𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑 || 𝐉.𝐉𝐊 ✓

⊘ • ❺❻ • ⊘

𓆩・༺ ꔫ ༻・𓆪

I run on two hours of sleep and a too-awake mind. Ghost didn't put the shackle on my ankle when he walked me back to my room after we ate, so I felt a little free. I tossed and turned all night long, dreading today, fearing it, hoping I would be granted mercy and die in my sleep.

Staring at the ceiling in my dark room, I try to distract myself but fail. It's not long after realizing I won't be sleeping anymore when a knock comes to my door and a few people walk inside my room.

They flip the light switch, causing the room to ignite which burns my eyes instantly. I cover my eyes with my arm for a few seconds until I can open my eyes. Once I can, I notice them fully. These are people who've known my situation and could care less about it. I can tell by the way they avoid eye contact.

Two men carry an old generator and bring in red, gas cans. "Don't mess with these," one speaks to me once seeing how I'm following their movements. "We'll have this out of your room in no time but ignore it for now. The hallway's power shut off, so until we can pick up the replacement, this piece of junk is staying here. There's no room for it anywhere else."

With the distraction, I would risk trying to run, but there are too many obstacles in my way from doing so. The locked door in my room, and the fact I have no idea how to get out of this bunker. I would be spotted soon enough, and I know it would be useless. I might as well prepare myself for the inevitable.

Once the men leave, placing the machine and its fuel in the corner out of the way, a woman appears in my room to replace their absence.

"Hi Vee," she speaks cheerfully. She walks over cautiously and sits down on the edge of my bed. I've never seen this woman before, but she's all smiles. "I'm here to help dress you for the wedding today. I apologize since it's so early, but the wedding will be this evening, so it's easier to start as early as we can."

I watch her gentle face scan me sweetly. She's maybe a year or two older than me if I had to guess. I stopped screaming for help months ago, but maybe, with the distraction, I could escape. Maybe if I explain what's truly happening here, she can free me.

Surely, she knows the layout of this bunker. She can unlock the door and free me. So many ideas race to the front of my mind. My impatience pushes the wild thoughts forward, and before I can fully think it through, I'm opening my mouth and spilling everything.

"I don't want to marry him; I hate him. He's forcing me to stay here, and he's making me give him children. He's going to force himself on me. I've been trapped here for six months. Please, help me. You have to help me!" I grab her shoulders gently, letting the words tumble out of my mouth while I keep my emotions in check. I only allow fear to show because I can't contain it, even if I wanted to.

When I admit the truth to her, I watch her smile never falter. Her happy expression stays as radiant as before, and I know she's of no help. She knows, and she won't save me. I remove my hands and turn toward the floor where my eyes stare unblinking. There's no way out of this.

"Vee," she places her hand on my shoulder, gaining my attention. I turn to her and watch her smile fade away. "As a woman who's been in your position, it's easier to give in." From hearing her words, I can't control the way my eyes widen.

"Are you... have you been trapped here, too?" The question pains me to ask, but I watch her slowly nod her head.

"Every woman in this bunker has been abducted and forced to be a breeder to the men who live here. There's not one woman who willingly chose this life. There's only a handful of women who live here freely like the men, and it's because they are part of his army. They are his soldiers."