The Silence That Surrounds: Screams of the Damned

Narrator’s POV:

Sophia had her head prompted on Dylan’s shoulder, his fingers strumming his guitar and playing a medieval melody, talking gently in a reassuring manner as he had been doing for the past few hours. It was relaxing and Sophia felt like she actually had time to think and piece her mind back together from the earlier trauma.

“Life isn’t fair Sophia, but everyone goes through their own fights and right now you have to push past this set back. Look at it this way, luv; you did good today, I’m proud you stood up for yourself.” Dylan praised, his fingers stopping on a cord and raising his hand to preen Sophia’s hair back behind her ear in a fragile gesture. Her whole soul felt breakable and she had no idea how to glue all the small pieces of it back together again.

“I hurt someone, Dylan. You would be disappointed. I killed two people and helped kill Razor. I – “She began but Dylan shushed her sharply.

“Sophie? There’s a time and place for showing mercy and doing what’s right. You killed Blade to protect yourself, don’t – “Dylan tried but Sophia stiffened.

“How do you know I killed Blade? I stabbed him, but I don’t think I killed him.” She murmured, looking out at the lake again, the water drawing her attention, something wasn’t quite right about it.

Dylan sighed and took his guitar off, turning to face her with a stern look.

“Sophia, right now? Your I can see everything. I’m an image of your brother that you projected as a coping mechanism. Your brother – me, I’m your conscience you could say – Jiminy Cricket. Your mind was breaking off with reality the moment Andros showed you self-hypnosis. It’s a technique that allows your mind to heal and I’m warning you right now, we should probably change subjects because you’re going too far in again, sis.” Dylan warned, also looking at the water in worry.

“How do you know? I’m not going to step in too far, I promise. I just want to know how you know I killed Blade?” She prodded gently, biting her lip at Dylan’s stern face.

“When you stabbed Blade, you were thrown back from the collar – in turn you smashed your head against the wall and at that point your mind – which would be me, dragged you into here to stop you from unhinging from reality all together. This is your mind, Sophia. You’re in your head and I pulled you into a backway that allows for you to be completely undisturbed. In other words, you’re in auto piolet; meaning the lights are on upstairs, but no one’s home. You’re seeing everything right now Sophia, even if you yourself don’t realize it. You’re watching Ajax – he carried you to his room by the way, sat you in his bed and is currently sitting next to you, preening your hair back and trying to ‘wake you up’. You can’t hear him but I can,” Dylan explained, swallowing when the white clouds above slowly began to darken. “Sophia, we really need to talk about something else. You’re getting scared.”

“Does that mean I can stay in here as long as I want?” Sophia swallowed, grabbing onto Dylan’s hand.

“Just until you heal. If you don’t wake up – you won’t ever be able to. You will be trapped in here until you simply die, but if it helps – you don’t have to leave tonight or even tomorrow. You can stay until you feel like you’re strong enough to go back. I’ll be here, luv. As long as you need me – well, as long as you need Dylan, he’ll be here for you because he promised not to leave.” Dylan smiled and reached over to kiss her cheek softly. “I love you sis, remember that always.”

Sophia smiled gently and the clouds disappeared again, she sat relaxed.

“Dylan? I promise this is the last question I ask about Blade, but I got to know, did he suffer?” Sophia wondered, the stress of hurting someone grated at her heart. She was many things, but a cold blooded killer wasn’t one of them.

“It wasn’t a fast death, Soph. He felt it. You got him right above the heart, you saw him collapse about the same time your head hit the wall. He’s dead and Elliott is going to punish you good for that. That’s why you’re here, I pulled you inside through another connection so you wouldn’t end up hurting yourself. I knew you were going to try and kill yourself, I knew that you were at the end of your noose – sort of speak. “He chuckled a little and Sophia frowned deeper.

“That’s not funny. Now is not the time to have a morbid sense of humor, Dylan Stone.” She scolded, but like before he simply kissed her head.

“It’s not my mind luv, it’s yours. Subject change, this one is upsetting you. Just know that Blade got what he deserved. He hurt you and was going to do it again. It was kill or be killed, you defended yourself; that’s all. You did nothing wrong.” Dylan reasoned, reaching into the basket and taking out a small plate and uncovering it.

“Eat, you’re starving.” He insisted, handing over the display of eggs and wheat toast.

She nodded and took the plate, the fork already up top of it for her.

