We went through the complex strings of narrow corridors, but that was the only thing I was aware of since my mind was paralyzed. I walked in a haze, desperation washing over me. I felt like a convict, walking to my execution and in a way, I was. It was hard to move when every muscle in my body screamed at me to run, but I did it anyway, step by step. Breath after breath.

Finally, we approached a big, silvery double doors. They opened automatically after scanning Maximillian's retina and I was baffled by what was behind them. I would stop to admire the view if I wouldn't be feeling so destroyed and petrified.

The area was enormous - wide hall, spanning almost two thousand feet. It was shaped like an octagon, linked with numerous smaller entrances, each of them leading into a different set of hallways. The middle of the octagon was a slightly smaller likewise shaped space, which was made of see-through glass towering at least five stories high, ending with a triangular shaped glass roof. The insides of the vast place, lying behind the wall were absolutely breathtaking. There was various vegetation planted inside of it ‒ exotic plants with colorful birds flying above them. It was so magical my breath hitched.

There were some kind of scientists inside of it, dressed in a dark-blue knee-length robe, working with flowers. Birds were chirping, their happy sounds echoing around the space. Other animals were hiding in the dense branches of the bushes and trees, suspiciously looking at humans or in this case, some kind of supernatural beings, invading their habitat.

Corridors we were walking through were mainly metallic, rounded modern structures, with bluish neon flickering lights on the walls. It all gave me the feeling I was walking on some kind of futuristic space station. Computer terminals and electronic apparatus were embedded on every corner, humming and vibrating with power. People were running around, clearly busy with their daily tasks.

I lifted my head and saw an indication sign, hanging high above our heads, integrated on a massive wide ceiling of the corridor. There were illuminated arrows pointing in two directions, implicating that right corridor led us to scientist sector and left to medical.

We turned left, the path leading us to yet another vast space, which was mainly a chaos. Medical personnel were flying everywhere, taking care of the injured and sick. In front of us was a med bay with an emergency department, radiology, neonatal unit and a room that looked similar to a pharmacy. On my left, there were more corridors leading to patient rooms. The main passage of the medical sector was a little brighter than the one we just came out of, containing floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing dark, thick woods outside. It was much more homely compared to the dark, metallic interior I saw before.

I couldn't help noticing how different the trees looked from the ones we had back at home, these were dense with tangled vines around their mossy trunks so tall, the sky was barely distinguishable. Canopies were covered with lush, green leaves, swaying in the wind. The green, humid blanket was covering the ground, overgrown with moss and fern. There had to be raining, considering that raindrops were sliding down the glass, leaving uneven traces. Mist was hanging low, twirling around the trunks, giving the landscape slightly haunted look.

Although undeniably beautiful, the place seemed foreign to my heart. "Where are we?" My voice sounded hoarse and weak.

"South of Switzerland, near Verbier." Maximillian said, stopping to wait for me as I was gazing at the enchanting display before me.

Tears were forcing their way out again and I tried to swallow them down. "Switzerland? So far away... How did I get here?”

He joined me at the window, following my gaze “Since I am an angelic creature, my touch has a certain healing, calming effect on humans. I have to admit we also tranquilized you, as we couldn’t afford any mishaps while on plane. We weren’t certain what your reaction will be when you wake up, or how far your transition was.”

"Do other humans know about you?" I asked after a moment of silence.

"They do, but only a selected few. We are after all very careful not to be exposed, however we do have a helping human hand here and there - call it a necessary alliance," he smiled softly. "Come now, they are expecting us."

We entered the med bay and headed toward the empty room in the background. Its interior was dark, similar to the holding cell I woke up in, yet even more sinister. Cameras were positioned at every corner or the ceiling, pointed toward the middle of the room. My stomach turned as I slowly stepped in, seeing thick silver chains dangling from the walls, no doubt prepared especially for me.

"Just in case we need them," Maximillian put a hand on my shoulder as he saw my horrified expression.

But chains weren't the main reason for my frightened state. It was the cage I was meant to be in, its steel bars molded to hold in a ruthless beast, not a helpless woman. Maximillian nudged me to enter the monstrosity as I hesitated, my head screaming at me to run, to save myself while there still existed the slightest chance of escape.

"Please be seated, our head doctor will be with us in a minute," he said to me, pointing at the comfortable bench at the far end of the cage. His expression was filled with compassion as he watched my inner turmoil. I carefully placed one foot in front of the other, clutching the bars like the steel cube might suck me in.

