Prologue

The door slammed shut. The lights danced as its heavy metal locks churned and chuntered into place.

Another one had arrived.

With a reluctant heave, Nails pulled himself forwards, straining for a better look. He hissed as his stitches tugged at a half-open wound. 

He scanned the room from left to right.

Nothing. He’d gotten lucky.

He took a deep breath and reached for the icy bars of his cage. His claw caught on the second rung.

 “Over there Handler Red - cage AI29”, motioned a hollow and exhausted voice.

Nails froze. That was the one right next to him. That had been empty ever since…He blocked his thoughts. He didn’t want to remember.

The bolt yelped in pain as it grinded open.

“In yer go little one, make yourself at home.” With surprising tenderness, Handler Red released his subject into the adjoining cage.

And that was the first time he saw her.

It would be a sight he would revisit in his mind, for years to come.