Dylan hummed a tune, simply watching her.

The food was amazing. The basket of endless stuff amazed her and this was a paradise anyone who has been and drug through the hells of reality would be glad to come to, to have a break from it all.

“Dylan? Can I trust Ajax? Do you think I can?” She prompted conversation, setting the empty plate of food down around ten minutes later.

“I’m still trying to wrap that question myself. He looks worried; like genuinely worried, so I’d say watch him and judge for yourself. If you want my advice, I’d say that you could.” Dylan answered with a shrug, the clouds darkening again at the sudden vision of father’s coworker. His eyes widened and he grabbed Sophia into a hug.

“Don’t you dare start thinking about that arsehole, Sophia. Do you hear me?! You’re going in too far. Stop!” He panicked, but Sophia couldn’t stop the tears that hit down her face.

“I was nine – “She began but Dylan threw his hand over her mouth.

“Stop! It’s like you want to fall apart and go crazy! STOP!” He yelled, hugging her in a tighter embrace.

“That arsehole was the reason besides dad that you needed to get that damn night terror thing done. STOP IT!” He shook her and that seemed to drag out her full panic because strong winds began to swirl around them both, blowing the grass down to the earth, the weeds starting to blacken and die; this was followed up by harsh rain.

Sophia wished she could just knock herself out to stop herself from thinking so much because anything was easier than trying to upset the balance that was her brain.

The clouds darkened and the memory seemed to take on a life of its own.

“Sophia? You’ve seen nightmare on Elm Street, yeah? Remember him killing the teens in their sleep through brutal ways? You’re about to start having a real life version of that if you don’t stop and I mean right now,” Dylan swallowed, fear in his eyes. “Your heart is under so much stress, if you go in any further you’re going to have a heart attack; Sophia, I can feel your adrenaline – “ Dylan started but let out a small fearful hum when the water in the pond in front of them started to blacken, bubbles forming in a small puddle, the sludge coming up to form a shapeless figure.

Dylan yanked Sophia up.

“Run. Sophia, run! If he catches you, your heart -you went in too far again!” Dylan panicked, running towards the pond and jumping into the slick oily sludge. “The forest! HIDE!” He screamed, swimming towards the shapeless threat.

Sophia turned toward the forbidden part of the forest. Dylan had warned her not to venture anywhere near it, but now he told her to find sanction.

She didn’t know what to do, she just knew the memory struck a deep fear into her and she did what Dylan wanted, she went into the forbidden forest – she went into the part of her mind that had been closed off and left undisturbed for so long that when her feet touched the dead leaves and her body moved into the long ago untouched memories, it awakened part of her brain that should have remained closed off forever.

Hypnotists will warn that when you venture in too far to your past, you get lost and that’s exactly what she undoubtedly did. Her mind was fully awakening again and because she lived so long closed off, no one knows what the results would be. It took one memory to spark it and now, her dream world might just become a living hell.

*

Harry strained against the guard’s arms, their muscles flexing to hold back the enraged gang leader and the wrath of his enraged jaded eyes.

“Kiss my ass!” He said for the hundredth time that hour, teeth gritted into a bear view to keep his anger in check. He didn’t want to say anything that would make them put the cage gag back in. So he stuck with being a parrot and repeating one simple phrase that could neither instigate Kaiser or piss him off.

Sadly, he was more successful with just plain out being infuriating.

“I told you, Styles, I only like girls but if you insist on having someone kiss your behind, I’m sure one of my guards here won’t mind to acquiesce that request, but I’m telling you right now; you’re the one who’s going to come out of it feeling violated.” Kaiser chuckled, approaching the struggling lad.

“Now, enough of this foolery. I need you to show me how hard you can throw a punch. I need to see if the next task in your training will allow me to do what I need to do in order to help Damien break you. Our agreement was, I break you back to how you were – he comes and gets you three. No questions asked, no problem. Why do you think I’ve merely kept you lads gagged and in your cell for the past three days? It sure isn’t because I care about your pretty faces.” Kaiser continued to explain with a sneer.

Harry gradually stopped struggling and looked up at Kaiser, a hidden expression on his face that no one could seem to read.

“So, I throw a punch and then what? You send us back to our cell again, bridled and unable to talk? That’s worse than death, so either give me something that’s a real challenge of bloody fucking kill us!” Harry growled, his voice dropping lower in octaves.

