Heart Pangs

Chapter 57 - The Betrayal

A staggering pain wracks itself from deep inside Lux's core and tears its way outward, coursing through the rest of his body. He squeezes his eyes shut and grits his teeth, waiting for the spasm to pass. They seem to be lasting longer and longer each time. He's not sure how much more of this he can bear.

Two days. Two and a half full days without food. Nothing. Not a single bite has passed Lux's lips since he'd been dragged into... whatever dungeon this is supposed to be.

He had thought he'd been at his worst when on the run with Benji. He had thought things couldn't get any worse when he'd stooped to going to a Collector. He'd been wrong. This is so much worse. He's never been hungrier.

He'd been given no neutralizers to dull his stomach acids. He'd been given no meals to at least abate the hunger somewhat. He's left with raw, unabashed, and unending hunger. He's not sure how much longer he'll survive this.

What makes it worse is that every day, two prey come into his cell and stand before him, just out of reach. There is Epomis' leader himself, the only thing appetizing about him is the fact that Lux knows he'll at least fill his belly. But then there's Camille.

She's the only reason he's glad he's restrained. Despite the fact that he can't sit without his arms being pulled above his head nor can he stand fully without his wrists tugging him back down, despite the fact that this damn collar has rubbed his neck raw, he's glad there's at least something keeping him from shoving her down his throat.

Camille and her leader have only come down to his cell a few times. Their interrogations aren't really what Lux had expected. Aside from Camille's initial beating, most physical harm to Lux had been sporadic and inflamed. The majority of the questioning comes from the leader. His inquiries are always rapid-fire, in a fervor. They come across as unorganized, as if he is simply spewing out whatever comes to mind. From security procedures at the Facility to the location of the Supervisor's home, he wants to know it all.

However, he never seems to be expecting a real answer. He barely gives Lux an opportunity to say anything (not that Lux ever has anything to say) before snarling and giving Lux a swift punch or slap or kick. Normally, Lux wouldn't even find the leader fit for hiring as an extractor, but there's something showy about the whole thing, as if the interrogation isn't all that important. Just a formality. What really seems to bring him glee is entering Lux's cell and asking how he feels. Cruel pleasure sparks in the leader's eyes every time he comes downstairs and sees how much hungrier Lux has become.

And Camille stands by and watches it all. She barely moves, her arms folded tightly behind her back. Just her eyes follow the action. Every once in awhile she and Lux lock gazes. Just for a breath. Just enough to say what needs to be said. Lux wishes he could read her expression, but she keeps her face empty and detached.

Now he's here. Alone. Cold. Tired. Bored out of his mind.

He sits on the ground, arms pulled above his head at an awkward angle. His shoulder muscles are past strained. His head hangs, the edge of his collar cuts into his neck, and his eyes are closed. If he can just get a little rest, if he can just claim a few minutes of sleep and escape the endless demands of his stomach...

For the briefest of moments, the merciful oblivion of unconsciousness overwhelms him. There's nothing. No pain, no hunger, just an endless dark void. Somewhere, deep in the recesses of Lux's mind, he imagines just a little more relief. A scent. Something familiar and inviting. It fills him with warmth and longing, and it's so, so near to him. If he could just reach out and catch it. If he could just make it his...

But then the scent is right there. Right in front of him. It's real. Lux's stomach lurches. Adrenaline pulses through him. It's his.

He lunges forward with a snarl, reaching out for it. His shackles stop him just short of his prey. His shoulders wrench agonizingly out of place and force him to draw back.