The Ace of Swords

Chapter 28

I lay in my bed staring at my ceiling. Today is the day I get out of this hell hole. I could also fail and end up being tortured. That is the worst possible scenario. I believe it would be better if i just died. I'm not sure how much torture I could withstand before going insane. I jump out of bed and shiver. It's colder than usual. We don't get shoes and our clothes don't protect us enough. I grab the red cloak I got and head for the showers. The water will soothe my bruises from the fight. I've gotten used to the icy chill of the water. I'm not sure I could go back to hot showers. Everyone is asleep so I should have them to myself. I still can't stand showering in the same room as people. It's still too weird.

I rush into the room and turn the water on. The cold water hits my still bruised eye. It hurts and feels good all at once. I haven't had much time for showering lately. It's not uncommon here because no matter how often you shower you still don't exactly smell good. The second I get out of here the first thing I want is fruity smelling shampoo and conditioner. Bar soap is barely soap in my opinion. After I get out of here I will have to eat so that I can be ready to leave when it is time. Fang never did give me an exact time. I assume that whenever the lights go out it's time to flee. I just hope I have enough time to get there. I'm sure they will leave with or without me.

My teeth begin to chatter, telling me it is time to get out. I dry off with one of the ratty old towels they provided. I throw on my clothes and walk out the door. While walking to the cafeteria I am stopped my an excited looking Sam. I haven't seen her since my unpleasant time with the Oranges.

"Did you hear the news? I can't believe it's that time again. They usually wait a year before they do it again but they started early this year. The Oranges just returned yesterday," Sam squeals as she dances around me. I have no clue what she is talking about.

"What news am I supposed to hear about?" I ask. I have a feeling that if she's excited I probably won't like it.

"The new recruits. Lyn and Sophie returned with them yesterday. It's so exciting! We're getting so much new blood this year. The guards are about to bring them to eat. Come on! We don't want to miss our first look at them," she continues even as a pit forms in my stomach," They are going to be so scared. Especially with the Reds being their trainers. It's kind of sad that they don't get to be with the Blues. You guys at least had them to ask questions to. These guys won't have that. I'm sure they will be fine".

Sam goes on and on. I'm not sure how to feel about this revelation. I can't save these kids from their fate. I'll be lucky if I can get my friends out of here. As we approach the cafeteria Sam leaves me to go towards the Oranges. I'm surprised I didn't notice Lyn's absence. She came back just in time for the escape, not that I care if she escapes or not. It is still her fault I'm here.

"Hey Ace! Where were you this morning? I woke up and you weren't there," Storm asks. She spares a glance at Erin. She probably thinks I was with him. She always thinks that we are up to no good.

"I took a quick shower before anyone woke up. Someone told me that today was a big day," I say casually. Maybe I can get more information from her. Sadly, Storm isn't the one that answers me.

"Oh it is a big day Ace. Today is the day we get fresh meat. Sebastian has agreed to train them like he did you guys. He even said I could train them too. The twins are also training, together of course," Rogue says as she clings to Bas's arm. I'm startled to learn that Bas has an actual name. I don't recall ever being told that.

"You are not to use my name. You know I didn't choose to work with you. The only reason I am is because Fang decided she didn't want to. You may watch as I train them but the second you become a burden I'll find someone else to assist," Bas growled as he looks over at me. I was tempted to call him Sebastian just to annoy him but I value my life unlike her. She whimpers slightly at his tone but never lets go of his arm. You would think he would be nicer to the girl he is more than likely sleeping with.