“Fuck a drunk goat! Will you shut up?! Just throw the damn punch, show him what you can do. We’ve trained together, he’s going to figure it all out eventually.” Louis snapped from behind the mesh wire they were being held in, the arena cleared of fighters except Louis, Zayn, Aiden and Harry.

“Fuck you! I’m not throwing a punch.” Harry barked, his eyes darkening to an almost black shade. He was beyond angry.

“The way I see it, Harry? You have two choices. You either throw a punch and show me like a good little boy or I put the other lads there back in their bridle gags and lock them permanently on. They won’t be able to eat or drink so I’d imagine they would get fairly skinny before they die a slow death of dehydration and Damien Styles doesn’t want that I’m sure. So go on, throw a punch.” Kaiser encouraged, gesturing out his hand and standing about three feet away from the younger gang leader.

“The food here sucks anyhow and the toilet water needs some lemon added in it or something, I won’t be missing much.” Louis sassed but was jabbed in the ribs by Zayn and a look that told him to shut up.

Harry calmed enough to look at Louis.

“I get my orders from Damien. He is the only one who has the authority to tell me what to do.” He said, calming his struggle in the guard’s arms.

When they were sure he had calmed, they let him go to stand on his own two feet.

“Your daddy won’t be back until he knows you can follow orders without getting distracted. That is the reason for this exercise.” Kaiser continued with reserved patience, his British accent coming out bored.

“Alright, then I want to be guaranteed that if I throw this punch that I, nor my friends will get into trouble. Aiden included.” Harry bartered, his eyes going to the other boy that seemed to be focusing where Sophie had been just days before. The time had passed by in a slow daze and each hour seemed to torment Deprave more and more – a longing look to join his beloved.

Kaiser raised an eye brow and closed in the space between them.

“Why pray tell would you get in trouble for showing me how hard you can punch?” Kaiser questioned, seeing Louis raise an eyebrow wondering the same thing.

Zayn seemed to pick up on it because he started shaking his head.

“Harry…” Zayn warned softly, but that fell on deaf ears.

Before anyone in the room could blink Harry took a step forward, jerked his fist back and brought it as hard as he could to Kaiser’s face.

“That’s why you pompass fuck!” Harry exclaimed while the guards caught him again, Jinx’s head snapping to the side in brutal force.

Despite the hard hit to the face, Jinx calmly turned back to Harry, a crimson smirk spreading over his face. The force of the blow had split his lip.

He spat the access blood from his mouth at Harry’s feet.

Louis raised a hand, his fingers forming a one.

“Well, this bloke has had enough excitement for one day, check please?”

He, like usual was ignored.

“You know, Styles? I like your style,” He chuckled at the double use of the word, reaching his hand up to cup Harry’s chin. “You are quite extraordinary. Truly you are.” Kaiser complimented offhandedly, gripping underneath tightly and forcing their eyes to meet.

“You seem to think you are important in the grander scheme of things, but you aren’t. You are here to be broken and I am here to break you and as much as it pains me to admit it – I’m going to have fun taking away the last bit of decency you possess.”

“Pains you? You’ll have a bloody fucking party.” Harry spat, trying to jerk from Kaiser’s touch.

Jinx simple leant forward.

“Oh, but Harry – it does pain me. It pains me because I have to look into those beautiful jaded eyes and see all those pesky little emotions running around in there every day. When your training is done, there will be none left to speak of. Simply put, your father insists that you live up to his own standards – I told him I could do this. It is possible, especially after receiving some good news today,” Kaiser went on to calmly explain. “See, Sophia and Andros have gotten themselves into some shit. Andros knocked Elliott unconscious and Sophia killed Blade.

Louis interrupted this time.

“She killed Blade, how? “Louis asked, shifting onto his other foot.

“Not important. In doing that though she was knocked unconscious. I mean her eyes are open, but no one’s home. She’s not answering anyone.” Jinx shrugged.

“Fuck me sideways and call me Sally.” Louis muttered, earning him a sharp jab from Zayn.

“Long story short, lads; I will be inheriting Sophia and Andros from Elliott. They are too much trouble to keep around and their place is much better here. That way if you four step out of line I can slit their throats in front of you. With any luck, we will receive them next week. So if I were you gents, I’d start praying Elliott offs them because you don’t want to see what I am going to do to them otherwise.” Kaiser finished with a growl, pushing off Harry’s chin and bringing back his own fist, laying it straight into Harry’s mouth.

