Chapter 749:
Verruckt poured the wine into a decanter, his movements as unhurried as ever. After letting it breathe, he filled both glasses and handed one to her. His cautious nature made the gesture almost redundant, but it played into her hands.
She raised her glass with a smile. âWhere I come from, itâs customary to toast to new beginnings after a close call. Since I prepared this meal, would you honor me with a toast?â
Verruckt didnât reply immediately. He lifted his glass and clinked it against hers, the sound clear and resonant.
âAlice, you have an unusual knack for survival,â Verruckt remarked, his smile as ambiguous as his words. There was an edge to his tone, a blend of amusement and menace.
He was a man who rarely spared anyone, women least of all. Yet with Allison, he seemed⦠lenient. Perhaps it was her calm presence, reminiscent of someone he once knew, the subject 001.
Unfazed by his remark, Allison sipped her wine, swallowing the antidote hidden beneath her tongue.
Verruckt leaned back in his chair. âDo you know what the labâs working on?â
He was probing for answers, Allison thought, feigning doubt as she shook her head. âI donât. Isnât it some kind of drug research? Those specimens looked⦠unsettling.â
His laughter was low and sharp. âYouâre not curious? Not even about what happened that night?â
She met his gaze with wide-eyed innocence. âNot really. They say curiosity killed the cat, and Iâm quite attached to my nine lives.â
âSometimes, even when youâd rather not know, you end up finding out,â Verruckt said with a quiet laugh. He reclined in his chair, becoming part of the cold, oppressive vibe of the room.
âAlice, the Fleeingland is called Devil Island. You know why? No one leaves here,â he explained.
Allison already knew that. As soon as she had walked into the research institute, the staff had made it clear that the secrets kept here were permanent. They were never leaving Fleeingland.
âDonât worry, Mr. Shaw. I wonât speak out of turn,â Allison assured him. âSince the new recruit came to Room No. 9, Iâve known exactly what to do and what to avoid.â
Her words brought back memories of their first meeting for Verruckt. At that moment, he sent a man straight to Room No. 9, the Slaughterhouse, without so much as a second thought. But in reality, the darkest corners of the lab hid even more terrifying secrets.
Verruckt chuckled mockingly, saying, âThat place is a true hell for the outcasts. Not just outcasts from here, but from all of humanity.â
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