Eyera (The Eyera Series Book 1) Page 17

  “No! Stop, stop please, stop!” I cry, but it’s useless.

  I stumble backwards shaken as his face peels revealing his bones, his jaw breaks and hair singes off. The fire stops, making the room go back to white, and he is left hanging barely, his body blackened and crisped, parts of his flesh incinerated down to bones, scabs and skin flake to the floor. The doors behind open and workers in white suits covered from head to toe walk in, a female doctor pulls out a needle injecting his neck, what’s left of it. They bring a bed and untie his hands and he falls to the floor, blood smearing, they strap him to the bed and wheel him out. I bring my hands to my face biting my lip hard, hard enough to draw blood. They did that because of me, this is my fault. My body presses against the wall and I fall down, the smell of burning flesh lingers, I have no desire to move. I sit with tears staining my cheeks and his screams clawing into my skull; his face flashes every time I close my eyes; he shouldn’t have gone through that, that should have been me, I did this to him he did nothing wrong. I pissed off Miss Katherine Bennett and this was her way to punish me. They were right. Cyren and Raiya they warned me about this floor and I defied them. My stupid curiosity. I wish I never stepped foot on this level. If only I told him to take off that stupid ribbon that cost his life, and if only I never spoke to Miss Katherine Bennett like that. It’s like they are punishing me for existing, whatever I do I feel like I’m hurting people around me and I don’t want Cyren, Raiya, Parrish, Orin or Avra to get hurt because of me. Eyera is trying to change me and slowly they are, I’ve seen so many awful things here and I cannot shake them away, they play on a loop, every single day and night. Their screams, cries and blood of children and teenagers. It’s pushing me to my breaking point, pushing me the edge and fear keeps pressuring, opening my wounds and make me crumble to pieces. My head aches, heart aches, everything aches. I’m too tired to keep going but I have to. I have to keep going. I am strong; I am fierce, and I will overcome this. I need to be strong for Hadrian but more importantly for myself. These ‘delinquents’ are not criminals in my eyes, they are people that needed something to survive, and to hold on, and that is what they did, even it meant breaking the law.

  I pick myself up looking into the room, his flesh covered the floor and I flinch at the site. I run to the elevator pressing level four, it stops at level eleven, and a boy walks in. I notice his eyes widen and he tenses, but I don’t care for that. The elevator stops at my level and I run down the corridor, but I soon stop as I see Miss Katherine Bennett with two specialists by her side prowling through the hall making children and teenagers freeze to death. My blood boils seeing her and before I know it, I’m running and screaming her name, she turns around. My screams bring children and teenagers to their open cells, but none crosses over. Raiya and Parrish stand seeing my anger brewing, guards also come over too. I clench my fists into a ball, and I swing but don’t make contact as a guard holds me back and squeezing my hand making me hiss, but not much as I’m not letting her see me in great agony.

  “How could you do that to him?” I shout.

  Miss Katherine Bennett stares smugly as she folds her arms over her chest.

  “Why did you do that? He did nothing wrong.” I howl.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she says playing games.

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about, you killed that boy, burnt him alive,”

  The guards bring out their clubs, but Miss Katherine Bennett waves a dismissive hand.

  “You killed him,” I whimper weakly.

  Miss Katherine Bennett clicks closer and laughs humourlessly. If I weren’t held back, I would have gauged her hawk eyes and choke the bitch.

  “Hmm … you were not scheduled for that level, I should have you punished,” she says viciously.

  “But, seeing the distraught and anger you are feeling, I think you’ve been punished enough,”

  “For one second will you shut your mouth about punishments, is that all you ever think about,” I yell.

  People gasp loudly and are stunned. Miss Katherine Bennett notices the commotion and the lack of power she is showing.

  “That boy continued to wear the ribbon, he knew the consequences but still chose to ignore it. His blood is on your hands, Miss Shader,” she says showing her authority.

  And that’s all it takes to hit my boiling point, I thrash kicking and screaming, but the guards still hold me back.

  “You psychotic bitch, you did this,” I cry with tears.