Harry groaned and let his body fall limp in the guard’s arms, blood dripping from the impact.

“Take Styles into Deprave’s cell and chain him to his new bed. He will no longer be allowed to be around or talk to Tomlinson or Malik. When I have an empty cell further away, we will move them both there. Until then, put him in his cage gag that I was nice enough to personalize for him. The only time Harry will have it removed is during meal time, otherwise – he is to remain with it locked to him until I say otherwise.” Kaiser ordered and walked away.

Louis walked towards him, a straight line between him and the man.

“Hey, Kaiser! Eat elephant dick and choke, ass wipe!” Louis yelled, hauled back and as Kaiser turned, Louis clocked him around the other cheek – this blow knocked him out cold and his body to a ninety-degree angle, sending him a good five feet.

The other guards moved in to restrain him, but Louis didn’t give a fuck. He was seething because if they were separated, they wouldn’t know what was going on and that actually frightened him to a certain point.

Zayn raised his hands in submission when a gun was pointed at him.

“Shalom! Shalom, mates. Peace, I’m not – “ Zayn didn’t get a chance to plead his case because the bridle he wore three days before was harshly locked back onto his head, Louis’s own headpiece joining the ensemble.

Harry heard the commotion and felt the sharp cold metal slide into his mouth while the doors snapped shut behind him, the familiar click following.

Truthfully? He knew it was a no win situation, so why did he bother to care? He punched the bastard, was well worth the consequences.

Everything was a blur while he and the others were taken back to their cells.

*

Niall looked around the wall cautiously to make sure Dr. Sadistic and Master Styles were nowhere in his proverbial vision.

When he was sure that neither monster was near, he made his way to the kitchen – stopping short at a crossroads hallway to see Liam having the same idea, the dolls around them hanging in masses of flesh, some dead – others staring ahead in a blank manner to escape into their heads to preserve the last of their humanity. It was trying to see this day in and day out and yet, no end seemed to be in sight for Liam or Niall.

“Hungry?” Liam asked, his head turning wistfully in the direction of the kitchen. He had no doubt that they both had lost a lot of weight in this hellhole of a place.

“Starving. I need food, Liam. I am so famished, I was eating my pillow earlier when I woke up, dreaming it was a marshmallow. The sad part? It actually tasted good compared to the crap we feed the dolls. When Harry and them get back, I’m cooking the entire stock worth of food. We will eat like kings.” Niall said, his voice so wishful that Liam had no doubt on his partner’s words.

“We will, we’ll be back with Harry soon, mate. Don’t fret, yeah? Now, let’s go see if there’s any of that grout left.” Liam sighed in resignation to another day of eating liquid food – as that’s all the dolls could eat.

“I want something more filling than pureed mush.” Niall complained, but followed him regardless – he wasn’t going to die by starving himself. Wouldn’t help Harry or Sophia out in the slightest and even his most pessimistic thoughts had managed to find an upside to keep him going.

“Yeah? Join the club, Niall. Seriously mate, I’m so hungry I could eat a cow.” Liam challenged, not fairing any better than his starving friend.

“I could eat the whole bloody farm with half an ice cream shop for desert. Shit, pass me some pints to wash it all down with.” Niall said, breaking off into a smile despite himself before laughing at the utter ridiculous of the conversation.

Liam chuckled, stopping short along the hallway, frowning.

His hand went up to gingerly comfort the small child hung on the wall by the pole clad arms, her mouth open in a silent scream, tears flowing down her face in what had to be indescribable pain.

“What’s wrong with her?” Niall swallowed, earning him a look.

“She’s new, this was just done – less than an hour by the looks and it was done using light sedation.” Liam observed, swallowing nervously.

She was beautiful. Her slim figure was tall for her age, Liam guessed around ten. Her hair was a beautiful honeydew brown that put even Zayn’s eyes to shame. Her eyes were a usual deep hazel, but the pain gave them a shine thanks to the pain that ran rabid inside her. She was completely trapped inside herself. Unable to scream, bite – move. It was a cruel situation for them all and it wasn’t for lack of trying. Many tried to scream themselves hoarse just to allow some sound to penetrate into their lives, to let their minds ease off the rapidly flowing thoughts.

