Heels clicking against the floor were the only sounds in the otherwise silent corridor. The Madame didn't need an escort, but sometimes it good to inconvenience others. It reminded them who was in charge and kept them on their toes. She didn't doubt the loyalty of any worker under her, but even the best ideas needed a little reinforcing sometimes.

They passed door after door, all of which hid nearly identical rooms. They were all for show down here. The other levels of the Nevermore Institute for Mental Health operated as they should, but this one was special. There was only patient housed here, and it was important to keep her away from others.

The orderly in charge of showing her the way kept glancing back nervously. She would have to have a talk with the board again. Honestly, what sort of people were they hiring? No doubt under-qualified, overpaid thugs, that was what sort. Nowadays, any idiot with two braincells to rub together thought they could accomplish anything just for being born.

The orderly scurried off with barely more than a squeak as they finally reached their destination. The Madame mentally tutted. No, not cut out for this at all.

Inside, Dr. Usher examined the medical chart with a frown. Were she twenty years younger and half as ambitious as she had been at that age, the Madame would call him handsome. As of now, she only recognized him as a colleague and a fellow believer at best. She knew more about his personal life than she liked, and approved of even less of it. If he wasn't currently a necessary person, she would have long since gotten rid of and replaced him with someone who knew better than to mix business with pleasure.

"And how are we doing today?"

She already knew the answer, of course. She had been briefed on the way. But she wanted him to explain it. He answered to her, and he'd best remember that.

"Resting, finally. Probably for a good, long while. She coded three times this afternoon. We almost had to intubate her."

"And now?

"She's stable. Responding well. Ready to move onto Stage II."

The Madame smiled. "Good. That's good."

He cleared his throat nervously. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you know this would happen? It went just like you said. Exactly."

"Sometimes secrets are a good thing, Dr. Usher. If just anyone knew the whole plan, imagine how easy it would be betrayed." She made sure that he understood she meant it purely on a hierarchical level. As in, people on the lower rungs need not concern themselves with the affairs at the top.

Dr. Usher immediately straightened, as if good posture was enough to erase his impudence.

Message received.

He put the chart down. The Madame put her hand on it, fingers tracing the underline of the name printed at the top. So long as it remained, the plan was on track.

She didn't stay very long. The lights at the building messed with her depth perception. The curse of only having one eye to work with. Maybe she would get those replaced as well. They could use the money saved from terminating ill-suited employees.

Madame Kovarian left the Nevermore Institute without a look back. Satisfaction brewed in her gut. The pieces were finally coming into place. At last, victory was in sight.

And so concludes part one of this story! If you haven't already guessed, there will be a sequel. Thanks so much to everyone who stuck with me. I'm so excited to share more of Rey's story with you all. Watch out, it only gets gnarlier from here on out!