  Miss Katherine Bennett snickers, amused to see the pain she has created. Parrish goes back inside his cell and Raiya plays with her fingers.

  “You did this, you did this, you did this …” I shout, but it comes out as a whisper, my voice raspy and cracks. I cry harder and fall to my knees. She bends down slightly lips reaching my ear.

  “Your heart is your weakness, you care for people around you, friends, family and even strangers, but you’re strong, I give you that.”

  And she stands back to her high posture.

  “Take her back to the cell, and make sure she doesn’t move from it!” she orders strutting away.

  The guards hurl me into the cell; they take out their clubs, two vs. one. One of the guards swings his club but I catch it, twisting his arm round taking the club from him, and whack him, he grunts holding his head. The other guard is shocked; he brings out his club and charges at me, I duck swiftly using my hand to twist and kick his club away. I come back up and strike him with an open palm, and he falls holding his chest – coughing. The other guard runs but sways a little. I roll behind and before he can turn around I grab his collar smashing his head into the wall, blood smudging. I hear quick movements behind and I twist, tucking myself underneath punching his ribs. I grab the guards throwing them outside.

  I keep myself still as I wait for more guards to come in, and I’m right. Three of them spread out. I study their moves, and I know how they are going to attack. All three charge at once, I duck as the one on the right throws a punch, I take out his club resulting in me to hitting the guard in the middle, he bends over which allows me to roll on his back smacking the guard on the left; head snapping upwards. I catch my breath and they do the same. Before I can attack again more guards come in and raise a gun at me, before I can react they fire and needles hit into my arms. I become dizzy and heavy, I sway not being able to keep up any longer, my vision goes blurry, and my legs give way and I crash to the floor. The guard fires one more needle sending me into darkness.

  the escape.

  I breathe in slowly and painfully, lungs so sore and each swallow I take hurts. I’ve got little energy left and I’m saving it for tonight, tonight we are escaping, it has come quick and I’m prepared to make sure we do escape.

  I lift my arms slowly and pain bolts and I hiss. I place my palms on the bed and heave myself up. I touch my blotchy skin where the needle marked; it’s painful when I put a little pressure. I stumble over to the sink splashing water over my face, letting the water fall. I turn off the taps and Raiya walks in and traces my body, she embraces me into a hug which I stiffen at but soon relax. She hugs tighter and I tense still feeling lightheaded. We sit on the bed, and she observes every detail.

  “You can definitely fight,” she says.

  “As I said, you are really good at pissing people off.”

  I chuckle at her comment and she laughs too.

  “I’ve been here a while, and I have never seen anyone do what you’ve done, people will let Eyera beat them instead of fighting,” she says staring at the floor.

  “I try my best to hide and put on a mask, not caring about people but deep down I do care, like my sister,”

  She continues sadly.

  “When I see Eyera beat anyone, all I see is my sister. Eyera paralysed her, Acelyn. They weren’t going to take her here, she is dead weight,”

  I take her hand in mine, taking in everything, I know this is difficult for her to say. She doesn’t allow anyone to see her vulnerab
le side.

  “When we escape Acelyn, I don’t think I can go home and see her. I can’t do it.”

  I clasp her hand tighter and make sure she is looking at me.

  “Don’t let Eyera take that away from you,” I say.

  She smiles lightly letting down her guard.

  “People are right about you. I hear their whispers, it seems like you are changing things,” she says.

  “I’m not.” I say.

  I’m not changing anything, all I do is hurt people, how does that help?

  “You seem to know the right things to say, people are looking up at you,” she says.

  “I don’t want them to,” I say.

  “It doesn’t matter if you don’t want them too,” she says.

  Raiya stands, she stops and looks back.

  “Your schedule is here, take it easy, and I see you tonight.” With that, she leaves.

  I will be leaving this place tonight, and I will see my family. Eyera is not going to stop me.

  I look at the schedule that is taped to the wall, cleaning the floor at the front desk. At least it’s not on a barbaric level, the front desk should be fine.

