Voices of Humanity

Chapter Fifty-Five

News of Wendy's accident and Dudley's subsequent firing spread quickly. With confirmation of Magnus's commitment to our safety, the girls became even more cheerful and my own mood improved in kind.

Of course I was forced to still affect the role of a stern caretaker, but with my certainty of Magnus's protection and assurance of the girl's obedience, I found myself loosening my stoic facade bit by bit.

Given the books and games Magnus had provided for our entertainment, evenings were filled with stories and laughter. When at dinner one night I expressed thanks for this kindness, Magnus informed me that he had indeed noticed the marked effect my efforts towards cheering the flock rendered. Without my knowledge, he'd already begun plans to construct the recreation hall I'd suggested, though he was generous in lavishing me with praise for having such foresight and gave me full credit for the idea.

I had found a true life once again, though I was not certain I deserved it. A new home and family.  Unfortunately, the realities of the world had not changed. Some part of me understood this truth even if I pushed the thoughts away. But as the summer faded and the days grew ever shorter, I knew the inevitable would eventually find me. Reality.

It was one night in late October that Magnus's called me to his office with the news I'd managed to pretend might never come.

"Come in," he said when I knocked on the door, but the moment I entered I was ill at ease. His expression was neutral and yet I could see the truth nonetheless, the hairs on my arms rising and my muscles stiffening.

"Will you sit?" he said, gesturing to the chair across from him where is sat at his desk.

Of course I did so, lowering myself into the chair and preparing to face the news I dreaded. The time of slaughter had arrived.

"You know that I greatly appreciate the work you have done," he began. Dancing around the truth. I wished he wouldn't but I knew that his discomfort must be heightened as well. How could you tell one you had befriended that you were about to end their life?

"Under your care, the humans have done so well," he continued. "I would estimate each has gained seven pounds or more. More importantly, they are so content. You have done that for them, Alice. You have made them happy. Made them feel safe."

And yet it was all a lie, I thought to myself. I'd appeased them with a fairytale, just as Dreda had once done with her young charges. I'd convinced them they had found sanctuary but I knew all along it was temporary. That the false utopia would end with death.

"As you might know, the fall is typically when I harvest a significant number of my animals."

I nodded, feeling the churning in my stomach growing more unbearable with each passing second.

"The market is strong, I have to take advantage if I am to establish myself in this new industry."

"Which ones?" I asked, unable to hold my tongue any longer. He stared at me a moment, surprised that I'd had the gall to interrupt. Of maybe just surprised that I'd understood his intent before he'd stated it outright.

"All," he answered. " I'm sorry, Alice."

A cold chill overtook me. Every one of the girls I'd cared for and nurtured, that I'd laughed with, cooked for, played cards with and read beside... we would all fall to the knife.

"I swore I would give you my life when asked," I said, taking a deep breath to regain my resolve. "I will not betray that promise now."

The horror in Magnus's eyes was palpable as he registered my words.

"How can you possibly believe I would ever dream of such a thing!" he demanded, clearly so disturbed by the idea as to ruin the tone of solemnity he'd been trying to maintain through his announcement of death.