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

Alexa's pulse pounded in her ears. The words still echoed in her mind.

The undercover cop had spoken so softly, yet it had shaken her more than any threat from the Instructor ever had. For the first time in years, hope had been dangled in front of her. But hope could be dangerous.

She glanced at Amira. The girl was staring at the closed door, her expression unreadable. But Alexa knew better. She could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her hands curled into fists against her restraints.

Alexandra stirred beside her, a weak moan escaping her lips. Alexa immediately turned her focus back to her. "I'm here," she whispered, brushing damp strands of hair from Alexandra's face. Her friend's skin was clammy, her body barely strong enough to remain conscious.

Amira shifted slightly, her chains clinking. "He was telling the truth," she muttered.

Alexa nodded. "But how long until they act?"

They had been taught to be patient, to endure, to never show weakness. But right now, every second felt like a lifetime. The uncertainty gnawed at Alexa.

What if the Instructor found out?

The cell door didn't open again for what felt like hours. The cold seeped into her bones. The single overhead light flickered occasionally, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Not the same as before. Heavier. Slower.

The door creaked open, and Alexa instinctively tensed.

His piercing gaze swept over them like a predator surveying its prey. He stepped inside, the air in the room growing colder with his presence.

Alexa forced herself to remain still as he walked up to her. He crouched, his face inches from hers. His lips curled into a smirk.

"You look… expectant," he murmured. "Are you waiting for something, Alexa?"

Her stomach twisted, but she didn't react. She couldn't.

The Instructor chuckled, standing to his full height. "Good. I was worried you were growing weak." He turned to Alexandra, his expression hardening. "A shame about this one, though. She's barely hanging on."

"Perhaps it's time to let go of the dead weight," he mused, tilting his head.

The Instructor let his words hang in the air before stepping back. "You'll be moved tomorrow," he finally said. "A new facility. A new purpose."

A chill ran through Alexa. This wasn't good.

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving the three of them in heavy silence.

Amira exhaled sharply. "Change of plans," she murmured. "We can't wait for them."

Alexa tightened her jaw. She knew Amira was right.

If the rescue wasn't coming soon…

They would have to make their own.

The wait