Imperfection

Imperfection Chapter 11

11.

I never would have thought that I'd be spending my entire day sewing Dux Ducis uniforms, with out pay or even a purpose. So many things have changed since I was taken from Betain territory, less than a week ago. I've pricked my fingers several times and drops of my blood have spilled onto the dark spandex.

The Alpha has sent me here, everyday since I was labeled as his pet. He has refused to speak to me directly. Instead, he sends one of his subjects to tell me. I must have truly impacted him for him to avoid me this much.

In the sewing room, I sit and thread my needle endlessly, patching up holes in uniforms. The other Imperfections behind me do the same.

Here, the Dux Duci supervising us aren't as strict as the ones out on the fields. They just stand and look at us, with the occasional criticism of our works.

Aurum works out on the fields all day under the harsh sunlight with little to no water. When we're all sent in to the main building for food, he always looks sickly and unable to stand on his own two feet.

In the main building, everyone is given the same things: bread and water. Everyone that is, except for me.

Every night of the three nights I've been here, a Dux Ducis has given me a separate plate. This plate is topped with thick, flaky bread much more delightful than the spoilt flatbread the others are given. Along with the bread, I am given a ripe fruit and a large flask of chilled water. Compared to the flimsy paper cups the others are given, I am living quite luxuriously.

I usually sneak Aurum some of my meal at our meal times because the weakness glimmering in his eyes makes my heart ache even more than it already does.

He tries to refuse it, saying that I'll eventually need it more than he will but I always get him to eat.

He avoids talking about his work down at the fields. I know he does it so I won't worry too much about him, but I can tell just by looking at him that he's in pain.

It must be late, now. The overhead windows are cover by a sheet of darkness from the night sky, only penetrated by the larger, twinkling stars. Aurum and I walk back to the living quarters together, exchanging small talk.

However, when we arrive at our cabin, the conversation changes.

"Justice," He stops at the steps and looks me straight in the eyes. "Is this how you think we'll spend the rest of our lives?"

I stare at him, then look down and clear my throat. "I... I don't know. What else would there be to do?"

He sighs, shrugging. "I don't know. You could see the world, discover new things, start a... family,"

I study him carefully, taking every detail of his body language into consideration.

His back is hunched as usual, his fists stuffed into the pockets of the tattered pants he had been wearing when he got to the Base. His hair usually falls in front of his aqua marine colored eyes, but he's pinned it back so that his forehead and cheeks are visible.

His cheeks are rouged, slightly, most likely from exhaustion and fatigue. His forehead is covered in dirt and moist with sweat.

He looks extremely awkward, kicking at a random piece of trash on the ground.

I place my hand on his shoulder. "I want to get out of here and do those things just as much as you do, but how?"

He shakes his head. "That is what I’m not sure of."

I cock my head at him, prodding him to continue.

He slowly looks up to my face. "There has to be a way out of here. There-"