Well Beyond

6

All I do is watch. I watch the small portion of the outdoors I can see from my window, savoring the sunsets most nights. It's the simple things that get you through. It's the small observations that always give you something to hold on to.

Dad always said the most dangerous people are the ones who pay attention. Those who observe but don't play. Those who notice the dull shine on a bat and the new glove on a player.

It's been a while since my first and only beating-maybe a week or so. Erik wasn't around for it, but his groupies were enough. Curious, I press my ear against the air vent in my room, a tactic I learned quickly in this place. The vents carry sound well, and I can hear Erik and another man talking.

"I don't care what you think, she's staying here," Erik's voice is firm, tinged with frustration. "We need her."

The other man, whose voice is unfamiliar, responds with skepticism. "And what makes you so sure? She's a liability. She's marked you, Erik. That bond is a weakness."

Erik's laugh is harsh. "You think I don't know that? But we can use it. She's more valuable alive than dead. For now."

My heart races as I listen, straining to catch every word. They're talking about me. What value do I have? Why am I here?

Erik's voice drops lower, almost a whisper, but the vents carry it clearly. "Besides, the pack doesn't need to know everything. Control the narrative, control the pack. And she's part of that control."

"Speaking of control," the man paused, his tone shifting to one of cautious suggestion, "The Laurent Pack needs-"

"I can't leave here for some pathetic pack that needs help. That would make us vulnerable to an attack," Erik interrupted, his voice sharp with irritation.

"It's not like I can't watch the pack while you're gone," the man countered, trying to sound reassuring. "Besides, you need somewhat of a break. It's only a few days. How much can happen in a few days?"

Erik scoffed, a bitter edge to his laughter. "More than you think. But fine. If you're so hellbent on me going to that pack out of some weak-ass alliance, then I'll leave next week."

"Works for me," the man said, sounding relieved. "I better leave you to it."

I grinned and pulled my ear away from the vent. If I was going to get out of here, tomorrow night would be my opportunity. I closed my eyes, trying to get some sleep, though my heart raced with anticipation.

Minutes passed, filled with deafening silence, before I heard footsteps approaching the door. I knew it was Erik; the tempo and pitch of his walk had become so familiar over the last few weeks. I kept my eyes shut, praying to avoid whatever punishment he might have in mind, hoping to be in the best condition for tomorrow's escape attempt.

The door clicked open and quietly shut. Erik's presence filled the room, his sigh heavy with unspoken thoughts. He walked up to me, his footsteps deliberate and measured. I felt his shadow cast over me before he got down on the floor beside me. To my surprise, he pulled me into his chest with a tight grip. Panic surged through me, and I began to push against him, fearing that he would cross a line far worse than any before.

"Please don't, please. Anything but that, I can't," I started thrash around, horrified about the next line he'll blast past.

He put more weight on me before telling me to stop. I began shaking and crying hard. He looked at me, mortified.

"Cordelia, did you think I was going to," he paused, "-that I would even do that?"

I froze, unsure of what to do. He pulled away abruptly, as if my touch had scorched him, leaving me completely alone. I scurried into the corner of the room, pressing myself against the walls. We stared at each other for a few tense moments.