Page 98

“You’re being transferred this afternoon.”

She’d known the whole time we talked about my breakfast and my family.

I looked up at her as she straightened her cuffs. “To another facility?”

“A dedicated research site. They’ve authorised further study, and the team there is expecting you.”

I pressed my hands together in my lap to stop them from shaking, but I was cold all over and could barely catch my breath. My scent must have been sharp with fear because Mireya came around the table and rested a hand on my shoulder.

“You’ve been very brave, little dove. I know this is difficult, but I hope that one day you’ll understand how important your contribution is.”

I used to go to her whenever I was frightened or ill because I was certain she would know what to do. Her hand was warm and gentle on my shoulder now, and all I could wonder was how many other women she’d touched like this before sending them away.

She took her hand away and called for the guard. I stayed in my chair as she left, listening to her footsteps until the door closed and the lock turned again.

I opened the book to my marked page and tried to read, but I couldn’t remember what had happened before. After a while, I gave up and went to wash my face.

Shortly before dusk, an attendant brought me a plain grey dress, sturdy boots, and a dark coat without insignia. She helped me dress and braided my hair down my back while I asked whether the journey would be uncomfortable. She assured me the airship was properly equipped for passengers, although she didn’t know where we were going.

Rourke was waiting outside with another security officer, and my stomach tightened the second I saw him. He’d been among the Alphas guarding the cells, and I remembered him standing inside mine, watching me struggle to control my fear. Mireya’s instructions had kept him from doing more than intimidate me before, but I had no idea how much those instructions would matter now that she was handing me over.

“Lady Elowen,” he said. “Please accompany us.”

The other officer wore no crest or insignia I recognised. I kept my gaze lowered as I followed them through corridors I didn’t know and down two flights of stairs to a guarded checkpoint. While Rourke presented a document, I waited beside the wall and tried to remember every turn we’d taken.

I had very little hope of finding my way back, but concentrating on the route was better than thinking about where they were taking me.

The passage beyond the checkpoint led towards a courtyard, and I recognised the iron gate before we reached it. I’d walked through that gate willingly, believing Mireya would arrange my escape from the life I feared. I remembered asking when she would come for me and actually trusting that she would keep her promises.

Evening light lay across the stone floor, with a narrow strip of gold still visible above the courtyard walls. I took a deep breath of air that smelled of salt and damp earth and almost felt dizzy from how good it was to be outside.

An unmarked airship waited in the centre of the courtyard, its short ramp leading to an open hatch. A Beta medic stood beside it carrying a small case, while another guard waited near the outer gate.

“After you, my lady,” Rourke said, his tone mocking.

I climbed the ramp without answering and kept one hand on the rail. The passenger compartment was narrow, with two rows of seats facing forwards on either side of an aisle. A counter sat beside the cabin door, with a polished metal rail along its edge, and I could see the cockpit through an open doorway at the far end.

The medic fastened the restraint across my lap and sat opposite me. Rourke took the seat beside the cabin door while the other officer spoke to the pilot.

The airship rose above the courtyard walls and carried us over the city until its canals looked like thin ribbons between the buildings. We passed the last islands and turned inland, with dark countryside spreading beneath us.

They were taking me to another facility to be bred, and I would rather die trying to get away.

I released the buckles myself and stood, gripping the back of a seat as the floor shifted beneath my feet.

“Tell the pilot to land.”

Rourke rose and blocked the aisle. “Get back in your seat.”

I tried to push past him towards the cockpit, but he caught my left arm and hauled me backwards. Pain shot through my shoulder as I twisted against him, and he tightened his grip until I cried out.

“You’ll do as you’re told.”

I turned and kicked him hard between the legs.

His breath left him in a choked grunt, and his grip loosened enough for me to wrench myself free. He lunged after me and caught my coat, but I dragged my arms out of the sleeves and left it in his hands.

The second officer was already coming down the aisle, weapon raised. I grabbed his weapon arm and shoved it aside, but he caught my wrist with his other hand and forced me against the counter, driving the rail painfully into my back.