Episode Two
964 Words
The Beast in Cell Nine
“Miss Carter, I would strongly advise against snooping around where you don’t belong.”
Dr. Monroe’s voice was calm, but there was a razor-sharp edge beneath it that sent a piercing feeling down Isla’s spine.
Isla stiffened, gripping the clipboard she had been given moments ago. “I wasn’t snooping. I got lost.”
Dr. Monroe’s lips curled into something that might have been a smile, except there was no warmth in it. “People who get lost in this facility tend to find themselves in… unfortunate situations.”
A feeling of unease crawled up Isla’s spine. What the hell did that mean?
Dr. Monroe tapped the file in front of her. "Since you're eager to learn, here’s your first assignment.”
Isla hesitated before flipping open the file. The moment she saw the name at the top, her breath hitched.
Patient Name: Kael Draven
Status: Extreme Containment
Risk Level: Feral. Approach with Caution.
"Patient nine?" Isla asked, frowning.
"Yes. He’s in our most secure wing," Dr. Monroe said, watching her carefully. "Your task is simple, monitor his behavior and record any changes."
Isla’s brows furrowed. "If he’s that dangerous, why assign me?"
Dr. Monroe’s expression didn’t shift. "Because he reacts differently to new stimuli. I want to see how he reacts to you."
That statement didn’t make Isla feel any better.
"Should I be concerned for my safety?"
"Follow the protocols, and you’ll be fine." Dr Monroe said sharply
Somehow, Isla doubted that, but she had no choice. Isla left Dr. Monroe and headed straight to the cell where her patient was.
The further down she went, the heavier the air became.
The upper floors of the facility had been bright, sterile, clinical.
This was different.
The guards escorting her were tense, silent and armed like soldiers. Not the kind of security staff found in typical rehab centers.
By the time they reached the final checkpoint, Isla’s heart was hammering against her ribs.
The reinforced steel door hissed open and she stepped into the observation chamber.
That when she saw him.
He looked like a predator in chains.
Even bound by thick iron restraints, he exuded raw, uncontrollable power.
His wrists and ankles were shackled, his massive frame seated against the cold stone wall.
He was a man, a beast, a walking danger.
He was scarred, battle-worn muscles. The kind of strength that could break bones with ease. Broad shoulders and his hair fell in a messy pattern on his face
His eyes were golden, intense and piercing. As if he could see through my soul
He locked his gaze on hers the second she stepped inside.
A strange heat coiled low in her stomach.
Her instincts screamed at her to run.
Instead, she took a steadying breath and forced herself to speak.
"Patient nine, my name is Isla Carter. I’ll be monitoring your… ”
A deep growl cut her off.
The sound sent a chill racing down her spine.
"You’re new."
The way he said it was unnerving. Low, rough, like something half-formed between human and animal.
"Yes," Isla said carefully. "I started yesterday."
Kael’s head tilted slightly. "They always send someone new."
"I suppose they do."
His lips curled slightly, though it wasn’t a smile. "They never last long."
A knot formed in Isla’s stomach, but she pushed through. "I guess we’ll see how long I last, then."
A feeling of darkness and amusement passed through his golden eyes. "Brave little thing, aren’t you?"
Isla lifted her chin. "I’m just doing my job."
"No, you’re not." His voice was soft but dangerously certain.
Isla frowned. "Excuse me?"
"You’re here because they want to see how I react to you."
A slow, lazy grin spread across his face.
"I can already tell you their answer. I want to break you."
A shiver raced through her body. Not entirely from fear.
His words should have terrified her.
Instead, a strange, unfamiliar heat bloomed deep inside her, curling in her belly like a whisper of something ancient.
She took an instinctive step back.
Kael inhaled deeply, his muscles tensing.
His eyes flashed. "You smell… familiar."
The statement sent another pulse of heat through her.
Something in the air shifted, thickened like damp earth.
Kael’s gaze darkened. His entire body coiled.
Then, he moved.
Faster than she expected, faster than he should have been able to, considering the restraints.
The force of his movement rattled the chains, the metal groaning under the pressure.
His arms flexed, muscles straining as he pulled against the iron shackles.
"You shouldn’t be here." His voice was rough, strained, like he was barely holding something back.
"I’m just doing my job." Isla forced her voice to stay steady.
"No." His golden eyes flashed. "You shouldn’t be here… because you belong to me."
A sharp c***k echoed through the air.
Kael’s right wrist restraint snapped, the heavy metal shackle clattered to the floor.
For a split second, no one moved.
"Get her out!" One of the guards barked.
Everything erupted into chaos.
Isla barely had time to react before strong hands grabbed her, dragging her toward the exit.
Kael’s snarling face was the last thing she saw.
His golden eyes burned, turning an unnatural shade of red.
Something about it sent a visceral chill through her.
The doors slammed shut just as Kael lunged, snapping his second restraint.
The last thing Isla heard before the security feed cut off was a deep, inhuman growl.
A sound that sent a canal fear curling through her veins.
The kind of sound a predator makes when it’s about to devour its prey.
And the moment before the guards whisked her away, she saw it.
Kael lunged forward, his body shattering the remaining restraints.
His monster had been unleashed.
- Writer