  I take the elevator to ground level. I click my shoulders as they weigh me down, I don’t think my body is over the sleeping drug. Children and teenagers scurry following schedule lists, putting fabrics into boxes ready to be shipped to the city. I walk through the double doors and down the corridor. I remember my first encounter, being stupid and think running away was a good idea. I’m lucky that they didn’t take me to the drug. I show my schedule to the guard and he opens the door with his card. I forgot how nice the front is. Kristal sits at her desk typing on the computer, she brings up her mug sipping a hot beverage. She doesn’t see me standing so I clear my throat, she lets out a huge sigh and stops typing and looks annoyed.

  “Yes,” she snarls.

  I give her the board and she reads it.

  “The mop and bucket are in the cupboard,” she says with a bored face.

  I do what she instructs and clean the floor; it’s pointless cleaning as the floors are already sparkling. I mop backwards and forward getting bored by the minute. I swiftly make my way to Kristal’s desk but can’t help myself from staring at her. I watch carefully as she types fast on the keyboard, eyes not breaking the screen.

  “What?” she snaps and makes me flinch.

  “No-nothing,” I stammer.

  “Quit staring and get back to work, I have lots of work to do.” she bites.

  I go back to mopping; not making the same mistake. The telephone rings; echoing loudly, Kristal picks up on the second ring.

  “Hello,”

  She pauses for a moment.

  “Yes, yes I’ll be there in a few minutes.” She puts the phone down and looks at me fiercely.

  “Don’t touch anything, don’t look at anything and don’t breathe on anything.” she warns dramatically.

  Kristal walks stuck up like she owns the place, heels clicking loudly. I hear the door access her through and I wait for the doors to close. I look around the massive room; it’s so quiet a pin drop can be heard. I walk to Kristal’s clean desk and sit on her chair drumming my fingers on the desk. My hand hits the mouse and the computer flashes already logged in, the temptation to snoop is strong. I move the cursor seeing multiple files with people’s names. I see Parrish, Orin and Avra’s file, I am about to click on Avra’s file but I see my name. I click it to see all my records, on the right, there is a picture of me and information to the left.

  ‘Full name: Acelyn J. Shader.

  Age: 17 years old.

  Date of Birth: 17th November.

  Born: Siver, Elspeth.

  Height: 5'4"

  Crime: Murder.

  Punishment: Crixgen.

  At the bottom page, there is a small note *Warning, dangerous*

  The doors open alerting me that she is back, I close my file and quickly run to mop, it’s not Kristal but a guard instead, he looks around and spots me.

  “Where is Kristal?” he demands rudely.

  “She got a call and left,” I say.

  He hums.

  “Well, you shouldn’t be here on your own, come.” he says.

  He picks up my schedule and walks with me following behind. He orders me back to my cell.

  Not much happens after that as I’m not scheduled for anything else, I rest a bit for tonight at least getting all my energy back. I keep my distance from Cyren, Raiya, Parrish and Orin. Mentally preparing myself. I look to see the guards swapping shifts, and that’s when I know it’s time. I head to the cafeteria to Eethia to see she has prepared the coffee. I leave the cafeteria taking out the red and blue pills breaking the capsule pouring in the powder, and I shake it around. I walk to the guard, and his face lights up with joy.

  “I’ve been looking forward to this coffee all day,” he says as I hand him the coffee, he takes a sip and releases an ahh sound. I head back to my cell as it’s soon lights out.

  I lay in my bed anxiously waiting for time to hurry, I don’t sleep or try to because I’m nervous, I think how bad this plan could go, what will happen if they catch us? Will they eventually get rid of us permanently? A little light enters my cell moving quickly, I jump out of bed to see Cyren signalling the guard is on his way up. I rush back to bed hiding under the quilt, he stops, and I hear a big yawn, and lips smacking together. He walks back up and the door shuts. I leap out of bed waiting for the power generator to shut down. I bite my nails to bone nervously, my head is hazy and I try to push away the negative thoughts. I spend the next hour making myself a nervous wreck, and that’s when I hear a noise and cells unlock, it’s time …

