THIRTY-TWO

THE SCARRED SAINT'S CONFESSION

~ASH~

The confident smirk stretching across my face feels foreign after six years of institutional conditioning designed to eliminate emotional expression, but seeing these two bastards again—seeing her safe in Riot's protective grip—makes every calculated risk worthwhile.

"Long time, douchebags," I repeat with genuine warmth beneath the playful insult, taking in their shocked expressions with satisfaction that borders on smug.

The acrid smell of smoke drifts up from the levels below us, carrying chemical undertones that speak to accelerants and deliberate ignition rather than accidental fire.

Orange light flickers against the stairwell walls, casting dancing shadows that transform institutional sterility into something approaching hellish.

They're going to figure it out soon enough.

Riot's nostrils flare as enhanced senses process atmospheric information, his expression shifting from surprise to something approaching suspicion.

"What's that burning smell?"

Here we go.

I can't suppress the grin that spreads wider across my scarred features.

"Funny you should ask."

Sable's silver eyes narrow with judicial precision as he catalogs visual evidence and environmental factors.

"The structural damage patterns suggest systematic ignition points rather than random combustion."

Always the analytical one.

"You set the fucking fires," Riot states with recognition rather than question, enhanced senses detecting chemical residue that confirms my involvement in the destruction spreading below us.

My confirmation comes with pride rather than apology.

"Every goddamn one of them."

The admission hangs in the smoky air between us while they process implications and tactical consequences. Riot's grip on Jinx's unconscious form tightens protectively, Alpha instincts responding to potential threat despite pack recognition.

Time for honesty, even if it makes me sound like a territorial psychopath.

"Word spreads fast in this place," I explain with characteristic directness that bypasses diplomatic consideration. "Enhanced subjects retrieving Omega designation, combat trials completed, advancement through security levels—institutional personnel love their gossip."

The moment I'd overheard that casual comment about Patient #496's voluntary return, rational thought had evaporated like alcohol meeting open flame.

Six years of wondering if she lived or died, of enduring temperature chambers and atmospheric torture while she existed somewhere beyond these walls—all crystallizing into explosive recognition.

"I got tired of waiting," I continue with honesty that reveals emotional vulnerability beneath a tactical facade. "Tired of hanging in environmental chambers while she was here, unconscious and vulnerable."

The confession carries weight beyond simple impatience.

Six years of systematic torture, of suspended existence in chambers designed to test pain tolerance through heat exposure and atmospheric manipulation.

Knowing she'd returned voluntarily—that our Omega had entered this hell for purposes that transcended escape—while I remained trapped in judicial testing proved unbearable.

My gaze shifts to her peaceful form secured against Riot's back, magenta and teal hair visible through the combat gear they've equipped her with during unconsciousness. Even drugged into oblivion, she radiates the same magnetic presence that drew me to her during our original formation.

And I want dibs on holding our sweet cutie.

The territorial admission emerges without tactical filtering, Alpha instincts demanding direct contact with a pack member I've been separated from through institutional manipulation and administrative barriers.

"I want dibs on holding her," I state with conviction that acknowledges selfish motivation while expressing a genuine protective instinct. "Before judicial oversight and tactical analysis, before administrative interference—I want to carry her unconscious form through whatever trials await."

Riot's expression shifts from suspicion to territorial challenge as Alpha instincts recognize the potential threat to established claiming and protective responsibility.

"You endangered her by setting fires throughout the facility," he growls with fury that transforms tactical assessment into personal accusation.

His charge carries accuracy that stings despite my reasoning.

Before territorial disputes can escalate into physical confrontations, Sable's intervention provides judicial mediation with characteristic precision.

"It wasn't necessarily their fault," he observes with clinical detachment that acknowledges pharmaceutical incapacitation and administrative timing. "She was already unconscious when the fires started."

His silver eyes meet mine with calculating assessment that suggests evaluation of territorial claims and pack dynamics rather than simple tactical consideration.

"But if you want to join the sex shenanigans later," he continues with crude directness that transforms territorial dispute into practical negotiation, "be our guest."

Relief floods through my scarred chest as understanding crystallizes regarding continued pack acceptance.

Not rejection despite systematic disruption, but conditional inclusion pending tactical contribution and demonstrated loyalty to shared objectives.

"I've been waiting six years for that privilege," I respond with honesty that bypasses diplomatic consideration in favor of genuine confession.

The atmospheric tension shifts as territorial challenge transforms into tactical cooperation, Alpha instincts recognizing mutual benefit rather than individual competition for Omega access and pack positioning.

But environmental urgency demands immediate attention despite emotional resolution.

The fires below continue spreading with mathematical precision I engineered into every ignition point. Smoke infiltration increases atmospheric danger while structural integrity approaches critical parameters for continued facility access.

"We need to move," I announce with authority that acknowledges the environmental threat while providing tactical direction. "The route to my level is challenging under normal circumstances—with active fires and emergency protocols, it becomes a comprehensive survival test."

Understanding their confusion requires an explanation of architectural complexities and institutional security measures.

"Level Minus One transforms into an active obstacle course during emergency situations," I explain with clinical precision that acknowledges systematic knowledge gained through years of study. "Maze walls shift according to motion sensors, creating constantly changing navigation puzzles."

The institutional architects designed adaptive responses that transform familiar corridors into tactical challenges requiring enhanced spatial awareness and problem-solving capability under pressure.

"Ceiling-mounted laser systems activate during security breaches," I continue with grim satisfaction at institutional paranoia. "Cutting beams designed to eliminate unauthorized personnel through precision application of concentrated energy."

The weapons operate beyond normal defensive parameters, systematic security that assumes enhanced subjects require lethal force for effective containment and elimination.

"Atmospheric composition becomes weaponized through pressure-sensitive gas release," I add with appreciation for institutional creativity. "Tranquilizer compounds deployed through ventilation systems to incapacitate enhanced subjects through pharmaceutical override."

One wrong move triggers cascade failure that eliminates tactical advantage while creating capture opportunity for administrative personnel.

The challenge exceeds normal navigation to encompass comprehensive test of enhanced capabilities under extreme environmental conditions.

But my intimate knowledge of facility systems provides strategic advantage despite dangers and countermeasures.

Six years of studying architectural blueprints during suspended conditioning, memorizing emergency protocols and maintenance schedules, mapping vulnerabilities and escape routes—all preparation for eventual extraction and pack reunion.

"I know the way through," I state with conviction that acknowledges specialized knowledge while demonstrating tactical value to pack objectives. "But it requires separation for optimal success probability."

The proposal recognizes practical limitations despite emotional preference for unified advancement.

Enhanced capabilities distributed across multiple approach vectors provide a superior navigation outcome compared to concentrated advances that limit tactical options while maximizing vulnerability exposure.

Riot's territorial reluctance proves visceral as Alpha instincts resist surrendering protective responsibility for pack member safety and continued security.

"She stays with me," he states with authority that brooks no argument or tactical negotiation.

His position carries emotional weight that transcends rational assessment.

Six years of separation followed by the successful reunion and territorial claiming, only to face immediate demands for surrender of protective responsibility to a pack member whose loyalty remains unproven through recent contribution.

Understanding requires acknowledgment of territorial concerns while providing tactical reassurance.

"My architectural knowledge serves her protection better than combat specialization in this environment," I explain with patience that acknowledges his reluctance while emphasizing practical advantages. "Heat resistance provides tactical benefit for navigation through the burning facility."

The burns covering my exposed skin speak to enhanced tolerance developed through institutional conditioning and environmental exposure.