The White Lily

Chapter 12

I sat in Enzo's office. They gave me a few hours to change and get ready for this meeting. I knew what they wanted me to do.

I was being forced to abandon my contract and join Titan Force permanently as a member of Roman's team. I had woken up in his room, confused and alone. But there was a Titan Force uniform in my size folded neatly on his desk, along with my knives and a small gun.

Enzo sat down at his desk after grabbing him and I a cup of coffee. I sipped the dark liquid, sighing as it bit back. I missed my coffee.

Enzo cleared his throat. "A few things. To start, welcome home Winter. It's great to have you back, despite the circumstances."

I nodded. "I wanted to express my thanks. For rescuing me and keeping my family safe."

Enzo smiled, but it was saddening. "Of course. Onto the next points. You, I am sure, are aware that you have no choice but to join TF. Roman swore his life away that you would follow commands and join us." I froze. "Which means you are now officially a member of TF today. Onto our next point. I will need to have you see Doc to get...cleared for service. You have been through a lot, these past few months. All TF soldiers get cleared every few months."

I clenched my teeth but nodded. I suppose this is not as bad as dying in that cell.

"A little unconventional, but I was able to convince the higher ups to grant you the title of Sergeant. The same title as the rest of the boys, minus Roman, on Team Royale."

I nodded. My thoughts were racing. I was about to be severely overwhelmed.

But Enzo was done. He stood and reached out his hand. "Welcome to Titan Force, Sergeant Shade."

I mindlessly stood and shook his hand. I left his office and, without another thought, walked to the medical wing. My brain was empty. I was unable to process anything.

I moved through the motions like a zombie, letting Doc examine my various injuries and ask me questions about my body. Then he moved onto the more...gruesome details. He said he needed to evaluate my psychological state. I just stared at him blankly while he asked his questions.

What did the Elders do to you in that room?

Everything.

Did they sexually abuse you?

No.

How many hours of sleep did you manage with?

Barely any.

What was your diet?

Stale bread and unfiltered water.

Do you have nightmares or recurring dreams about the experience? If so, how frequent?

I do. Every night.

If you were called to take down the League, could you do it?

I was silent for that question. Could I?

Yes.

I knew Roman was there for the whole evaluation. There were other questions, but I barely remembered them once I answered. I just wanted to crawl under the covers and never wake up.

Once Doc was done clearing me, I shuffled past Roman to the room he lent me. If he followed, I didn't hear him.

I crawled under the covers and didn't come to any meals.

I dreamed of Alexi. The Elders were scooping his eyeballs out and forcing me to eat them if I wanted them to keep him alive.

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