The Defiant

Strong

Roan

He walked around me like a predator circling prey. 

I didn't bother to look at him or listen to his monologue about how we were meant to be. How he was meant to be with all of us. 

He crouched to my side and grabbed my chin, forcing me to face him. "Just submit to me," he growled. "You can't get yourself out, so what is the point in suffering forever?"

I said nothing. 

He let go of me and began walking away, into the void. "I'll be back in an hour. Think about what I said."

When he was gone, static eyes appeared above me. 

I hadn't talked since the first day here, but now, I opened my mouth to say, "Get me out."

The darkness's whispy limbs cradled me as he brought us out of the dream realm. I shut my eyes as the wind whipped my face. 

Then it stopped. 

I opened my eyes to see a white ceiling above me surrounded by green walls. 

My throat constricted as I realized I was finally out. I was finally free. 

I felt like shit. My throat was dry, my stomach ached with hunger, and I had a pounding headache. But, I was free.

Someone moved next to me, and I realized that there was an arm across my chest. 

I slowly turned my head to look at Ezra's sleeping face. 

I reached up a hand and felt along his arm. 

I could touch him.

"Ezra?" I choked out weekly. 

He slowly opened his eyes and looked at me. "R-Roan?"

I let out a sob as it hit me full force. 

I was awake. I was out. 

"Roan!" he exclaimed, grabbing me and pulling me closer. His arms shook as he held me, but he didn't let go. 

I tucked my head into his shoulder and cried harder. I grasped at his shirt weakly, feeling the fabric and how real it was. 

One of the worst parts of being stuck with the General was when he would take me out of the void and bring me back to our dorm. They would all be lounging around, and when I would try to get their attention, they wouldn't see me. When I tried to touch them, I would just pass through. 

"Don't let me go," I pleaded through my sobs. "I can't go back."

He only hugged me tighter. "I'm here. You're safe."

I shuddered against him. Safe. I was safe.

He held me until I was done crying, telling me occasionally that he was with me, and that I was going to be okay. 

When we separated, I asked hoarsely, "Is everyone okay?"

He nodded. "Atlas, Levi, and Dakota are staying in a hotel a few hours away from the facility. Josiah and Sparrow are attending a meeting right now."

I sighed in relief. 

"Roan, what happened, baby?" He asked, cupping my cheek and using his thumb to brush away my tears. 

Another tear slipped down my cheek, and I shook my head. "I don't want to be there anymore."

And talking about it would just bring up those recent memories, that I so desperately wanted to forget right now.