Jason's POV

The semi-tough act quickly disappears after only three minutes under the simulation. I've never seen anything like it. In fact, I don't think I've seen anyone in so much pain.

It doesn't take long until Kat is choking on her own sobs.

That's when I completely shut down. I don't cry, scream, or beg for them to stop. I just stare at her with a blank expression.

This happens way too often, I think as I flashback to every single death I've had to experience.

Suddenly, the simulation stops. The buzzing of the machine shuts off. Kat is unconscious, but her torturers seem to be only getting started.

"We'll start again in the morning. Sometimes it takes longer for people to break than others," the president says. Kat and I are dragged to a dark, stone cell with nothing but a rusty toilet inside.

When the metal door slams, I stagger towards her. She seems to be slightly conscious. When I wrap my arms around her, she gasps in pain.

"Wh- what's wrong?" I ask frantically, my eyes wild from worry.

Kat tries to speak, but another choked sound of pain escapes her lips. I feel muscles spasm under her skin. They twitch uncontrollably, leaving her writhing in agony.

And again, I find myself helpless in the situation.

"Jason," she gasps, her small and trembling hand pawing for my larger but not so stable itself one.

"I'm right here," I whisper.

Despite how exhausted she is, I'm still surprised that she eventually finds sleep. I stare at the gray wall, soothed by her rhythmic, soft breathing. I kiss the top of her head.

I love you, Katerina. No matter what happens.

The following morning, they have to pry her away from me. And the same thing happens all over again.

And again.

And again.

Different and extra painful simulations come each day. Day after day, I suddenly become accustom to Kat's screams.

Neither of us talk. I'm actually impressed that Kat lasted. She has always known a life of ease, yet she might be stronger than I am.

One day, they begin to take us to different cells after a torture session. Kat doesn't protest. Her eyes have lost all the lively light in them. They're spiritless and cold. The fire seems to have died out in those amber eyes.

"Hey, what's going on!?" I protest, glaring at the president. His gaze meets mine steadily, without even a hint of fear in them.

I'll have to fix that, I think.

"There's no point in this anymore. We'll just have to find our by force," he replies.

I snort. "Good luck with that."

"But we're going to carry out our plan for Kat, here. She'll make a good soldier."

Kat looks up. "Excuse me?"

His smug smile grows wider.