Page 71 of Ashes

“Your brain was without oxygen when you tried to kill yourself. That kind of event can cause damage. We’re trying to fix that.”

I licked my lips.

“I-I want to go home,” I rasped.

Sully nodded. “I’m aware, but you need to understand that this is for the best. Your father approved your current treatment plan. He was here yesterday when you slipped and fell. That was when your hallucinations began. You had a seizure, Malachi.”

I breathed out.

I’d never had a seizure before in my life either.

“It could’ve been from the new medications or. . . something else. In the end, you’re still here with us, which is a good thing. So we can resume treatment.”

“I want to g-go home,” I repeated, my throat aching. “I want Church. Ashes. Sin. And angel. Please. Let me see her. Sirena.”

Sully kneeled in front of me as the ward released my hair. I struggled to hold my head up as I stared back at him. He reached out and brushed my dark hair off my forehead.

“If you do well today, I’ll let you see her tomorrow. How does that sound? If you obey, you can see her.”

I hated this prick, but I was desperate to be with my angel, so I nodded weakly.

“Good boy,” Sully cooed, smiling at me. “Very good boy. Let’s take your medicine, OK? Then tomorrow you can see your angel.”

I jerked away from him as he reached for my arm.

“Malachi,” he warned softly. “You’re not being very good right now. What happened to my good boy?”

His words sent nausea churning deep in my guts.

He reached for my arm again, and this time, I didn’t yank away. Quickly, he tied a band around my bicep and slid a needle into my veins. When he pushed the plunger, the amber liquid heated my arm as it raced upward.

“Oh f-fuck,” I choked out, an incredible euphoria hitting me.

It had to be the best high I’d ever had.

“Keep doing good things for me,” Sully said softly. “And I’ll reward you. You like this reward?”

“Y-yes,” I choked out.

“Good. Very good. Come on. Let’s get you to the treatment room. Then, tomorrow, you’ll get to see Sirena.” He held his hand out to me, and I placed mine in it, my head a jumbled fucking mess of pleasure and happiness.

I’d never felt so fucking happy before.

At least I thought it was happiness.

I wasn’t quite sure. It wasn’tmyhappiness though. It was artificial, but fuck, it felt good.

“We’ll give you the rest of your medicine if you need it,” Sully said after I sat in the wheelchair.

I licked my lips. “I like this medicine. What’s it called?”

“Of course you do. The name isn’t important. It is by far one of the best drugs available. You can only get it from me here though, so you’d best make sure you’re doing what you’re told. Each time you do, I’ll reward you with some.”

I hated this prick, but I definitely loved the way I felt. The pain in my body was gone as the static blanketed me.

For once in my life I felt like maybe I could make it.

Like I could do this.

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