  My breath hitches and I close my eyes keeping calm, and proceed to open the door. To my surprise the door opens, that little doubtfulness. Cyren was right. I look to my left seeing Raiya and Parrish crouched as they hurried down, I look to my right seeing Orin and Cyren crouched down too. I am ready. I crouch down to the iron bars, and the guard is on the floor sleeping deeply. I slap his cheek a little, out cold. I go through his pockets taking out his access card. I give it to Cyren and he opens the door, and they go through, a force prevents me from moving an inch. I can’t walk over. I turn on my heels back up the corridor and I can sense the confusion on their faces. A warm hand firmly pulls me round, and I’m inches from Cyren.

  “What are ya doing?” he whispers harshly.

  “I have to go back, give me a few minutes,” I say.

  “We need ta go now, we don’t have time ta waste,” he says.

  I can’t leave, not just yet.

  “Please, Cyren.” I plead.

  I take his hands in mine and rub my thumb, he kisses his teeth but let’s go in the end. I pass the doors till I get to the right one, I peep inside seeing Avra sleeping, cuddling her bunny toy, holding it tightly as her life depends on it. I open the door and tiptoe to her side, my shadow hovers and her face scrunches, she opens her eyes and I see how petrified she is, it’s splattered across her face and her whole body trembles. She sits up nearly head-butting me. She adjusts and lets out a shaky breath as she sees it’s me. I couldn’t leave her in this place, I will never forgive myself.

  “Acelyn, what’s going on? H-How did you get out?” she stutters.

  “We are leaving Avra, come on,” I say.

  She looks puzzled not moving from her bed.

  “It’s okay, I’m here,” I say.

  Avra puts on her shoes holding her bunny, I walk to the door putting my index finger in the air telling Cyren I’ll be there soon. Avra doesn’t budge.

  “Avra,” I whisper softly, but she moves back too scared to leave because she knows the consequences. I am putting a lot of pressure on her. I bend to her level and look into her innocent timid eyes.

  “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise,” I say supply.

  I know it’s a big thing to promise, but I need to make sure believes me. I won’t let them hurt her.

 
; “Be quiet and go to Cyren,” I say.

  She does what she is told and I crouch behind pushing her with the others, Cyren stops me concerned.

  “I had to,” I mutter.

  He holds my hand letting me know it’s fine.

  We run to the elevator Raiya keeping it open, we hop inside and I see Haston and Enkara holding hands.

  “Good to see you,” Haston says.

  I return a smile.

  Cyren and I look at each other determined to do this. I notice the camera doesn’t have the red light flashing, Cyren points to himself and I give him a thumbs up. Cyren tells Parrish to get on his knees so he can use his back as a boost. Cyren rips the maintenance hatch open and hops up extending his hand down for us to grab on. Avra goes up first body dangling, Orin pushes her up and Cyren safely pulls her to the top. Haston goes next; not needing Cyren’s help and he helps Enkara. Raiya goes next, then Parrish. Orin pushes me to go, but I protest I need them to get to safety first. I watch Cyren grab Orin’s arm, and Orin uses his hand to clamp on the hatch pulling himself up. Cyren lowers his hand and I jump, locking us tightly. I hang loosely and vulnerable, he pulls me up but a ding sound rings inside the elevator, colours drain and the screen reads level eight. I panic pulling myself up, Cyren pulls me up with the help of Haston, the doors open and a doctor walks in. Before I can relax the elevator goes up causing everyone to freak out, the higher we get, the closer we are to the top, about to be crushed. I notice an opening to the vents and point to it.

  “Up there guys, we can make this,” Cyren says leading the group.

  Cyren makes sure Avra is safe first. Haston pushes Enkara to safety, and he quickly jumps up. Raiya and Parrish jump clamping on the edge bringing themselves up, Parrish brings his hand down for Orin and Cyren helps him up. The elevator gets closer and Cyren and I both know we don’t have much time left. As soon as the opening comes, we need to jump. Cyren holds my hand tightly ready to pounce.