Clockwork Angel

Chapter One

Behind that solid door of steel was a man who tortured her with words and threats. He was the man who gave her the demons inside her head, and forced her to use them in the name of justice and the future of England. He was a man who looked old, yet walked as though he was the youngest man alive. The walking stick that he used as an 'aid' was used as a weapon against her in the name of discipline.

The small room was collecting dust. The little gray spores were the only things that Kate could use to gain a sense of time. She sat up against the concrete wall, the shackles on her wrists and ankles jangled, a reminder of just how tormented she was in here. She ran a finger through the dusty film that had collected on her mattress. She thought about the first time he had approached her. Intrigued with the way she looked, the way she walked and talked and felt. As if her speaking and laughing was the most unique thing for him. Even after months in this prison, his curiosity never ceased.

She remembered how he took her cold hand in his, promising her safety and the safety of her sister. Even at the thought of that memory, Kate cursed herself. The amount of times her aunt had warned her about strangers, and all it took was desperation and worry for her to fall for the mans excessive promises of warmth and safety. He took her, interrogated her and threatened her. It was too late now.

The door to the steel shack opened, a cold gush of air followed behind the man. His walking stick clapped against the concrete floor, and Kate used every ounce of strength not to flinch as he walked in. She looked up at his emotionless face, his pale face devoured of any sunlight. His black hair was a stark contrast from his skin and it brought out his grey eyes. Everything about him seemed unnatural. He stopped when he reached her toes, looking down on her like he was the hunter and she was the prey. Using her legs and the concrete support, she pushed herself to her feet meeting him at eye level.

"You look so much like your sister." He used a pale, stiff hand and touched her cheek. she bit her lip, fighting the urge to attack him. She learned that it was practically impossible to hurt this man, especially since he had Nate held up somewhere, he reminded her with immense explanations of his bruises everyday.

"You don't get to talk about my sister." Kate snapped, jerking her head away from his touch.

He sighed, dropping his hand so that his body was stiff and stern. Practically a military officer. Kate took a few steps towards the wash basin that lay on the other-side of the small room, her chains trailing loudly behind her. If she was any closer to that man, she would attack him again, and the repercussions would be put on Nate and Tessa. "Katherine," he said. "Must I remind you of the consequences that should befall your family if you don't abide by my wishes?"

Kate shut her eyes, taking in a deep breath to keep her calm. "I know." Kate sighed, turning back to face the crooked man. "But what more do you want from me? I already do everything you want."

The man stood still, almost like a machine that had just lost its power. He tapped his thumb against the walking stick, almost like he was tormenting Kate. Reminding her who was in power. "Your sister has proved to be useful Miss Gray, I suppose time will tell for you." With a stiff turn on his heel he left the room, locking the door behind him.

Like every day for the past few months, Kate pulled at the shackles that were hooked on the wall, desperately determined to find her brother and sister. Her skin was practically raw from the shackles, her skin burning from the touch of the rusty metal. She wrapped her fingers around the manacle and ignored the pain as her fingers touched the now open wound. She let the pain spur her on as she heaved with all her might to free herself from the chains.

With blistered hands, she collapsed onto her dirty mattress groaning in frustration. Everything she had done was in the name of her siblings. The descriptions that crooked man told her, forced her to do things she never believed she was capable of. It was still replaying in her mind.