Page 157 of Taken By the Fae

After the territory war destroyed their home. I keep my mouth shut; Carter likely knows the story.

“Some of the fae got comfortable here pretty fast. In fact, they seemed to forget who had been here first. They walked around like they were superior.”

I could attest to that from the time I spent around them during my internship at Tristan’s hotel. Some of the faewerearrogant. “You seem to forget thatyouwere one of those fae.”

He nods, a solemn look passing over his face. “That’s true, which is why it’s important for me to make up for it now.”

I roll my eyes. “Their goal is to eradicate the fae, right?” That’s what Dr. Collins said the first day I was here.

“Mostly,” he says. “However, they also wanted to know if they could reverse the process.” He gestures to himself. “Ta da. Once they discovered that, it changed the game. Sure, they’re still going after the fae who are dangerous to humans, but they’re giving others—like you and me—a chance to be good again.”

“If you think humans aregood, you haven’t been paying attention to the world.” I shake my head. “And who the hell is the Experiment to decide which fae are good enough to give a second chance? Judge, jury, and executioner isnotjustice.”

“Some of my answers won’t make you feel better, Aurora, but I’m being honest with you.”

I push my plate away and cross my arms. “Forget I asked. You’re all out of your damn minds.”

“I hope you feel differently after the procedure.” His smile makes my entire body go cold, and in that moment, I’ve never felt so alone.

ChapterForty-Four

I’ve been locked up by the Experiment for eight days now. I think.

They bring me the same plate of eggs, toast, and fruit every morning.

They inject me with iron every afternoon. I still scream. Every time.

They won’t tell me anything. I’ve stopped asking questions.

When I’m not passed out, I’m in a drug-induced haze, left staring at the wall for hours. Time doesn’t move and neither do I.

They won’t let me feed. I haven’t had energy since I sucked it out of Marisa a week ago—if my counting is right. I could be wrong. My body is shutting down; I feel as if I haven’t slept in days. There’s absolutely no chance I’d have the strength to attempt escape if given the opportunity, not that I have been. I’m clinging to the last bit of glamour I can to conceal my inhuman features, and I’m not even entirely sure why. My gut tells me these fae-hating people will treat me even worse if Iappearas the creature they so viciously despise.

I can’t take much more of this.

I thought with time I’d figure out a plan to get out of this mess, but with the profound hunger and the poison they’re pumping me full of, I can’t keep my thoughts straight to come up with anything viable.

What is Tristan doing right now? Is he looking for me?

My friends must be going just as crazy, not knowing where I am—what’s happening to me.

From the moment I open my eyes, something feels off. No one has come into my room, not even to offer me food.

When the door opens and Carter steps inside, closing it behind him, the hair on the back of my neck stands straight and my stomach sinks. He’s dressed in dark gray scrubs today with the same black leather gloves he wore a few days ago.

My eyes narrow as he smiles, and I force out, “What?”

“Today’s the day,” he says in a light voice. He’sexcitedabout this.

“No fucking way.” My pulse is increasing as I struggle until I’m sitting upright. The restraints are gone; I’m too weak to attempt escape, anyway. It’s a sobering thought that makes me want to scream and sob, of which I do neither.

Carter frowns. “This is a good thing, Aurora. When will you see that?”

“I’m leaning toward never.”

He holds up his gloved hands as if he's trying to calm me down, to show me he's not a threat. But he is—they all are.

“Aurora,” he says. “Please, for your own sake, don't fight them.” Carter’s expression is as smooth as his voice, but it doesn't ease the storm of fear raging in my chest, making my hands shake.

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