Under the Iron Fist

Chapter 5: Awake

As Elina and Magnus's voices filtered through his consciousness, Jax's eyes fluttered open. He remained still, feigning sleep while trying to assess his situation. Through barely-open lids, he watched Elina leave the room, noting the tension in her posture as she departed.

Once Elina had gone, Magnus turned his attention to Jax. Sensing the change in focus, Jax decided to stop pretending and fully opened his eyes, meeting Magnus's calculating gaze.

"Ah, you're awake," Magnus said, his tone a mixture of satisfaction and warning. "How are you feeling?"

Jax slowly pushed himself up to a sitting position, acutely aware of the lingering weakness in his body. "Like I've been hit by a truck," he admitted, his voice hoarse. "What happened?"

Magnus's lips curled into a cold smile. "A minor complication with your implant. Nothing my healer couldn't fix." He emphasized the word 'my', making it clear that Elina's assistance was not to be taken for granted.

"I see," Jax replied carefully, noting the possessiveness in Magnus's tone.

Magnus moved closer to the bed, his imposing presence filling the room. "Now, listen carefully, Jax. I'm going to allow you to rest today, as Elina recommended. But make no mistake - this is not out of kindness. I need you at full strength for the job I have for you."

Jax nodded, maintaining eye contact with Magnus despite the urge to look away.

"You are to stay in this apartment until someone comes to fetch you," Magnus continued, his voice hardening. "Do not attempt to leave. Do not try to contact anyone. Consider this your first test of obedience."

"And if I disobey?" Jax asked, unable to keep a hint of defiance from his voice.

Magnus's eyes glinted dangerously. "Try me."

Jax felt a chill run down his spine but kept his expression neutral. "Understood," he said simply.

"Good," Magnus replied, seemingly satisfied. "Rest up, Jax. Tomorrow, we begin shaping you into a valuable asset for our little community."

With that, Magnus lifted the glass of water removing the paper from underneath. Jax watched a small smile spread across Magnus's otherwise stony expression. He then handed the wet note to Jax. "Good advice" he stated, then turned to leave.

Once alone, Jax let out a long breath, running his hand through his sweat-damp hair. His eyes fell on the small piece of paper that had been tucked underneath his water glass. Carefully, he handled the wet note and read Elina's warning.

A mix of emotions washed over him - gratitude for her help, curiosity about her motives, and a growing determination to understand and ultimately change the oppressive system he found himself in.

For now, though, he knew he had to play along. He needed to regain his strength and learn more about the Sanctuary and its power structures. Jax slowly got out of bed, testing his strength, his mind racing with plans and possibilities, all while acutely aware of the invisible eyes that might be watching his every move. Though still weak, he felt much better than before. He took a moment to drink the water Elina had left, appreciating its cool relief on his parched throat.

Cautiously, he began to explore his new living space. The apartment was spacious and well-appointed, a stark contrast to the glimpses of poverty he'd seen on his way in. The main living area featured sleek, modern furniture and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. A fully equipped kitchen gleamed with stainless steel appliances, its counters stocked with fresh fruit and other provisions.

As he moved through the rooms, Jax again had the feeling of being in a gilded cage. The luxury seemed designed to placate, to make one forget the reality of their situation.

He found a bathroom with a large shower and jacuzzi tub, and a walk-in closet filled with clothes in his size. The attention to detail was unsettling, a reminder of how closely he had been watched even before his capture.

Finally, Jax approached the floor-to-ceiling windows that dominated one wall of the living room. The view took his breath away. Stretched out before him was a panorama of the Sanctuary in its entirety.

The facility was indeed the size of a large city, enclosed by massive walls that stretched up into the sky, their tops obscured by a shimmering energy field. Within these confines, he could see a mix of architectural styles - sleek, modern buildings like the one he was in, interspersed with more utilitarian structures and what looked like improvised dwellings in the distance.

Parks and green spaces dotted the landscape, but they seemed to thin out towards the edges of the city. In the center, a cluster of imposing buildings stood out, likely the seat of Magnus's power.

As Jax's eyes roamed over the cityscape, he noticed the stark divide between different areas. The section he was in was clearly more affluent, with well-maintained buildings and manicured spaces. But further out, he could see crowded, rundown neighborhoods, evidence of the inequality that seemed to define life in the Sanctuary.

People moved about on the streets below, some displaying visible mutations or powers. Jax watched a person fly between buildings, while another seemed to teleport short distances. It was a surreal sight - a city where the extraordinary was ordinary, yet bound by invisible chains.

Jax leaned his forehead against the cool glass, his mind racing. This place was a world unto itself, with its own rules and hierarchies. He knew he would need to navigate it carefully if he hoped to survive, let alone make any changes.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the Sanctuary, Jax turned away from the window. He had a lot to think about and plan. Tomorrow, he would begin to truly understand the nature of this place and his role within it. For now, he needed to rest and prepare himself for whatever challenges Magnus had in store.