The Beginning of Your Hell
The sun dipped behind the building as I sat cooped up in my office. I looked down at the medical reports from today. One staff member fell from a hovering board—they had been malfunctioning lately. I should have had Roonie check it out before anyone else got injured.
I sent the reports back to Tania, my medical assistant, after checking them out.
The report of Zia White lingered on my screen. Reaver did a number on her. There was something satisfying about the purple bruises on her and the almost cracked skull in the X-ray scan. But even this was nothing compared to what she deserved.
She deserved worse. Far worse.
Time flew by. The sun was no longer visible, providing us with its warmth and light. Instead, its opposite, the moon, had taken over.
I walked through the lit-up halls, heading towards Solare's office. It was late, most had either left for their homes or their quarters within the arena. The leaders of each faction should still be in their offices, though. I knew Hornet stayed there, working until 11. He was a dedicated leader, and I felt proud working by his side.
Just as I reached her office door, I paused. The door panel dimmed, indicating no one was inside. Had she already gone to the sixth floor, the designated floor for Zionalma Kingdom members?
I let out a sigh before slipping the folder into the office return slot.
I would talk to her tomorrow about Silen's absence. I had not seen him for two days, nor had I gotten his reports, and Solare had not told me when he would be returning from his mission at Sars 3P8-U.
I turned around, heading to Hornet's office just down the hallway.
Knock. Knock.
"Enter."
I pushed open the door and stepped inside. Hornet, like always, was focused on his screen, typing something.
I stepped forward, placing the files of today's activities down on his table.
He pushed up his thin-framed rectangular glasses as he picked up the file and began to scroll through it.
"Was Ms. White fully healed?"
"Yes."
"Did you make sure she got home without any trouble?"
"Yes…"
A lie.
"Good, then."
He flipped the files shut before handing it over to me.
"Send her a message."
"What kind of message, Mr. Hornet?"
"If she doesn't come in two days, she will no longer be part of the arena."
"Right."
I turned around, holding the file containing her medical reports loosely as it swung to my side.
I stepped out of his office and headed back to my own.
I pray she wouldn't return but on the other hand, if she didn't, then my plan will fall apart. I needed her close.
10:34 pm.
Click-clock.
The clock ticked away as I packed my handbag, shoving everything in before heading out of my office. It shut and locked automatically.
It was quiet. Quieter than usual. Maybe because it was late in the evening. I remembered the first time I joined the arena as a bridge between Starlight Co. and the Zifa arena, I used to be scared of working late. This place was so enormous that it almost felt haunting.
Now I don't feel scared anymore. I had to be strong if I wanted to bring justice to my parents.
I headed through the halls of the second floor, making my way towards the nearest elevator. The doors slid closed and the elevator descended.
Humm…
I stepped out onto the ground floor. I adjusted the handbag on my shoulder as I walked over to the nearest exit. The cold breeze outside made my navy blue skirt flutter up. It was chilly tonight. I descended the staircase.
"Heading home, Ms. Stella?"
My head snapped around to see Mrs. Pham, who ran after me. Mrs. Pham had been working and overlooking the staff ever since the arena officially opened.
I nodded as she caught up with me. We walked side by side in silence for some time.
"I heard that the new girl got beaten badly today?"
"Yes."
I said, simply, looking ahead.
"Poor soul. Was it one of those brats from that kingdom?"
"Yes."
"Poor, poor soul. Is she alright now?"
"Yes, Tania looked over her injuries and advised her to take a pain reliever."
Why is everyone so concerned about Zia?
It was annoying.
"Send her to me when she comes back. I know a few remedies to heal her better."
I let out a sigh.
"I will… if she returns."
"If she returns? Is she not returning?"
"I don't know. She… it doesn't seem like she will return after what happened today."
"Poor woman. Those bastards should really be put in their place."
Now it was getting overwhelming.
Zia this…
Zia that…
How about—Zia, why did you kill those two scientists?
"Goodnight Mrs. Pham."
I cut her short. One more of Zia and I would lose my mind.
"Oh–goodnight, Stella."
I descended the staircase, making my way over to the parking lot. It was mostly empty now as most staff had already left for home.
I spotted my yellow Mini Cooper in the empty space.
Click.
I unlocked the door before getting into the driver's seat. I tossed the handbag in the back, my hands clenching the wheel.
Zia… Zia… Zia.
Zia White.
This is only the beginning of your hell.
The drive back home was spent recalling the well-deserved beating Zia White received today.
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