Focusing on my wobbly feet, I completely overlooked the person entering the room.

"This is Elliot Scott, the head of the medical sector," I lifted my head, seeing a man with sandy hair and almond-shaped caramel eyes. The soft wrinkles around his eyes and the upturned corners of his mouth looked like he had a smile engraved on his face. The tousled hair and slightly pink cheeks only added to his innocent, boyish look. The man was the epitome of kindness, or at least he looked like it. The difference between Maximillan and him was enormous, while the first man’s presence commanded respect and dignity, the second man’s was anything but that. He was much smaller than the angel, his frame significantly thinner, yet he radiated a protective, fatherly energy. His fluid and soft mannerisms screamed of gentleness, soothing the panic inside me.

"Hello. You must be Korina," he said smiling, kneeling beside me. "I will inject you with Daniel's blood. I will be gentle, so you have nothing to be afraid of. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

I had tons of questions, yet I didn’t utter a word as the doctor placed my hand onto his lap. I followed the tip of the thick needle, filled with red liquid as it slid against my skin.

He softly continued, undoubtedly trying to distract me “You will be caged after the procedure, but it is only for our safety. Do you understand?" He kindly smiled as he talked with a soft voice, which held surprisingly pleasant soothing effect on me.

I cleared my throat as I let out a raspy, squeaky voice. "Yes, you may proceed," I repeated, looking at him with desperation. My minds swirled with panic, taking me to the all kinds of horrifying situations. I cursed myself inwardly for my stupidity and for the blind trust I handed out to the red-headed man. Part of my mind still believed that I had woken up in some kind of a madhouse or even worse ‒ a human trafficking market. My heart rate accelerated at a dangerous pace as I considered the last option. But that was impossible considering the things I've witnessed, these people... They definitely weren't human. And deep inside of me I also knew that something was happening to me, something only they held the answers to.

My inner monologue abruptly ended as I felt a sharp sting against my inner forearm. My body jerked with surprise at an unexpected sensation of a warm liquid rolling down my veins.

I tilted my head up, to make sure Maximillian stood nearby. Daniel was right beside him, looking forlorn and worried, his eyes flickering nervously around the room.

"It's all done." Elliot said stepping away from me. He was about to exit the cage, when he suddenly turned back, his expression filled with assurance. "Remember, we are here for you," he took his hands away from the bars, slowly moving away. I heard the doors click as they closed behind him, the sound echoing through the deathly silent room.

Not long after I found out the meaning of true torture, as I never experienced this kind of pain before. Saying it was excruciating would be an understatement. The ice enveloped my limbs, paralyzing me in an instant. My head burned, igniting with such might that I couldn't hold myself up any longer. My body slumped to the ground as my muscles painfully contracted. I screamed until my throat was sore and hoarse and even after then. My body trashed so violently, my head hit the ground every single time. Black spots flew in my vision as the pain expanded to the unbearable level.

I tried to break away digging my nails into the ground until my fingers became a bloody mess. I bit my dried lips, feeling metallic taste of blood on my tongue. "Please! Enough! Let me out!" I roared with all of my might, using all my strength to drag myself slowly forward, trying to reach the bars.

"Somebody help me please!" I begged, tasting salt of my tears. "Maximillian let me out!" I grabbed the bars, shaking them forcefully. The metal groaned under the pressure, bending inwards. I moaned with an unexpected success pulling even harder than before.

"It better hold Max!" I heard someone yell.

"It will hold," he calmly assured the person.

I pushed with vigor, my movements became frenzied with a new gained hope.

"Max!" The person roared again.

But suddenly I stopped, my eyes widening with shock at the pain I suddenly felt in my jaw. It felt like somebody was tearing it off my face. I cried out as I pressed my fingers to my mouth, tasting the blood that trickled out of my gums. My head suddenly snapped back and my whole body shook like I was possessed.

I heard a low growl escaping out of my mouth as I fought hard to fill my lungs with air. I felt my muscles rearranging with sickening crunching noises as tears streamed out of my eyes.

And when I thought I couldn't possibly take more of this, it all stopped. My eyes rolled in the aftermath of the violent tremors. I didn't even try to move as my limbs burned painfully, excruciating ache still numbing my mind.

Exhaustion overtook my battered limbs and I slowly shut my eyes. The intensity of the pain led me to derealization, my own mind gave up on me, leaving me numb and disconnected with my body.