“Just don’t sign anything,” Taliesin groans, catching his breath as I’m led away.
Yeah, yeah. I’m not a total idiot.
At the gate to administration, I’m handed off to a new guard. Another woman. Her weathered, impassive face doesn’t change as she takes me straight past the secretary/canary area, where a pretty, bruised girl is weeping silently next to a desk.
She knocks on the warden’s door, then pulls me into his office. “Who are you?” Voss scowls.
For a moment I’m confused, then realize he’s talking to the guard, not me.
“Peek, sir. Started five days ago.”
“Very well. Wait outside, Peek.”
She retreats, and Warden Voss transfers his gaze to me. He’s sitting behind his oak desk, holding a cup and saucer. The fragile, floral porcelain looks completely incongruous. We’re in a fucking prison hellhole, and he’s got his Limoges tea set out. It’s all very Marie Antoinette.
The air-conditioning in his office is so cold it makes my skin goosebump and, much to my dismay, nipples harden.
“So, my dear. A month in the pits,” Voss muses, looking me over then concentrating his gaze on my chest. “Tell me, Aurora, is it all getting a little much?”
“It’s fine,” I snap. “I’m coping.”
Am I coping? I feel a sharp pinch deep inside my chest that settles when I think of the Digger people who are fast becoming my friends.
The warden smiles, slow and greasy. “I have to say, I expected you to be crawling by now. I still have a yellow uniform waiting for you. A clean bed. Real food.” He leans forward, his voice deepening. “I’d even make you my lead Canary, little Drakeward. All you have to do is say the word.”
I look him dead in the eye then spit on his Persian rug. “I’m fine in the bowels of this place. At least the Diggers don’t pretend to be something they’re not.”
The Warden’s eyes drop to his rug, then back to me. “You still carry yourself with that tiresome Elite arrogance,” he says, leaning back and lacing his fingers over his stomach. “You act as if there is still a rescue party coming. As if Cosmo Drakeward is currently filing injunctions to bring his precious sister home.”
What? Is Cosmo doing that? Will that work?
Even though I know my father is gone, I’ve got to admit I’ve been holding onto the hope that Cosmo’s name still carries enough weight to crush a man like Voss.
The warden shakes his head, smiling like an alligator. “But your brother has his own problems, Aurora. I’m afraid there isno oneleft to save you.” He leans forward, eyes gleaming. “And you think that Bevan, and his hoodrats can keep you safe? You’re in for a rude awakening. That boy is playing out of his league. You are a girl that the world no longer cares about, but one thatIstill see so much…potential in.”
He presses a button on his desk. “I think you need a lesson in reality.”
Peek enters once more.
“Let’s see how much that legacy is worth when you finally realize you’re truly alone. Take her to the North Gym, Peek.”
The North Gym?
Have I heard anything about the North Gym? I don’t think so. I have no idea what I’m about to face but don’t let a second of fear show.
Tindall joins Peek, and the three of us exit the administration block and climb a set of metal stairs. The air may be cooler, but it still smells of stale sweat, urine and hopelessness.
“Taking me off for a stint in the chokey, Ms. Trunchbull?” I ask, my voice steadier than my knees.
Peek coughs, a sound I’m half-sure smothers a laugh.
“What did you say, Drakeward?” Tindall stops, looming over me.
“Just asking about the destination, Officer Tindall,” I reply, flashing a sharp, Elite smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. I’m an idiot for poking the bear, but I won’t let the bitch see me sweat.
Stopping in front of a set of double doors, Tindall puts her hand up to a heavy sliding bolt.
Fear opens my mouth before I can stop it. “What’s in there?”
