𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐄 𝐔𝐏, ronance ¹

𝟏𝟐. 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗠𝗘

CONTENT WARNING: this chapter contains explicit descriptions of coercion, electric shock, and physical pain. reader discretion is intensely advised, especially for those sensitive to depictions and descriptions of torture or violence. please consider whether you are comfortable with proceeding.

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The shadows clung to the edges of Hawkins as Nancy navigated the dimly lit streets, each step echoing the uncertainty that gnawed at her core.

She pulled Robin's jacket tight around her ribs as the gravel crunched under her boots, the imposing silhouette of the mill looming against the backdrop of an indigo sky.

Moonlight painted eerie shadows across the broken windows, and the stillness of the night seemed to mock the turmoil inside her.

As she neared the entrance, a shiver ran down Nancy's spine. The air felt charged with malice, and she turned the cryptic paper between her fingers.

Fuelled by anger and a sense of justice, she pushed the mill's creaking door open to reveal a hollow interior enveloped in darkness.

Nancy hesitated for a moment, the uncertainty of what lay within freezing her resolve.

"Should've brought my gun," Nancy told herself, her eyes adjusting to the dim lights that hung overhead.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, the unnerving feeling of being watched echoing in her every breath.

She took a deep breath, summoning the courage that had driven her throughout this investigation, and stepped into the abyss.

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Hours had passed like an eternity in the cold, austere room. Clumsily and painfully, Robin had fallen asleep, her dreams filled with unspeakable things.

A flood of light cast a long shadow across the stone as Sterling stood in the doorway.

His impatience was evident in the harsh rhythm of his footsteps as he walked across the stone.

"Rise and shine," he said, nudging Robin's hands with his foot.

She didn't open her eyes but swatted at him like an insect, "Fuck off Sterling," she muttered.

Sterling rolled his eyes and crouched beside her, "Get up."

"I said fuck off," she responded, turning over onto her other side. The ground was hard under her head, but she'd rather face the cold of a stone floor than look at Sterling again.

"You're testing my patience," he said, his voice tight as he watched her back and struggled to contain his anger, "Get up."

When she still didn't move, Sterling's frustration at her refusal boiled over. He grabbed a fistful of her hair and started to drag her across the stone.

"Jesus!" she gasped, the unforgiving metal around her wrists tightening as she stretched her arms behind her head in an effort to get him to let go.

"I don't think you understand your position here," he said, his voice dripping with anger as he sat her up against the wall, "Tell me what you know. Now."