Monster Like You

Chapter 7

We went to the headquarters together, but I smuggled Nathaniel into Corps.

Fortunately, the employees' cars were almost never searched, so it was enough for him to hide in the back seat. We both understood that if we were to resurrect, then it should be done carefully and gradually. First, limit the circle of initiates to Gervase and Kiaran.

"Will you wait here?" I asked, taking my usual place in the underground parking lot.

Nathaniel nodded. I gave him the car keys so as not to lock him inside, and I got out and, taking a deep breath, headed for the elevators.

Our plan was simple: for everyone, I "find" the ritual among Penn's notes, but I tell Kiaran and Gervase the truth. They were the only ones we trusted completely, and they could arrange everything so that Draco was there during the ritual without attracting too much attention to himself.

Being late for more than two hours could not cause anyone any questions. Our working day was considered abnormal, and on the eve of Nathaniel, kicking me out of the office, he told me not to come back until I had a good night's sleep. Therefore, there was no need to explain myself to anyone, and I could have gone straight to Elsdon, but instead I decided to look at Alyssa.

I was going to talk to her more calmly the day before, but Kiaran forbade me, saying that it was too early to go to the interview stage. He wanted to first better understand what she was like and what she was capable of. I cowardly agreed, because I didn't feel mentally ready to talk.

And this morning, on the way to headquarters, I kept thinking about what Nathaniel had told me. I tried to imagine how I would feel if one day I woke up not in my apartment, but in a locked room, in a laboratory, deprived of my own life and any rights. This thought tied a tight knot in my stomach, I was twisting like in a fever. And the desire to help Alyss get out of the trap and get a chance at a normal life grew inexorably in me.

When I entered her room, she was nervously pacing the room, but when she noticed me, she stopped and smiled uncertainly.

"You came."

Alyss was either just stating a fact, or she didn't fully believe her eyes. The elongated vertical pupils made me involuntary shudder: I had already forgotten about them.

"I came by to wish you good morning."

I wanted to say it calmly, encouragingly, but my voice sounded hoarse and therefore a little rude. I cleared my throat and added softly:

"And to assure you that we will do everything to help you."

"Will you let me go? When will you let me out?" Alyss asked quickly, taking a step towards me.

I instinctively staggered back, remembering how she had wrung the guard's neck. Her eyes narrowed unkindly.

"Are you afraid of me? Why are you afraid of me? You know me. You know better than anyone. Like I am you."

Different emotions were intertwined in her voice. Surprise. Resentment. Anger.

"We will definitely help you, Alyss, I promise," I repeated. "But it will take time. You understand, don't you?"

"Treasure!" Kiaran's displeased voice came from the speaker near the ceiling. "Get out of there immediately. I need you urgently."

"No, wait! Don't go away!" Alyss demanded as I retreated to the door. "Please stay. Let's talk. I'll tell you everything. Everything you need to know>"

"Treasure!"

I spread my hands helplessly and pointed at the speaker, letting her know that I had to obey.