Page 69 of Regressive

“Ah, the Little Lamb,” Anex says, nodding at the guard to bring her close to him. She fights, but it’s pointless, the guard too strong. His fingers grip her chin, forcing her to look at him. All traces of respect and honor for the man are gone—it’s replaced with fear and anger. “I’ve already told you about your new position. You’ll work and live at the childcare center. While you take care of my wife and her unborn child, she’ll teach you how to be a proper spiritual wife. How to cater to my needs and demands.”

“I won’t,” she spits out.

His hand shoots down and he drags up the hem of her skirt, revealing the cotton of her undergarments. He hooks a thumb in the top and drags it down, exposing the angry brand. “You agreed to this. You handed yourself over.” He loosens his grip, allowing the skirt to fall. His voice softens. “You’ve spent your whole life waiting for this moment—for true acceptance. Well, the day has come. From now on you’ll have the most important job in Serendee.” He kisses her forehead. “To fulfill each and every one of my needs and desires.”

Horror cascades down her face, recoiling through her body. Anex jerks his head, and the guards descend, pulling all of us in a different directions. I open my mouth and shout, “Anex! Please!” but the sound is muffled when a hood is yanked over my head. The last thing I hear is Rex’s voice echoing off the high walls, but it’s followed with the sound of electricity crackling.

The barrel of a gun leads me down the stairs—away from my family, my friends, my leader—and Imogene. The girl that changed me in ways I’m only realizing now.

I’m thrust toward a new life.

A life away from Serendee.