“Fuck.” Kenji growled, struggling one last time against the ropes that cut into his skin before finally giving up, slumping heavily against the cold, unforgiving wall with a frustrated groan.

His recklessness during patrol had cost him dearly this time. He’d heard a child screaming, and without thinking, he had bolted toward the sound, convinced that he could be the hero of the hour. But, of course, it had been a trap—an elaborate setup by the goddamn sector. Now, he was bruised, battered, and bound, with no weapons and no way out of the small, windowless room. They had already interrogated him, the bastards, and somehow they knew he was from Omega Point. That revelation had made things even worse, but his identity wasn't the main concern now. He had to escape, and fast.

Just as Kenji was about to unleash another curse into the oppressive silence, a sharp squeak cut through the stillness. The door creaked open slowly, and he snapped his head up, eyes narrowing as he caught sight of what he assumed was one of the staff stepping into the room.