48 - 16 - Confusing as Fuck

My voice was a monstrous roar echoing through the dungeon-like sewer.

Crayak laughed.

"Not so fast, Rachel. You are not free. Because you still believe this to be a fantasy, don't you? A silly simulation that gives you the illusion of deadly power. Like one of those video games you humans enjoy so much. A virtual-reality experience."

Something in my palm vibrated like a pager.

It was the Drode's head. Laughing.

The Drode was still alive.

Grinning up at me with its green-rimmed smile.

Rachel, do you feel the adrenaline rush of murderous desire? Do you feel the urge to reach out and destroy me?

"There are many masters of illusion in the universe, Rachel. Many manipulators of perception. But only I am a master of reality. A manipulator of the concrete. Well, then, perhaps this is a fantasy, after all. Your fantasy. But I can make it real at any time. For example, perhaps you would like to rip the Drode apart for real?"

"Hey!" the Drode protested. "Now, let's not get carried away."

You know, Crayak could use you, Rachel. If you ever find yourself desperate, Rachel. At an end. In need . . .

Suddenly, I was furious.

. . .the adrenaline rush of murderous desire . . .

I was tired of being toyed with.

Was this a fantasy or wasn't it?

A nightmare, a dream, a hallucination?

Crayak was deliberately confusing me!

I wasn't free of anything. Of Crayak, of my guilt, of David, of my fears, of anything!