AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The next hour explains what is expected of us, and the dread in the pit of my stomach continues to grow. I really don’t want to lose my virginity in front of strangers. Is it better to lose it to someone random outside of instruction, but still have it be my choice?
I’m able to concentrate for the most part, holding onto my control. I don’t make eye contact with anyone, memorizing as many rules and expectations as possible. It’s difficult to believe this is my life. I don’t even bother looking to see who is sitting next to me, and the person who can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves.
“This is one of the shortest programs at FRC,” Andrya states, looking around the room. “The reason why is because you are the most expendable. The hackers and the intelligence spies are people that have finite, practical skills, so we spend more time ensuring they won’t die as soon as they leave these halls. They’re harder to replace. To survive both within these walls and outside of it, you’ll need to always be on your guard, because you’ll never know when you’ll need it. Information is currency here, so guard it well. We will exploit everything we learn.”
I’m suddenly very glad the nurse was so careful to hide my secrets. I’m going to have to be even more careful about what I eat, because even if it’s accidental, ingesting strawberries will make my life very uncomfortable. Penicillin will fucking kill me. Fun times.
“I know that was a lot of information,” Ayden says, clapping his hands unexpectedly. Several people jump, and he smirks as if it was done innocently. “Take the next few hours to work through the information we just gave you. The textbook for this program can be collected on your way out. We start poisons tonight at seven. May as well weed through the weak early.”
It’s callous, but he’s not wrong. Why work with someone if they can’t learn to work well with poisons? It’s wasted effort. Standing as everyone else does, I walk down the steps towards the exit, grabbing a textbook on my way out. I also made sure it was the correct book by discreetly checking it against others.
The intercom is going to sound soon for lunch, but I’m not hungry. My stomach is in knots, so I consciously choose to skip lunch. Walking to my room, I avoid everyone as I make my way back.
Proud I didn’t get lost, I open my door carefully. Checking every corner and closets of the room, I finally sit down on my bed with a small sigh. Today has been a mind fuck.
Crossing my legs underneath me, I’m wondering how I can get shorts that fit me. While they’re meant to be thigh length, and are for everyone else, I swear my ass is eating these. I checked all of the other ones issued to me in my closet, but all of them are like this.
Blowing out a breath, I open the book and begin to read and memorize as many poisons as possible. Most of these are plant based, and have different uses. I find different ways to make my brain remember them, a throwback studying tool from being in school.
Getting up and stretching, I check the clock. It’s almost time for dinner, and my stomach is growling. I also have to pee really badly. Biting my lip, I hide my textbook in the closet, where there’s an open space between the cabinet where I keep my toiletries and the wall.
Closing the door, I sigh at how demoralizing my life has become. Slipping out of the room, I rush to the bathroom. There are other people in the halls, which makes it easier to find. I got so lost in studying, I stopped paying attention to anything else.
Reading and learning have always been my escapes, so after our first meeting, I needed it. After using the restroom, I wash up, and then find my way to the dining hall. Zachary was right that I’d figure out where things are quickly.
As I walk into the large room, my eyes roam around the space to look for him. I don’t bother to think about how needy that makes me seem, but I need a friendly face at the moment. He’s walking toward me when I find him, worry pinching his features.
“You skipped a meal. Are you okay?” Zachary asks softly.
“Honestly? My first Section class was today, so no I’m not really,” I sigh. “I’m working with poisons tonight, so I huddled in my room to study so I don’t die on my first real day here.”
Zachary winces, jutting his chin toward the food line. “A bit theatrical, don’t you think? It’s not a good idea to miss meals here, Silla. I understand why you felt you needed to, though. Did studying go alright?”
I nod as we walk through together. I pick out rice, vegetables, and chicken because I’m starving.
“Yes, I enjoy reading and studying so it wasn’t difficult. Now I have to make sure I can apply what I’ve learned, which I’ll find out tonight,” I mutter.
“It can’t be that bad,” he says reassuringly, choosing an empty table where we can talk.
Sitting across from him, I carefully look over my plate before taking a small bite. “It is actually worse,” I tell him, shrugging. “They won’t help you if you mess up and end up ingesting something lethal. This is the trio’s way of weeding people out.”
Zachary’s eyes narrow as he leans forward.
“Zach, eat,” I bark, because if he’s going to complain that I’m missing meals, I’ll nag back.
Startling, his eyes widen. “Damn, little baby dom, fine.”
Giggling, I roll my eyes because that’s the last thing I am. “Fair is fair, is all. Did I miss anything while I was doomsday studying?”
“You’re so odd,” he chuckles. “I feel like you're overexaggerating, but I’ll bite. Before I answer your question, I have one. Who are your instructors?”
Forgetting myself because I feel comfortable around Zachary, I make a face. “Andrya, Ayden, and Sidney,” I tell him. “The three of them are intense, cruel, and don’t hold much faith in our fates. I don’t know what to make of any of this. Half of my charges are bogus, and I know people always say they shouldn’t be here, but honestly. My being placed in Section B is laughable at best.”
The last part of what I say is barely over a whisper, but I know he still hears me. “Those three have a reputation for going through their students, fucking with their heads, and unconventional forms of teaching,” he explains, wrinkling his nose. “You drew the short straw, it seems like, Silla.”
Taking another bite of food that’s beginning to taste like ash, I give him a withering look. “Being called the Queen’s Whores, I’m sure they feel the way they teach is warranted.”
“You’re… wait, what?” he asks.
