Corruption

Chapter 3

After what felt like weeks in the medbay, the doctor finally gave the all-clear. No more IVs. No more wires. For the first time in forever, I could move without the fear of tearing something out of my body. I had maybe five minutes of that fragile freedom—until the stormtroopers came.

"You're coming with us," one barked, gesturing with a flick of his fingers like I was a dog. I didn't move. Just stared at him from the bed.

"And where exactly are we going?" I asked, more curious than brave.

"That's not your concern," the other said, sharp and irritated. "Orders from the Supreme Leader."

"Supreme Leader my ass," I muttered, rolling my eyes as I stood. The linoleum was icy under my bare feet, sending a shiver up my spine as I wobbled toward them. I was still unsteady, still not used to moving after so much time confined to a bed.

They grabbed my arms, not gently. More like they were hauling a piece of equipment. My feet barely kept up. Despite my loathing for the masked tyrant who ruled this place, I had to admit—at least he'd waited until I wasn't actively bleeding before sending his dogs.

"Geez, do you have to be so damn rough?" I snapped. The one on my left loosened his grip, realizing how hard he was squeezing. The other ignored me completely.

They led me through endless, sterile corridors, each step echoing louder than the last. Eventually, we reached a hall lined with metal doors—cold, gray, unwelcoming. They stopped at one, held me in place as it slid open, revealing a concrete cell with nothing inside. No bed. No chair. Just four walls and a floor.

My heart dropped.

"No, wait—please, you can't—" I tried to dig my heels in, panic rising like bile. But they didn't hesitate. They lifted me off the ground and shoved me inside.

"Quiet, prisoner," one hissed before they threw me forward.

I hit the ground hard, pain shooting through my side. Something tore—old stitches maybe. I winced, gripping my ribs as the sharp ache bloomed into warmth. Blood.

"You can't leave me in here!" I screamed as the door slammed shut behind them. "You can't—"

But they were gone.

I pressed myself upright, shaking. The walls were already closing in, the silence deafening. I sat, numb, against the cold concrete, hot tears trailing down my cheeks.

Was this it? My life now? Locked in a tomb, waiting to die?

"I HATE YOU!" I screamed at no one. My voice bounced off the walls and slammed back into me, raw and pointless.

My throat burned. My ribs ached. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Sobs racked my body until my limbs went heavy and useless. I curled against the wall and begged the universe to end it.

Eventually, darkness pulled me under.

⸻

I woke to the sound of the door hissing open. My eyes snapped wide. I didn't know how long I'd been asleep—hours? Days? Time didn't exist here.

Boots. Heavy, deliberate.

I didn't need to see him to know it was Ren.

He stepped into the room like he owned it, like he owned me. His broad frame filled the doorway, helmet glinting under the sterile lights.

"Good to see you're awake, Princess," he said.

His voice through that vocoder made my skin crawl. I didn't respond. Just stared, blank and full of disgust.

"Always so defiant," he mused, taking slow steps closer. I pressed my back harder against the wall, wishing I could disappear into it.

"I've come to make you an offer."

I narrowed my eyes. "I'm not interested."

He tilted his head. "You'll want to hear this one."

"I doubt that."

He chuckled—cold and mechanical. "My Knights... they do a great deal for me. I thought it time they were rewarded."

"So buy them a puppy," I muttered.

"A companion," he corrected, ignoring the jab.

The word sent a chill down my spine. I blinked, trying to make sense of it—until it hit me like a punch to the gut.

"No." My voice was sharp. "Not me."

"You'd rather rot in here?"

"I'd rather die than serve the First Order or anyone under its boot."

He stepped closer, the space between us shrinking with each measured pace. "Such a fiery little thing, aren't you?"

"Why offer me anything at all?" I snapped. "If I'm just a prisoner, let me rot. You'd probably enjoy that."

The air in the room thickened. I saw his hands curl into fists at his sides. Even without seeing his face, I could feel the annoyance radiating off him.

"Why must you always be so difficult?" he hissed.

"My apologies, Supreme Leader," I spat. "Next time my planet is destroyed and my family's slaughtered, I'll remember to be more accommodating."

His chest rose and fell sharply. I'd struck a nerve.

"I'll give you one last chance to answer me properly before I leave you here again," he growled. "Stay, or come with me and follow orders."

I didn't answer. Not right away. The silence stretched between us like a blade.

I didn't want to go. I didn't want to be anything for anyone. But this cell... it would kill me eventually. Slowly. Quietly.

"What would I even do?" I said finally. "I'm not trained to be a... companion."

"You'll figure it out," he said, with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Oh? And how's that? Licking mud off your boots for entertainment?"

Another low laugh. "Tempting. But no. The Knights need someone... something... to keep them entertained."

He looked me over, and I felt my skin crawl.

"You're afraid," he observed.

"No shit," I whispered. "You haven't exactly given me reason to feel safe."

"Up there, you'll have food. Comfort. A purpose," he said. "Down here... you'll die."

And he was right.

I hated him more for it.

"Fine," I said. "I'll follow your orders, Supreme Leader."

"Good." I could practically hear the smirk beneath that mask. "Now come along, Princess. I don't have all day."

He turned without waiting for me. I hauled myself to my feet, wincing as pain shot through my side, and followed. The stormtroopers flanked us from behind, silent and watchful.

I trotted to keep up with his long strides.

"So what do you do here, besides destroy everything that breathes?" I muttered.

His glove creaked as he clenched a fist. That hit home.

"This base harnesses energy from the system's star. It's contained in a magnetic field at the core. That energy is used to obliterate rebel strongholds. As you've seen, it's highly effective."

I dropped my gaze to the floor. Nothing more to say.

He paused ahead of me and turned left down another corridor.

"You're filthy," he said. "Let's get you cleaned up. Wouldn't want the Knights to see you like this."

I scoffed. "Maybe don't lock people in cells if you want them looking presentable."

He didn't answer. Just kept walking.

And I kept following, hating myself for every step I took.