't noticed the guards circling around the greenhouse exterior.
"Target secured," a voice called as I struggled against the iron grip.
"Let me go!" I screamed, kicking backward and connecting with something solid. The grip loosened just enough for me to reach my belt, grabbing a pouch of blinding powder.
I twisted, throwing the contents directly into my captor's face. He screamed, releasing me as he clawed at his eyes. I spun toward the forest, freedom just steps away.
Another guard tackled me from the side, driving me to the ground with crushing force. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs as my face pressed into the dirt.
"Restrain her!" someone shouted. "She's armed with chemical agents!"
Cold metal closed around my wrists. Through the chaos, I caught glimpses of the greenhouse where Redmon fought likea cornered animal, his massive form throwing guards aside despite the multiple darts now protruding from his body. Glass shattered as he smashed through displays, roaring my name.
"Kalyndi!" His voice contained fear.
"Redmon!" I screamed back as they dragged me to my feet.
Administrator Verek appeared beside me, his thin face triumphant. "Quite the dramatic morning, isn't it? And all unnecessary. We only came for a medical examination."
"Liar," I spat, struggling against my restraints. "We know what you're doing. The breeding program, the children in the radiation zones."
His expression flickered briefly before smoothing into practiced neutrality. "I see we have much to discuss. Take her to the transport."
"No!" I thrashed wildly as they dragged me toward a waiting vehicle. "Redmon!"
Through the greenhouse glass, I saw him still fighting, but his movements were slowing as more darts found their mark. Four guards lay unmoving on the ground, testament to his strength, but more kept coming. They were using some kind of sedative, powerful enough to affect even his massive body.
The last thing I saw before they forced me into the transport was Redmon crashing to his knees, reaching toward me as darkness claimed him.
The transport vehicle hummed quietly as we sped away from the cottage. Through the tinted windows, I watched familiar landmarks disappear, replaced by the sterile buildings of the Administrative Zone. Two guards flanked me, while a third sat opposite, weapon ready.
"Where are you taking me?" I demanded, but received only silence in response.
My mind raced, cataloging everything I knew about Magnus Terra facilities. Following protocol, they would send me to a medical center for the fabricatedquarantine. But something told me this went far beyond standard procedures.
After thirty minutes, the transport slowed, turning onto a private road that led to a nondescript white building with no windows. A chill ran down my spine as we passed through multiple security checkpoints before stopping at a loading bay.
"Exit the vehicle," one guard ordered, unfastening my restraints from the seat, but leaving my wrists bound.
I stepped out into a sterile corridor where Administrator Verek waited, flanked by white-coated staff.
