Page 107 of Death is Familiar

“But she’s my⁠—”

“Yes, Three, but I need you to be patient. She’s only just waking up.”

There was a scuffling of bare feet against floor and a humph, a thump, and a soft thud.

“Are you sulking?”

“No.” The child huffed, then said, “Maybe.”

“It’ll just be a few more minutes, you know how this works, then you can play. Why don’t you turn on your TV?”

The bearded man kept his gaze over his shoulder until there was a boiiiinnngg, followed by the tinkering of cartoon tiptoeing.

“A little overexcited, but she means well.” The bearded man had a look I’d seen proud parents use—both exasperated and content. But I was concerned with a bigger threat.

“Where’s the woman?”

“Madame is gone for now.” The pounding in my head throbbed to the beat of my pulse, as he said, “I’m being given only once chance to do this my way, so it is better for us both if you cooperate.”

“With what?”

“Answer my questions, and trust that I have your best interests at heart.”

“I was kidnapped, drugged, and strapped to a table,” my words were flowing easier now, “in nothing but a hospital gown, I have no idea who you are, and you want me to trust you?”

“Not kidnapped. Rescued,” the child interrupted. “You were taken⁠—"

“Three.”

“…Sorry.”

“What do you say?” Ignoring the metal clasp at my wrist, the bearded man squeezed my fingers. “Can we do this the easy way? Because whether you like it or not, love, decisions have already been made.”

I rattled my limbs against their restraints. “Doesn’t sound like I’m being given much of a choice.”

“You are only able to choose your path, and how much you resist. The rest is up to fate.”

Fate. Funny. This didn’t feel like fate. It felt like manipulation. That I was being forced into a situation against my will, like so much of my life that came before. I was playing a role.

My pulse quickened, the monitoring equipment beeped in response. While I was drifting in and out of consciousness, I’d heard the name Mads. And if I heard the name Mads⁠—

The beeping intensified, and the bearded man rounded to the monitor, took a look at my vitals and tutted. “You’re frightened. I need you to breathe. Take a deep breath for me.”

“Why am I here?”

“I’ll answer your questions if you just calm yourself. Please just take a deep breath. In through your nose⁠—”

“I know how it works!”

“If I can’t get you relaxed, Madame will override my wishes. And you look like someone who prefers to stay awake.” He was right. “So, take a nice deep breath for me, please.”

Out of spite, I sucked in air as deep as I could.

“Good, good. Now out.” He kept his attention on my heartrate, as the beeping slowed. “Good. One more time. In…now, yes, that’s it, very good.”

Through measured words, I bit out, “Who are you? Why. Am. I. Here?”

“Warden White.” The man, though only ten-or-so years older, looked upon me as if I were his own child. “And it is my duty and pleasure to assist you in fulfilling your role, as key.”