The Evil That Came

Part 10: The Game Begins

Greg's hushed voice filled the cozy living room, casting a long, ominous shadow. "Matilda," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "something's wrong with Victoria. She's turning sixteen soon, and we need to leave." His gaze darted around the room, searching for an escape route, his mind racing.

Matilda's heart pounded in her chest. A chill crept down her spine as she processed his words. "Leave? Why?" Her voice was a mere whisper, and her mind was struggling to comprehend the gravity of his statement.

Greg hesitated, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination.  They're going to use her, experiment on her, and General Alden is behind it all." His voice dropped to a near whisper. "We have to protect her."

A cold dread settled over Matilda. The familiar comfort of their home suddenly felt like a prison. She looked at Greg, searching for reassurance, but his face was etched with worry. 

Greg hesitated, then blurted, "They're unlike the other R.O.B.O.S., Matilda. Victoria, Viktor... they're projects. I've seen the files." His voice was shaky. General Alden... he'll stop at nothing."

Greg leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "He sees me as a threat. The things I know..." He trailed off, his jaw clenching. I recorded Viktor's continued abuse of Victoria after my visit. I don't want to, but he is a danger to us, and at this point, as an adult and a soldier, he can make his own decisions, and so far, his decisions do not align with our mission.

Matilda reached for his hand. Concern etched on her face. "Greg, tell me. We've always shared everything."

"There are forces at play, Matilda," Greg pleaded, his eyes locked on hers. "Secrets I can't explain. Not yet. Trust me, I will. But for now, I need to keep you safe."

Matilda pulled her hand away, a flare of frustration in her eyes. "Safe? You expect me to trust you unquestioningly? There's danger, experiments, and secrets you won't share!"

Greg's shoulders slumped. "Matilda, yes. In this case, I do. It's about Victoria and you. They're coming for her, and we need to be gone."

"Is she just an experiment with you, Greg, or a child you love? Lately, all your attention has been on her. I feel like you're forgetting about me." Matilda's voice trembled, but her gaze was steady.

Greg's jaw clenched. "Matilda, I..." He searched her eyes, the answer catching in his throat.

"Do you love me, Greg?" Her voice softened. "Is there room for both of us? Are my needs not important to you?"

In that charged moment, the weight of his secret settled on Greg. Love wasn't about protecting; it was about sharing burdens. "Matilda," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "there's always room for you.".

"I shouldn't be competing against a teenager," Matilda thought bitterly. Over the weeks, Victoria had become a focal point of Greg's attention and a wedge between them. She wanted to be selfless and prioritize Victoria's safety in this moment, but jealousy tightened around her heart.

Greg's urgency snapped her back to reality. "We need to leave as soon as possible," he declared, packing his belongings. 

"Where would we go?" Matilda's voice wavered.

"For right now, anywhere," Greg replied, his eyes determined. But Matilda knew it wasn't that simple. Leaving meant severing ties, abandoning her family, and stepping into the abyss with Greg for who knows how long.

"But what about my family?" she pressed. "I'm assuming we're going to space because that's the only way we can run away."

Greg's gaze softened. "I don't want you to get hurt," he said, his voice gentle. "Tobias won't hesitate to use you against me. It's safer with me than with you on your own. I can outsmart him, dodge him. If I leave you on Earth, they'll find you and use you for ransom. He knows I will have to come for you."