Sadly, the dollhouse was as quiet as the cemetery after a funeral. There was no relief from their minds and being stuck inside them.

“Her name is Lillian, she’s eleven and is going to a lovely Master in the Northside. Which is a roundabout five hours or so,” Dr. Sadistic smiled, his footsteps light and brisk. He made his way next to Liam and stopped, his hand massaging down the little girl’s face. “Her price was three hundred thousand pounds, but before her new owner comes to get her, he requested an additional alteration.”

Liam swallowed but listened intently, Niall was paling and looked about ready to Flash it into the nearest closet and hide himself there for the rest of the day. He actually did that the first few hours of arriving, much to Dr. Sadistic’s amusement.

“With respect, doctor, what was his request for alteration?” Liam asked, keeping his tone neutral and non-committed.

Dr. S perked up and he let his hand drop from the girl.

“Lord Rowhd – Master Rowhd, has a thing for tribal looking dolls and she has the pale skin to accompany what he required. Which was to sew her mouth closed with black metal wire. It’s to ensure that it holds her jaw closed – in addition, he has asked that I break her jaw before his arrival. Her purpose is to be used sexually for a time period of a few days and then followed by a sacrificial offering when she begins to fade as she will be unable to get proper nourishment. I cannot really help what clients do with their dolls once they have them, but to be completely honest; I find his whole demeanor rather barbaric. A Neanderthal imagination at bes –“

Niall fainted to the floor like a sack of rocks, earning a surprised look from Liam.

“Niall? Hey mate? You alright?” Liam swallowed, kneeling down to make sure his friend was okay. He didn’t expect the lad to react like that. Their conversation had been rather mild compared to some that he and the doctor had discussed.

Doctor Sadistic smiled warmly, a false look of fondness in his eyes.

“Perhaps his hunger is getting the best of him, yeah? I was about to go make myself a patty. I just got the meat in today from the butcher. I’ll check with Damien, but you two should be off punishment by now. If you are, I will fix you two up a plate.” Sadistic informed Liam.

“Thank you, Dr. Sadistic. I’ll try to wake him up and we’ll be along shortly.” Liam promised, shaking Niall’s stiff shoulder.

Doctor Sadistic gave a curt nod.

“Right then, carry on with your business,” He made to walk off, but stopped just short of a few steps. “By the way, I need to observe the length of your sewing skills, Liam. You will sew the girl’s mouth shut as well as assist me in breaking her jaw. I will demonstrate and you will perform. A highly sought after skill to have in this profession.” Sadistic smiled, back stepping and patted the boy on the head like a dog.

“Uncle Sadistic has always had a soft spot for you, lad. Since you were a teenager. Why, I remember your eagerness to learn what I had to show you all too well. I am not to think any of that has changed, am I, lad?” Sadistic chuckled, making Liam shake his head.

“Nothing has changed, sir.” Liam replied, his eyes dropping to the ground in a coward’s fear. He did not respect Dr. Sadistic. The lad feared him as much as the next person – especially when he started referring himself as Uncle. That was a danger zone, even to them.

“Good lad. See? I told Damien you would not disappoint him and I’m always right, aren’t I?” He laughed, his eyes flashing a shade darker to give the illusion to something resembling a black shadow of the eyes, but in reality, he was showing off his authority to control the situation around him. It had to look dangerous in order for it to appear and Dr. S was very good at illusions.

Liam said nothing to the rhetorical question, his head bowed, continuing to shake Niall’s shoulder. If he was lucky the younger lad wouldn’t jerk awake until Sadistic was far from their view – that was just a side prayer so Niall wouldn’t faint again.

“Good lad. Anyway, come to the kitchen when you got the little finch’s heart beating again. With all the duress he has come under these past few weeks and I do take partial responsibility for that I suppose, it is not a wonder he would drop like that. Perhaps next time I shall wait until we are under limited company to discuss such matters. My apologies, Liam.” Dr. Sadistic smiled and went forward – this time without stopping.

Liam watched him go, glancing up at the doll child before his attention turned back to Niall. He was quite conflicted and it killed him to know that he would be the reason for the child’s last moments of torment.

He was never a bad guy, Liam did what he had to and has done so to survive the past few years. Now it seemed the longer he was there, the more his brain rebelled.

With a sigh, Liam turned Niall onto his stomach, raising his hand in the air – as much as it was awkward, he needed Niall to wake up. So he went with the shock tactic of hitting him as hard as he was willing on the back.

