Chapter 4: Oppressive Silent
Dylan felt a weight slam into his chest as he fell onto his back. His head struck the ground with a brutal thud, an electric current surging through his entire body. The hatch door slammed shut behind him. He'd expected to be hit by a projectile... but the sensation of an embrace—almost gentle—proved otherwise.
He tried to struggle, but a sharp blow crushed his face. His eyes, barely open, fought to stay conscious. Another strike followed... then another, over and over. Pain seared him, but he felt paralyzed, powerless to react.
The grip tightened. Gasping, he forced one eye open. Blurry images sharpened slowly. His heart froze.
"Captain... ow... what are you doing ?"
Maggie didn't answer. She kept pummeling him with her fists, her face twisted with rage. Dylan, despite the pain, felt panic give way to frustration.
"Ow, you're hurting me!"
He writhed, his voice trembling with confusion.
"If you keep this up... I'll have to defend myself, Captain!"
He finally forced both eyes open despite the agony. With a desperate effort, he grabbed Maggie's wrists... and froze.
She was crying.
Her eyes were red, flooded with tears, but this wasn't sadness. It was rage.