Page 47 of Ravage

And truthfully, I don't think I like it.

Life's too short not to piss off people who have a superiority complex. I'm not afraid of repercussions—I prefer to set the scene. If they are tough enough to handle dishing it out, then they are more than capable of dealing with the consequences of their actions.

Just because I agreed to help, doesn't mean I have to do it Damon's way. In fact, I would argue that my way is better.

Staring at the access pad, I decide to do what anysaneperson would—I smash it with my fist.

Chunks of plastic casing fall to the floor, scattering around my feet. Anything I can do to be a financial burden to Lilydale sounds appealing. There's peace in knowing that they continuously have to replace things because of me. Let that be afinancial lesson for them—don't piss off the hands that feed you. If they're going to make money off us, their first mistake was treating us like animals.

The staff card lays forgotten in my pocket as I pull open the door to the stairwell, listening for noises. It's dead quiet—only the echo of my own sounds rumbling around the concrete walls.

I take my time descending the steps, wondering if the guards will come and investigate. Apparently their alarm systems are back up and running, so they would get an alert about what's happening. It's probably old news by now that their colleagues were ripped to shreds down here, and I'd bet my ass that none of them have the guts to try to intercept.

Given how quiet things have been the past twenty four hours, I imagine that the staff are scrambling to do damage control—probably more focused on their reputation to the outside world. It's a dangerous limbo we're in—an opportunity to cause destruction without them doing much in return.

Their retaliation will come, no doubt. It's just a matter of when. But by now, if they have even half a brain when putting their heads together, they should realize that we're not going to take their bullshit.

When I finally reach the underground hallways, I take a moment to remember Damon's instructions. I'm familiar with the tunnels, but from what we know, they moved their equipment before they took Avery. Grey and I checked out the other side of this secret facility, but now I need to locate where the actual labs are.

I wouldn't put it past them to have moved again, but from what I've heard about their setup, there likely hasn't been enough time to do so.

Part of me hopes that's true. I really want to come face-to-face with the doctors who thought it was acceptable to put their hands on my girlfriend. I want to see the fear in their eyes, havethem beg for mercy like their victims have done. Maybe then, they will have an epiphany. Apologies mean nothing if you don't understand a basic level of empathy. People like that will offer empty promises and apologies, too caught up in their own beliefs to acknowledge the harm they have caused.

But if theyexperienceit first hand, that can change everything.

As I move down the dark corridors, I examine the area for confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction. There's only so many hallways down here, but the monotone colors, vast darkness, and closed doors can confuse anyone.

A speck of maroon draws my attention near my feet and I pause, eyes narrowing on the ground. More spots appear as I search, each growing larger in size, until I find huge stains on the concrete, hidden in the shadows.

I'd recognize bloodstains anywhere.

Confident with my sense of direction, I continue on, eyes glued to the door that appears at the end of the hallway. Its double doors are closed but I know without a doubt in my mind that I've found it.

My ears listen for sounds when I stop in front of it, excitedly imagining the scrambling of staff as they come to terms that there's a monster outside their door. I imagine their fear gripping them tightly until they can't breathe, paralyzing them with horror. Unfortunately, I hear nothing through the thick, heavy-duty doors, so I turn my attention to the access pad.

Ignoring the staff card again, I smash it to pieces, wasting no time in jerking the doors open.

Damon gave me a little background of the layout, explaining where he found Avery and that other girl. He mentioned medical records on a desk in the main hallway, specifically requesting for me to grab what I can. When I asked him what he wants me to do if I come across anyone, that's where he got a bit hazy on the details.

"Do whatever."

Avery would kill me if she found out what I was doing. I know she would worry, which is exactly why we haven't told her. She'll get filled in later—Grey was going to keep her distracted during free time so that she wouldn't get suspicious.

My footsteps are silent as I enter, noticing immediately that it's too quiet. Even if they had heard me smashing the door open, it wouldn't give them enough time to run—hide, maybe. But I'd be able to hear them.

As I venture in further, I spot the desk that Damon mentioned, giving a quick glance down the deserted corridor. Around the other side, I stare at the clean surface, not a hint of paper or stationery in sight.

I rattle a drawer under the desk and it's unlocked, completely empty too.

They've abandoned ship.

Likely only temporary until they gather it's safe to return or find a new location, but either way, they have wiped all evidence of their revolting, money-funneling antics. It's disappointing. I was really hoping to come across their setup in full swing so I could show them what real torture is.

There's a few other drawers and cabinets so I check those before turning my attention to the rooms. The padded white walls make it easy to distinguish what they were used for so when I reach the end of the hallway and open another door, I'm surprised to find medical equipment.

I couldn't tell you the difference between them or what they are intended for specifically, but I do know they were used for whatever fucked-up games they played.

Pacing around the room, I focus my attention on looking for specific items. Eventually I find something suitable in a built-in storage space, grabbing an IV bar and dragging it across the room.

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