I could barely sleep, constantly checking the computer for updates on Lori.

"The Jackal Hunter is killing Jackals for Elin and her cadre to eat in a sick animal-abusing show while the average Hedonian is desperately looking for work and starving!"

"The entire reason Jackals want to kill us, is because of that disgusting show that kidnaps and kills Jackals in the first place!"

TwigPost is going nuts. I grumble in disdain. God forbid I see these morons in real life.

"Mecca Square overflowing with hungry citizens outside soup kitchen"

"Unemployed still calling for action from Mother Elin"

What the hell has gotten into Cauldron?

I guess I don't want to be out in the city if I plan to somehow get out of the Compound.

So then I'm against two unsurmountable odds in order to be satisfied with the result.

Either that or I continue rotting away in this glorified prison full of nobody who really gives a shit about me.

How are JJ and everyone else just okay with a circus of sex and a daily routine of 1 hour in the gym, then being given food, and then just doing nothing for the rest of their lives?

Or are they just too afraid to do otherwise?

We could be more than just our sperm if we all came together. They can't punish all of us all at once. What a dehumanizing existence.

JJ pops in. "Dude, you've been here all day."

I don't respond.

"Okay, well, the Directors want you to talk to Inspection."

Stolen novel; please report.

My eyes roll.

"Cool, thanks."

"Yeah, yeah."

A few hours later, once I'm caught up with all the nonsense on the news, I go to Room 2 and the computer lights up with an AI assistant.

"Hello, Corvus. Thank you for coming for a talk. May I ask how things are for you recently?"

I shrug.

"You havent made contact with any Chosens for the past 72 hours. Are there any issues?"

How am I going to bullshit my way out of this?

"Just... feeling a lot of ennui."

"It's okay to have moments where you feel flat or disengaged. However, if it's a prolonged state, it becomes rather concerning. Is there anything that can excite you, whether something real, or an idea?"

Oh, please, fuck off.

"No, not really."

"Reaching out to others in times of need is nothing to be ashamed of. Let us know, you are a valuable part of this community."

The boredom is suffocating me.

All my might can barely stop me from opening vents. But clearly the creators of this place knew about this and kept it in mind during the design process.

Maybe I can ask Ari on where she might have observed a way out?

No, I burned that bridge. She probably won't bother, especially how it'll probably get her in trouble too.

Fuck.

I literally cannot sit and wait around. It's almost as if leg spasms cause me to get up. I start pacing around in the library.

Elena would be the next best option, but there's no way to coordinate meetings with her.

Maybe I shouldn't count too much on her either, she very well could be a spy for whoever's controlling the Compound.

The door creaks open to reveal Ari standing there, flatly staring at me. Speak of the devil.

"W-wha-"

She continues walking towards me, grabbing me by the arm, and placing my hand at her waist.

"I can't."

"What?"

"Just forget about you."

But... why?

"Even if you don't want me back... I just can't 'get over it'," She pulls my face closer. "Please-"

I shove her away, in disbelief of how angry I found myself.

"No! How do I know you're not a--"

"....a what?"

Shit. You fucking dumbass! Why can't you just keep your mouth shut?

"I don't care, even if it just lasts one more day. I need you." Her eyes begin to appear misty, nervously zigzagging about.

I bury my face in my hands.

You can only keep things in for so long before they burst out of you.

"What's going on here? Everyone okay?" Another timid voice from behind us. Ari and I both whip our heads to see Magdalene peeking through the door.

This has to be a joke.

"Oh, a threesome? Yay! I hope JJ will join if he walks in!" She rushes in to hug both of us.

I don't want to fight both of them. Might as well, and keep the Directors off my back...

"You look cute," Magdalene gives a sly look at Ari. "You look like you prepared for this."

"Not really, but... yeah."

The two put each one hand on my chest, gently pushing me towards the desk I just got up from.

Can't ever get a break.