“Wake up, Niall.” Liam pleaded calmly, raising his hand to strike the lad on the ground with another open palm.

Niall let out a small moan, followed by a sudden swat to thin air.

“What happened?” He groaned, his blue eyes opening to find himself on the floor – with a rather sore back.

“You fainted, Dr. S assumes it is from lack of food.” Liam rolled his eyes and helped the younger lad sit up.

“Bloody fucking hell pokers! Fuck a – “Niall started his rant, but Liam quickly covered his mouth and pointed to the hanging dolls.

“None of that now. Louis isn’t here and those children need calm.” Liam said, using a soothing voice for all involved. It wouldn’t do any good to have everyone upset.

“Children? Children laugh, smile – make silly faces. This…they aren’t children anymore, mate. They’re dolls.” Niall spat, wiping away a few stray tears. He hated the dollhouse and everything it stood for. He hated being here, he wanted Harry, he wanted Louis, Zayn and Sophia and he wanted to go back home, back to HIS home.

“Hey now, none of that.” Liam replied a little more tenderly, putting his hand on the other bloke’s shoulder in comfort.

“Look around us, Liam! Do you bloody not see?!” Niall cried, completely losing it and gesturing around the blood stained walls, the blank looks of children who had broken months ago and some who even hung dead and lifeless – their eyes open but unseeing. “This is hell, man. This is bloody fuck all hell and we’re in it!”

“Shhh,” Liam shushed, grabbing the frantic blonde’s shoulders and pulling him forward into a hug. “Come on, get a hold of yourself before they lock you in the cremator again. Weakness to them is a toy to be played with, nothing more and nothing less. Calm down, Ni – come on, we need to eat and Dr. S is making lunch. We have to make sure we have enough energy for when Harry comes back.” Liam said, always seeming to be the voice of reason to the pair that was left behind.

“If he comes back. I overheard Damien telling Dr. S that he’s leaving Harry to rot in the Cage for another month. I can’t survive here another month, Liam. I CAN’T!” His voice rose in desperate agony, his fists gripping tight to Liam’s already ripped shirt.

Liam gripped the poor lad tighter and started to rock him absently. He didn’t know if he could do another month of this either, but what could they do? They couldn’t remove their trackers and running away would only get them punished more severely.

“We have each other. Maybe not together, but we have one another and Harry has Louis and Zayn. We WILL get through this, Ni. We WILL survive because that’s all we can do, understand? Harry will come back to us, as sure as the Earth spins, he will be back.” Liam assured Niall with a voice of false optimism planted in his rough vocals.

Niall shook his head and sobbed into the man’s shirt. Sure, he was never this emotional before, but he needed their leader back, he wanted to go home without opening his eyes to lifeless or dead hanging children every day.

“How do you do this? How do you open your eyes and look around every day and not see anything wrong with this picture, Li?” Niall sniffed, trying to get his breathing under control.

Liam glanced up at the children, they were no longer there mentally, knowing that eased his conscience a little but did not absolve the guilt completely.

“The same as you, Ni. I get up and survive. It’s been hell for me too, mate. Because while you have to dispose of the bodies – I have to help Dr. S perform the procedures. If I refused, I too would end up under his knife. It’s cruel here, Niall. We do what we have to. We open our eyes each morning and get out of bed because it is what is required of us.”

Niall shook his head feebly, using the back of his hand to wipe the snot from his nose.

“I just want to go home. I want to bloody – “Niall started to growl but Liam again quieted him with a calming ‘shh.’

“It’s alright, you’re alright. Come on; I think Dr. S is making some food that he’s allowing us to partake in. After that, I’ll be sure to request to do your chores in the surgical room – tell them you’re under the weather, yeah? Give you some time to take a walk and clear your mind.” Liam suggested kindly and ruffled the young bloke’s hair, smiling when he let out a slight cringe.

“I want to go outside for a little bit. Not escape, just sit out in the grass. Walking along these hallways and seeing thousands of tykes hanging on them is too much. I’m going crazy, Li. I don’t – I don’t think I’m going to be able to take much more of this.” Niall said, the desperation in his voice coming out as a plea – one Liam would only be able to calm in broken promises and he didn’t want to do that to the lad.

