Abnormal {Book 1: Completed, Book 2: Ongoing}

Chapter 6

Adrius's POV

See me in my office. Immediately.

A message from my father causes my watch to make a small ding, waking me instantly. It's the weekend, and I had almost fallen asleep over a book about ancient Greek myths. I've always been fascinated with them, even though I haven't had the courage to tell anyone about it.

Sighing, I sit up on the bed and put the heavy book on my nightstand. Then I slide out from underneath the blankets and rummage my closet for an appropriate outfit. In the end, I decide on a simple black polo shirt and light washed jeans. I make sure that there isn't a single wrinkle in my clothes before walking out the door, double checking myself in the mirror. Father has always been particularly strict about my appearance.

As I stroll casually into his office, he glares up at me from behind his desk. Papers are scattered everywhere, some piled on the side of the table, some protruding over the edge, and some on the floor. I don't bother picking them up as I move to the other side of the office, collapsing onto the sofa. 

"Close the door," he says, sighing with annoyance. I do as he says, silently rolling my eyes when my back is to him. 

"What do you want?"

"I wanted to show you something."

I don't like the smirk on his face as he turns to his computer, sorting through the messy files until he finds the one he's looking for. He takes his time opening the locked file, plugging in the password and dragging the window to the center of the screen. He turns back towards me again, and stares me right in the eyes.

"Are you ready, Adrius?"

I grit my teeth in anger. "Just get on with it."

Father starts the file with a single click on the red button in the center. It's an audio recording. 

I can only hear static for the first five seconds, but then words start to float out from the computer. I can only understand snippets of phrases since the recording is so unclear.

"...want you...to work...for me."  I recognize this voice. It's the President. That means...

He's talking to Lyanna.

After a few moments of pure static, the President continues. "power...extraordinary...mind control...isn't the same as...other powers. It's about your brain...manipulate those around you...you are unique...we need you..."  

Suddenly, I hear a different voice.

Her  voice.

I inhale sharply as she starts speaking, her voice making me feel a deep pang of longing.

"What exactly...want me...to do?"

"...experiments....if you cooperate..."

She's not going to say yes. She going to refuse his offer. This is the only thought in my head right now, that she'll stand up to him and say no. And he's going to be angry. Very angry. As I brace myself for their exchange, I hear her say something that I would never, ever think I'd hear her say. 

"...I'll do it."

She wouldn't. She would never... This isn't the Lyanna I know. This doesn't sound like the girl I...I fell in love with. This audio clip must be fabricated, I start thinking. Yes, that's the only logical explanation. Father must be lying to me. He's hiding something from me. But...why?

"Why?" I ask.

He frowns deliberately. "What do you mean...why?"

My fingers dig into the armrests, and I lean forward in my seat. "Why are you showing me this." It comes out more like a statement rather than a question. 

"Well, I thought you were concerned about her. I'd expect you to want to know as much about her current situation as you possibly can. And so here I am, helping you get one step closer to your goal."

I gape at him. Lies, lies, lies. 

"What exactly, are you trying to do?" I choke out, unable to keep my emotions in check.

"Nothing. I'm just trying to help."

"Liar,"  I snarl, getting up from the seat. 

He rises as well, and walks around the other side of his desk to come stand inches away from my face. "What did you call me? You must remember, Adrius, that I am not just your father. I am..."

"You don't deserve to be my father!" I explode, face red with fury. "You..."

He grabs me by the neck and slams me against the wall. I choke, trying to fight him off, but despite my training, I am unable to overpower him. I never could. He has had years and years of military background. I'm no match for him. 

His hand closes tight around my throat, and he lowers his face so it's close to mine. "Don't. You. Dare. Speak to me like that again." He glares at me one last time before releasing me. "Or else."

I stand leaning against the wall, gasping for air and hating myself for being weak. 

"Now get out of my sight," he says in an oddly calm voice. 

I take a deep breath, then exit the room, making sure to slam the door closed behind me. 

I might not be able to defeat him now. But someday, I will.

I promise.