Genetic Perfection ( Repo! the Genetic Opera Fanfiction)

Playing with fire

Chapter 22 - Playing with fire

" They'll be here soon," Grave Robber said entering the sitting room.

Shilo and I had racked our brains trying to come up with the perfect plan, but it always felt like we were missing something crucial. Every version of the plan that involved me staying put instead of returning to Gene.Co seemed impossible. There was no denying it, I would have to venture back into the belly of the beast.

"Thanks," I replied, my voice heavy with exhaustion. I collapsed onto the couch, letting out a long sigh. I had barely gotten three hours of sleep in total, and it was starting to take a toll on me. My thoughts were scattered, and the craving for zydrate gnawed at me like an insatiable itch.

Shilo looked at me with concern, taking in my disheveled appearance. My hair was a mess, and I definitely was starting to smell. This meeting with the Romano's was not going to be my grand display of beauty and power.

"Maybe you should freshen up before they arrive," Shilo suggested.

A splash of water on my face wouldn't make much of a difference, I thought, but I appreciated Shilo's concern. Regardless of how the Henna and Nicolai  saw me, I was determined to prove that I was more powerful than they could ever imagine.

"I doubt it'll do much good, but I'll give it a shot," I replied, resigning myself to the fact that I needed to make an effort.

Shilo stood up from her slumped position on the couch. "I'll show you to the bathroom upstairs," she offered, leading the way.

I followed her up the dark and narrow hallway, my eyes catching glimpses of the portraits adorning the walls. It struck me just how similar Shilo and I were, trapped in our respective lives, never experiencing true freedom. I wished we had met earlier we could have been allies, supporting each other and preventing all of this chaos from happening.

"The bathroom is to the right and my room is to the left. Have a shower if you need. Feel free to look through my things in my room after," Shilo said, patting me on the shoulder. Her kindness touched me, I wished I had met her sooner "take what you need"

Stepping into the bathroom, I felt the cool tiles beneath my bare feet. The room was dimly lit, a single candle casting a soft glow and filling the air with a soothing scent of lavender.

I wasted no time stripping off my clothes and stepping under the warm cascade of water from the shower. It felt like a gentle caress against my tired body, washing away the anxiety and replacing it with a renewed sense of energy. This was the first time I had showered alone in a long time, the first taste of freedom in what felt like an eternity.

I took my time, allowing the water to cleanse both my physical and mental state. I scrubbed every inch of my body, feeling the weight of the past few days and the dirt that clung to me. I had partied hard, experienced moments of ecstasy, been pushed to the ground, forced to walk the streets naked, and ran through the city in nothing but a psychopath's white shirt. It had been a whirlwind 24 hours, and the most bizarre thing among all the chaos was two Largos confessing their love for me within hours of each other.

I was exhausted. But if there was even a sliver of hope that I could change my fate, I had to take it. I longed for that peaceful slumber, that restful sleep that seemed so elusive. But for now, I had no time for myself.

Stepping out of the shower, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the foggy mirror. I traced my fingers along its surface, clearing away the condensation to reveal the broken woman staring back at me. I was beautiful, perfected by the knife, but it didn't feel like my body anymore. Nothing felt like mine. If I could seize control of Gene.Co, maybe I could reclaim my sense of self. I had to try. But one thing was for certain—I no longer wanted to be defined by beauty. I just wanted to be Malta.