“I know, Niall, but you got to hang on. Harry will be back and then we can leave. Just a little while longer, lad.” Liam reassured, resisting the urge to kiss Niall’s forehead. It would be awkward to say the least – but somehow, the two needed one another right now. Niall more than anyone needed Liam and Liam was sure he wouldn’t be able to survive there without Niall. His only hoped that Zayn and Louis were with Harry so they were not alone.

Niall nodded slowly, his fists loosening on Liam’s shirt until they hung limp at his sides.

“Will you walk with me, Li? I don’t want to go alone.” Niall asks, trying not to sound too pathetic.

Liam smiled and tossed his arm around the boy.

“We were both sneaking into the kitchen anyhow, right? I’ll be there for you, Niall. Just look for me if you need me. I know you’ve been seeking comfort with Perrie, I walk by and listen to you sometimes. I think it’s sweet that you take care of her so well. Zayn will be proud of you, lad. I know it’s a lot to ask of anyone, but you’re doing great.” Liam encouraged, his voice still soft.

Niall nodded again, feeling like an idiot for breaking down in front of his fellow ‘co-worker’.

“Zayn had asked me to.” Niall responded simply and carefully got off the ground.

Liam stood up with him and nodded towards the direction of the kitchen.

“Come on, Ni – let’s go see what’s for lunch.” Liam encouraged, even though his appetite was all but ruined.

Niall nodded and together they walked down the lonesome halls, their gentle footsteps mixing in with the quiet breaths from the dolls – everything else remained as it always had – silent.

Taking a turn down the hall left just a white wash color; normal even. No blood, no hooks and no dolls. It was the only hallway in the whole place that was sanitary and clean.

“Come on.” Liam encouraged when Niall stopped short of the walk in kitchen. Inside they could hear Dr. S humming classical while the smell of sizzling meat came wafting into the hall.

Niall’s mouth watered, he could practically taste it. Liam was a little more reserved, having had some grout earlier in the mornings when he fed the dolls theirs. He was still famished and the meat was a hard thing to resist, given he had not had it in many weeks.

Niall nodded himself and Liam a reassurance before walking in and heading toward the table, sitting down in the few limited spots available. Damien occupied one of them, leaving Liam to sit beside him.

“Good afternoon boys. Are we ready to begin our chores after lunch?” Damien asked, his mood calm – which wasn’t like him at all.

Liam cleared his throat.

“Actually, sir – I was meaning to ask if I could take over disposing of the bodies today? Niall’s a bit under the weather and I think a break away from that sort of stress would do his nerves some good. If you don’t oppose that is, Master Damien.” Liam explained, his tone showing nothing but respect to their leader’s father. He certainly didn’t need Damien’s mood going out the window over something so miniscule.

Damien didn’t react right away; his eyes were glued to his teacup.

“I’ve no problem with it, lad. Instead of detail, he could help bath some of the dolls. I’ve a list for those who need a good washing. Customers are complaining they are starting to smell – though between us lot? If they would wash them when they are done with them, they wouldn’t get dirty so quickly.” Sadistic complained, throwing the cooked burgers on a bun and handing the two off to Damien. “Ketchup and mayo is on the table.” He nodded off absently, his hands going into the chunk of off greyish meat and making a good sized burger with it, before forming another one.

“Can I have two?” Niall asked, his eyes lighting up in a small smile of happiness. The meat was odd, but it smelled so good to his aching stomach.

“Of course, let Uncle Sadistic take care of you. Damien says you can have as much as you want – since we don’t want you dying of starvation.” Sadistic held a friendly smile – Liam didn’t trust that in the least. Especially when it accompanied a chuckle from Damien.

“Go slow, Niall. Remember, we’ve not eaten a lot in a while, don’t want you getting sick,” Liam warned, looking towards the doctor. “I’ll just have one, thank you.”

Sadistic pouted.

“If that’s what you want, Liam. Anything for you two precious weeds.” He responded, making Damien snort.

“Laying it on pretty thick, aren’t you Doctor?” Damien queried in amusement, setting his teacup back on the white plate.

Sadistic tsked and smiled.

“You give me far too little credit, Damien. I am simply being my friendly and loveable self.” He defended, but the way he said was almost sardonic.

Damien snorted, picking up one of his burgers and biting into it.

Niall’s foot was taping impatiently under the table, watching Damien eat in almost a ravish way. He was starving.

Damien didn’t miss the look and laughed a little, sliding the one still on his plate towards him.

