Page 76 of Fallen Stars

If anything, I want this nightmare to end.

I’d rather die than do a damn thing to please these sick monsters.

The first guard grabs something off the tray and holds it in front of my face. A slice of bread with a thick layer of peanut butter.

My stomach quivers as the scent invades my nose. My fingers twitch in my lap, eager to reach for the bread, take it, and shove the whole piece in my mouth.

But I refuse to make it easy for them.

I may not have the strength or energy to fight, but I still have my mind. Although, that’s slowly slipping too.

Lifting my cuffed hands, I pretend to reach for the offering. I meet the guard’s gaze, display the weakest smile, and swat the food away.

“Always a thorn in my fucking side, Two Sixty-Three.” He shakes his head, fetches the bread from the floor, and folds it in half. “This is your fault.” He clutches my hair with his free hand and yanks my head back. “One day, you’ll learn it’s in your bestinterest to do as you’re told. Now”—he shoves the bread against my mouth and forces it between my lips—“eat your fucking food.”

I choke on the nasty bread as it’s plunged down my throat. The guard smacks my back with brute strength until I stop coughing.

One piece at a time, I am force-fed several fatty foods—peanut butter, avocado, cheese, scrambled eggs, bacon, rice. With each bite I swallow, my stomach gurgles and knots.

I have no idea how long I’ve been here, but I do know it’s been weeks since I’ve eaten anything substantial or nutritious. My body is no longer used to normal portions, variety or nutrient-dense food. It’s become accustomed to the water, crackers, goop, and meager helpings.

Once they appear satisfied with what I’ve eaten, Guard Two exits my cell. Guard One lingers a moment, walking a circle around me near the eyebolt. His menacing gaze heats my skin as his boots clap on the concrete.

My stomach churns for an entirely different reason.

When he reaches my right, he pauses. Before my next inhale, his fist connects with my temple.

Blinding light steals my vision as I fall to the floor. My head smacks the filthy concrete and another burst of light flashes behind my eyelids. A pain I’m all too familiar with throbs in the confines of my skull as a loud ringing floods my ears.

I stay down with the hope of not getting punched again. Not that it will stop his boot from connecting with my head, ribs or limbs.

Considering they shoved food down my throat minutes ago, I doubt they want to beat me until I puke it up.

“I will break you, Two Sixty-Three.” He takes a step toward the door. “You will be obedient by the time I finish my job.” Another step. “And when I’m done, you will thank me.”

Never.

The guard grips the handle on the door and pulls it closed as he steps out. But the door doesn’t shut completely.

“Boss just handed out an update,” a muffled voice says.

I lift my head and inch closer to the door. Close my eyes and focus all my energy on hearing the conversation just outside of my cell.

“And?” Irritation laces Guard One’s voice.

“We need to spend more time with the defiant detainees. Break their will and make them compliant.”

A growl echoes in the air. “Does he think we sit around with our thumbs up our asses all day?” He huffs. “Don’t fucking answer that.”

“I’m right there with you, man.” There’s a pause before he continues. “Either way, we need them ready in the next couple of weeks.”

“Maybe his ass should come down here and fucking help.”

“You know that won’t happen.”

“Yeah.”

The sound of metal creaking makes me wince as the door closes another inch.

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