Page 55 of Captured Immune

“I wouldn’t have believed you either. Even now, knowing that your baby was sensing emotions in the womb, it’sstillhard to believe.” Katie leaned in to my ear, then said softly yet firmly, “Victor cannot find out about this.”

I whisper back. “Why?”

“Think about it. He’s already doing whatever he can to find out the source of your immunity and to get you to control it. Imagine what he’d do if he knew you could carry a Zordi child.”

I pictured myself restrained to a bed as a bunch of Zordi men violated me while Victor sat on the sidelines, taking notes. It would go on for months to years before I was pregnant again. Assuming it was possible for me to carry a half-human, half-wizard baby to term, Victor would have his hands on the world’s first half-and-half baby. I didn’t even want to think about what he’d do with that child.

Katie stood and offered me her hand. “Come on. We’ve gotta get outta here before they find it suspicious that I’m in the bathroom with you for this long.”

Sighing, I took her hand and allowed her to help me off the floor.

12

ARELLA

It’s beenthree days since I’ve seen Trey alive. I trust that Katie’s telling me the truth, but I won’t fully believe her until I actually see him. She’s been giving me updates on his condition after she checks on him every few hours. So far, he still hasn’t woken up. Knowing he’s been out cold for this long worries me.

“Welcome back,” Victor says as I step into the boxing ring. I do it willingly because I don’t want Craig touching me again.

I can’t sense Victor or Craig’s energy. I can’t sense Pixie, Ruby, or Derek either. Suddenly, I feel the most alone since being kidnapped. Before, I had the presence of my unborn baby. Now I have no one. I don’t even have Katie. After she fed me breakfast, she left, and I haven’t seen her since. It was Craig who brought me lunch and escorted me down here.

While I hug myself in the corner, Victor speaks to his four minions in a low voice. I can’t make out anything he’s saying. Judging by the head nods coming from the others, it looks like Victor’s giving them instructions.

Behind me, the double doors open with a squeak. Katie strolls in with Trey at her side. He looks rough: messy hair, dark beard lining his jaw, and grayish skin. His gaze never leaves me as he climbs up the stairs and into the battle box. Meanwhile, Katie finds a seat in the front row of the auditorium.

“Now that everyone’s here,” Victor says, “let’s start. Ordinary, go hold Trey’s hand.”

I don’t need to move because in an instant, Trey is at my side. A troubled storm brews in his eyes as he intertwines his fingers with mine. I hate how normal it feels to hold his hand and to feel the warmth his touch sends up my arm. He’s the very reason I’m here, and I shouldn’t be comforted by him. Still, I’m relieved to see him alive. No matter what he’s done or how we got here, he doesn’t deserve to be tortured.

Victor takes a few steps back until he’s leaning against the ropes. “Today’s objective is to see how versatile the Ordinary’s immunity can be. Once we get an idea of that, we’ll take more time in the upcoming days to explore each of her skills to strengthen them.”

Days?That’s how long they plan to torture Trey in front of me? One second is already too long.

“Ordinary, your first goal is to see if you can project your immunity onto Trey without us hurting him first. Think you can do that?”

“She has a name,” Trey growls.

Victor points a stern finger at him. I squeeze Trey’s hand to protect him from whatever powers Victor is about to use on him. Nothing happens. Instead, Victor shouts, “Don’t speak unless you’re spoken to.”

Trey squeezes my hand back as if to say he’ll protect me; however,he’sthe one who needs protection. “Stop referring to her asOrdinary. She has a name.”

“I will call her whatever the fuck I please. Now, are you gonna shut your goddamn mouth, or do you wanna keep being a nuisance?”

Trey grits his teeth together. “I never signed up to be your test puppet.”

“You signed up for this when you accepted this mission.”

“No. I signed up to find out the source of her immunity. This”—Trey gestures around the room—“is not what I?—”

“Shut your fuckin’ mouth!” Victor crosses his arms over his chest. “If you delay this session one more time, I’m releasing you from this mission. Actually, I’ll be releasing you from all of ZIRDA. Speak another word without my permission. I dare you. Craig can escort you straight out to the waterfall, and you’ll never be allowed back for any reason. Is that what you want?”

Trey clenches his jaw together as he sucks in a breath and slowly lets it out. I can’t sense the anger radiating off him, but I can definitely see it. Keeping his job must be important to him, because he doesn’t say another word.

“Anyway,” Victor says, “Ordinary, project your immunity onto him. When you’re ready, Pixie will blow his ears. Again, your goal is to prevent him from feeling any pain before it comes. Got it?”

I glance up at Trey, who looks back at me with ayou can do itconfidence in his eyes. It makes me believe I can.

“Take a moment to prepare yourself,” Victor says. “Let Pixie know when you’re ready.”

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