“Go on, lad. You look absolutely ravenous.” Damien said with mocking concern.

Niall didn’t wait for Damien to change his mind; he picked the bun up and bite into it, closing his eyes when the taste of it hit his tongue. He didn’t think it tasted like a regular beef patty, but he was so hungry that the thoughts really weren’t coherent over the incessant starvation his body was forced through.

“Fuck me, this is so good.” Niall hummed without thinking, eating the patty in three large bites, his mouth muttering swearwords that would make a nun have a coronary.

“Niall!” Damien caught his attention and he went silent, continuing his mission to satisfy his stomach.

“Oh, let the boy swear. He likes Uncle Sadistic’s cooking,” Sadistic waved off Damien, chuckling and setting two more burgers down in front of him, patting Liam on the arm. “I’ll get yours next.”

Liam nodded and watched in concern as Niall wolfed his down.

Liam stopped at his one burger, he was satisfied with how filling it was. However, Niall ate a total of ten before his stomach felt it was going to pop.

“That was the best food I had ever tasted.” Niall belched, smiling at the feeling of finally being full.

“Why thank you, lad. I’m glad someone appreciates delicacy. I got the meat from the butchers today, bloke is crafty with a knife.” Sadistic hummed, his voice a silk purr.

“Delicacy? What type?” Liam asked, his stomach tightening – he had a sneaking suspicion as the butcher Sadistic deals with is a closeted sadist like himself that kidnaps people and skins them of flesh to make things with before using the crematory to dispose of the bodies.

“What type is a rare delicacy and can only be obtained through murder, Liam?” Sadistic rolls his eyes, standing to clear off plates.

Liam pales.

“Dr. S – what type of meat did we just eat?” Liam demanded in a tone to suggest he was about to be sick…he should have known there was a catch to Damen letting him and Niall eat as much as they wanted.

“Human, Liam. You ate human. Don’t worry too much, the guy had enough to go around.” Sadistic waved off, making Niall pale. In fact, by the time Liam had glanced his way, Niall was standing there shaken like a tree branch with his complexion as white as a piece of loose leaf paper.

Liam put his hand over his mouth and threw back his chair, rushing toward the hall – barely out the door before he lost his lunch.

From inside he heard a loud crash, a heavy object falling to the floor.

“Christ sake, got any smelling salts on you, Doctor?” Damien asked, peering down at Niall’s now unconscious form.

Doctor Sadistic let out a laugh.

“Nope. Lad’s been fainting all day though.” Sadistic chided, glancing out the door to Liam, who was now on his knees in the hall – heaving his guts out.

“Li-Li – when you’re done wasting perfectly good food will you put Niall to bed, luv? Uncle Sadistic and daddy Styles here need to go have an adult conversation in my office, okay? You can join me in the operating room when you are done, after we get the girl fixed up for her master you can go take it easy. Okay, precious?”

Liam didn’t respond, he was two seconds away from passing out himself.

Almost like a prayer – perhaps maybe even a curse, rough booted footsteps suddenly echoed around in the small space of the large dollhouse.

“OH HONEY, I’M HOME!” The voice screamed, their footsteps walking quicker through the halls, their shadow falling faint at the corners of the walls.

Liam’s eyes widened when the figure finally reach them.

Standing in front of him was Seth. Seth Lucilius Styles; Damien Crow Styles’s younger brother.

Damien’s eyes darkened at the sound of the voice, his chair knocked back in a rage.

When Lucilius walked around Liam’s sick form into the kitchen he stopped, throwing his hands out in a mocking embrace.

“Dam-Dam, come here and give your younger brother a big hug.” Lucilius taunted mocking, the older brother descending on him in a prey like manner.

In fact, Dr. S had to avoid getting his own arse kicked by backing away from the kitchen as the two brothers began to fight.

“What’s going on?” Liam croaked, his back being rubbed absently.

“Uncle Sadistic needs Liam to get up off his arse and go get the fire hose from down the hall. I will not have them destroying my kitchen!” Sadistic glowered, but when Liam’s body fell forward in a faint, Dr. S had to take measures into his own hands.

“Bloody fucking hell, there is no good help amongst the servants anymore. If you want something done right, you got to do it yourself, evidently. Fucking useless gits.” Sadistic growled in anger, running down the hall – crashes of plates and fists erupting the silence.

Notes