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“Yep, and that is the Queen and her insane ways,” I murmur, not knowing who may be nearby. “Who checked for bugs by the way?”

“Me,” Ayden and Isaac say at the same time, making me smirk.

“We’re all going to have to be careful. The only people I give two shits about is you four, the rest can all burn down for all I care,” I tell them. They look at me concerned, but I shrug. “We all cared too much and got fucked over. I never want to take a trip to the castle again.”

The five of us fall into silence as we drink, staring at the ground or the wall. It’s an odd feeling being free but still under the Queen’s thumb.

“Do you think anyone else knows how cruel Cinder is?” Andrya asks.

“The only ones who do probably live in the castle, are dead, or keep their traps shut,” Ayden answers. “Most of the press talks about how wonderful she is. I don’t know about the people in the kingdom itself though.”

“If anything, it’s a well kept secret,” Sidney mumbles. “The woman is vile, and her bedroom activities are more gruesome than anything that we’ve ever taken part in.”

Andrya snorts, covering her mouth as we chuckle. It’s nice to interact outside of our own personal chamber in the dungeon. We may not be free, but this is better than being tortured repeatedly.

“The guards said she requested our torture sessions be played over the speakers of the royal bedroom,” Andrya tells us. “She has been cranky because Silla hasn’t been screaming for her. Do you think…?”

“I don’t know, Sweetness,” Sidney sighs, running his fingers through her hair as she leans into him.

So many unanswered questions. It makes my blood run cold as to why Silla was screaming, knowing why the guards dragged Andrya out of our cell.

SIDNEY

Because everyone entered intake on the same day, we are jumping right into orientation today. This is usually one of my favorite days, but my dick isn’t even excited. It looks as if I’m going to be taking a hands-off approach to classes this Section.

“Yay, first day,” Ayden says sarcastically.

“Is your dick broken too?” I ask as I climb onto the stage.

“Yes,” he groans. “How are we going to teach this?”

“The way we did when we had our girl,” Andrya says softly as she moves to stand by us. “We’ll direct, discuss, and make them practice on each other. Punish and reward accordingly.”

Reaching out, I squeeze her fingers. Fuck, working here is a constant reminder of Silla. Clearing my throat, I nod.

“To the Fucked Up Trio wreaking havoc in her honor,” I whisper as assets start to walk in.

Sighing, the twins nod. “To her,” they mumble.

“Alright, fuckers, get a move on!” I roar, smirking as they all startle. My girl, my little love, isn’t here to reign me in anymore.

May the Gods have mercy on this Section’s souls, because I sure as fuck won’t.

“The Queen is looking for soldiers filled with cunning, wit, and the ability to suck souls out of their marks' bodies through their mouths, pussy, and assholes. None of you are going to make the cut,” I begin, rubbing Andrya’s skin before letting go of her hand. “We are your worst nightmares, but also your saviors, because we’re going to teach you how to stay alive.”

The assets are appropriately scared shitless, so I snap my teeth at them. I may as well enjoy terrorizing them since there’s so little joy in my life now.

All hail the Queen.

AYDEN

Part of my duties now are to talk to the Queen regularly. It was never a regular thing, but over the last month, she’s scheduled weekly meetings.

“Hello, Queen Cinder,” I greet her as her face comes up on the computer screen. I always remember the time she told me Lana was coming to the reform camp, and should have realized the end was near then.

“Your lack of enthusiasm wounds me,” the Queen sighs, pushing her blonde curls over her shoulder. She’s dressed differently than usual today in a navy blue, thin sheath nightgown and robe thrown over it.

Do not think about why she’s dressed like this, or you’ll lose your lunch.