Gracieta

The Brave Girl

At just six years old, Alexa's life takes a terrifying turn when she is kidnapped on her way home from school. She wakes up on an airplane, surrounded by strangers, with her captors threatening to drop her from the sky. She soon realizes that she is not alone—other kidnapped girls of various ages share her fate. They are taken to a mysterious island, completely isolated by the ocean, where escape is impossible.  

The girls are forced into an institution that resembles an orphanage but is far from a safe haven. There, they are subjected to brutal training, rigorous studies, and cruel experiments that push their minds and bodies to the limit. Stripped of their past identities, they are given new names, all beginning with the letter "A." Alexa clings to the only connection to her real self—a hidden note with her true name, buried deep within the institution’s grounds.  

In this merciless environment, Alexa finds solace in Alexandra, a frail yet brilliant girl who becomes her closest friend—her sister by choice. To protect Alexandra, Alexa pushes herself to become one of the strongest among the girls, enduring every hardship and mastering every skill thrown at her, from combat to strategy, music to deception. The institution molds them into highly trained individuals, but their purpose remains a mystery.  

As Alexa grows older, she learns that girls who reach the age of sixteen are sent on dangerous missions. What awaits her beyond the institution’s walls? And will she ever reclaim the life that was stolen from her? *The Brave Girl* is a gripping tale of survival, sisterhood, and the unbreakable will of a girl who refuses to be broken.

The brave Girls

Pain exploded through Alexa's ribs as a guard drove a boot into her side. She hit the cold floor, gasping for breath.

The Head Instructor crouched beside her, studying her like a scientist examining a failed experiment.

"You disappoint me," she murmured, shaking her head. "I expected more from someone like you."

Alexa bit the inside of her cheek, refusing to speak. Any words now would be twisted against her.

The Head Instructor sighed. "Take her."

The guards hauled Alexa up, gripping her arms like a vice. She struggled, but they were too strong.

The last thing she saw before they dragged her away was the medic, still slumped against the wall, their swollen eyes barely open.

Then the door slammed shut between them.

Alexa was thrown into a small, dark room. The moment the door closed, a thick silence swallowed her.

No windows. No light. Just the damp chill of concrete walls pressing in around her.

She staggered to her feet, wincing as pain flared through her ribs. This is Isolation.

Her mind raced. Was she going to be left here until she faded away? Would she be dragged out for an 'example' like the medic had been?

She ran her hands along the walls, searching for anything—a crack, a loose brick, something.

She pressed her ear to the door. Faint footsteps. Not close, but not far either.

Her heart pounded. She wasn't giving up. Not yet.

Hours passed. Maybe more. Her throat was dry, her stomach empty. Her head ached from hunger, exhaustion, and stress.

Alexa tensed. Was she imagining it?

She spun toward the door. That voice.

She pressed her ear to the wood. "Alexandra?"

Alexa swallowed hard. "They caught me."

Alexa pressed her palm against the cold door. "What are you doing here you are still very weak ? If they see you—"

"I had to come," Alexandra whispered. "Amira helped me. We're getting you out."

Alexa's heart skipped a beat. Getting me out?

"I don't have time to explain," Alexandra said quickly. "Just be ready."

Silence. Then—soft footsteps fading away.

Alexa closed her eyes, exhaling slowly.

She just had to survive long enough to take it

The siren's shriek sent adrenaline surging through Alexa's veins.

She and Amira moved fast, ducking behind corners, avoiding the heavy boots of patrolling guards. The underground halls of Isolation were dimly lit, pipes running along the ceilings like twisted veins.

Alexa's heart pounded. The medic was close. They had to be.

She counted the doors as they passed. One… two… three…

The last door on the left—heavily bolted, but not impenetrable.

Amira yanked out the stolen key, fumbling for the lock.

"Come on, come on," she muttered.

Alexa pressed her ear to the door. Faint, ragged breathing. The medic was still alive.

Caged