Page 187 of Brainwashed

“Jesus Christ, I hate doctors,” Velle seethes.

As Templeton is wheeling me around the corner, I spot Velle standing next to Rook. The image is fuzzy, but I still make out Rook’s hand, brushing Velle’s side. My brows jump in surprise.

Wow… Cujo has a boyfriend. Interesting.

And then I see Rook do the same thing to Joy, who winks at him.

The three of them?? Okay, actually, it makes perfect sense.

Templeton walks me along, through another two hallways, every guard I pass giving me shocked expressions, which must mean I really look like a menace in this thing. But all I can think about is how different it is up here… with the people everywhere. Thenoise.

I used to be overwhelmed by it. I’ve always preferred quiet to loud noise, and me being locked away from the rest of the prison just made sense. But right now, there’s a pang in my chest.

I wish I had friends.

I wish I could sit at a table with Luthor and Ren and chat about whatever they like to talk about. I wish Dash was still here and I could listen to him.

I’m always soalone… Even after Lem, he was all I had. And that’s not fair to him.

Even if he were to stay on this island with me… Could I really be enough for him?

God, my thoughts are all over the place. I’m spiraling. I need my doctor. Where is he??

Finally, we reach a large room, and Templeton pushes me into the middle, then stops.

“Felix Darcey,” the next familiar voice croons. And this one makes all the hairs on my body stand up.

Ivory.

The Warden steps in front of me, his pale skin and white hair almost illuminated in the darkness of the room.

“I must admit, you look exquisite like this.” He grins, tugging at the muzzle around my mouth and nose. It’s muggy as hell inside this thing from my heavy breathing.

“I asked Dr. Templeton here to bring you up so that I could tell you in person how sorry I am.” He speaks evenly, voice as smooth as music, even when he’s saying fucked up shit.

“For what?” I mumble, my wide eyes stuck on him.

He straightens, towering over me. Likehe’sthe monster, which I fully believe. “About Dr. Love. I’m so sorry it had to end this way.”

My heart falls into my stomach so hard I flinch. My lips are shivering while I pant, “W-what… what do you mean??”

I’m freaking the fuck out. Instant terror is strangling me, cutting off my oxygen. I can’t breathe.

If he hurt Lem, I swear to God, I will tear him apart with my bare hands.

“He’s gone,” he says casually.

I lunge against my restraints, baring my teeth like an animal, even though he can’t see. Glowering at him, I roar, “If you hurt him, I will rip you to pieces, Ivory.You hear me?!” My voice rises into a hoarse bellow. “I’ll slit your throat from ear to ear! I will chop your head off and fuck your decapitated corpse!”

The Warden’s face lights up, a wide smile appearing on his lips. “Wow!” He lets out an amused cackle. “That was perfect! I have chills.” He claps his hands together. “Really, well done, Felix. You’ve truly earned your name. You’refrightening.”

“Fuck you,” I whine, out of breath, my chest caving in devastation. “Just tell me where he is…”

“He’s alive and well, Felix. Calm down before you give yourself an aneurism.” The Warden beings pacing slowly in front of me while I let out the longest breath of relief ever. “But unfortunately, he’s no longer on Alabaster Isle. He had to leave us, I’m afraid.”

My heart was just inching its way back into my chest, and now it’s splattered onto the floor.

No… what?!?