Raze {Wolf Rebellion II}

Chapter 3~Through The Fire~

What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.

-Charles Bukowski

Chapter 3~Through The Fire~

I was left alone in my cell for the rest of the day, and I was glad for it. I needed time to think and it was obvious now that when they came for me, it wasn't for anything good.

I was going to be walking a thin line in here. I couldn't risk pissing Claret off enough that she'd kill me, but I needed to figure out where that line was. Then I could use it to my advantage.

My gaze strayed to my still-burning arm as I gritted my teeth. I wouldn't let them touch me again, I'd fight this time.

I glanced up at the camera in the corner, wondering if there was some way I could destroy it. Almost immediately I dismissed the idea. There were no blind spots in here, and it would only bring too many guards to my cell. I needed something smaller.

Turning my gaze back to my wrist, I pressed my palm to the burn. Pain tingled up my entire arm, and I welcomed the clarity it brought with it. I wanted to scrub the mark from my skin, but I remembered Cherise's words as clearly as the pain, and I wasn't about to go through a repeat of this morning. I could feel the blistered skin, like a neon sign announcing what I was to everyone.

I grabbed the sleeve of my t-shirt, tearing the soft fabric easily. It took a minute, but I managed to tie the strip of fabric over the number. Somehow, even just not being able to see the mark made me feel better. I don't belong here. I won't let them make me into an experiment.

Whatever happened, I wouldn't let Claret turn me into something I wasn't.

The next afternoon, when my cell door opened again, I was ready. Now that they'd finally acknowledged my presence here, I doubted I was going to have much reprieve from now on.

This time though, there was an extra body along with my guards, and when I realized who it was, my body tensed in hatred.

"Agent Gray," Crimson smirked, "Or is it one-oh-eight now?"

I didn't move from my cot. If he wanted a reaction from me, then he was out of luck. Don't give them what they want. "And here I thought you had more important things to do with your time than to spend it with me."

Crimson pressed his lips into a thin line, before letting that smirk appear again. My fingers itched to wipe it off his face with my fist. "Believe me, this isn't a courtesy call." He glanced sideways at Carmine for a split second, before turning his cold gaze back on me. "Get up."

I crossed my arms, leaning back against the wall. "Why?" Adrenaline spiked in my blood at my boldness. Now was not the time to start a fight.

Crimson took a few steps forward, and I forced myself to stay relaxed. If I tensed up now, he'd keep pushing me. He would never leave me alone. "I see you've grown a backbone since we've seen each other." His gaze moved to my wrist. "How cute. Do you really think you can outsmart Claret? You're going to realize sooner or later that there's no leaving. Deny it as much as you wish, it's over."

Anger bubbled up and I felt the familiar heat, pushing from inside me like it was trying to escape. I reigned it in before I could really dig my grave. "How does it feel? Knowing we managed to beat you, not once, but twice."

Crimson raised a hand, and I wanted him to hit me. I wanted an excuse to attack, damn the consequences. He closed his hand into a fist, taking a deep breath as he lowered his hand. "Really, are you sure? Because look where you are now."

I glared as he leaned closer, towering over me. "Don't test me, one-oh-eight. Claret may need you alive, but that doesn't mean in one piece. I'm sure she'll look the other way if you need a little motivation, and I'd be more than happy to provide it."