Evil Demon Robot Bitch: The Asylum

By Matt Flanagan

Megan has a secret...

 

She's not like other girls. She's smarter, stronger, and faster than any robot seen before. The ability to learn and adapt makes her a child's perfect companion, but as her strength and behaviors become increasingly threatening, her creator must decide if Megan is a marvel...or a monster. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matt Flanagan
• Release date: Aug 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223322375

Book preview

ONE

FORTY YEARS AGO

It was a crisp fall morning, and Michael, a middle-aged professor of robotics at the local university, poured a cup of coffee for his wife, Sarah. ​

Sarah was formerly the caretaker for an old spinster who lived in sprawling property lovingly referred to as ‘the castle.' Upon his death, she’d inherited the place by default.

Though it was quite run-down, it was a significant improvement over the young couple’s modest cabin on the outskirts of the property, and they took very little time packing their things and their young daughter and beginning their new life living as royals do.

This particular matter was the topic of that very afternoon’s conversation. Since they’d settled in, their daughter had started behaving in very peculiar ways. While Michael tried to ignore it, he found it especially bothersome in his mind today, and though he held the paper in front of him, he hadn’t read a word.

I’m telling you, darling... Sarah looked at him reassuringly, using her shiny green eyes to her advantage. She’s going through a phase. We upended her life! Of course she’s going to act a bit out of character for a bit.

Michael inhaled, considering her response. He looked out at the property, scanning the tree line leading to their old family home, and looking to the pond on the western edge.

Closer to the house, there was a garden slowly coming back to life thanks to Sarah’s green hands, and a long-dead but still-standing hedge maze. There was no green to be found, but the corpses of the hedges remained, looming tall above the winding labyrinth. The branches were hard, dry, and jagged - the whole thing couldn’t look more unwelcoming had it been designed with repulsion in mind.

Sarah frowned at Michael’s silence, placing her muffin on her plate. Dr. Johnstone. Paging Dr. Johnstone. Your presence is requested on the terrace.

Michael returned to the moment, tossing the paper lovingly at his wife and eliciting an adorable squeal like a tiny pig.

She’s starting to get lost in her own world more often than she used to, he said. Sometimes I find it a bit...

Yes?

Michael paused, eager to choose the right word. Troubling. I find it troubling.

Sarah scoffed, breaking off a piece of her muffin and tossing it onto her tongue. She’s got a big imagination. That’s a good thing! she said, sliding her hand across the table and over his. Try not to get ahead of yourself. And put a smile on. She’ll be home any minute.

Michael nodded, but the look of worry remained on his face. As long as she’s happy, he said.

Of course! Sarah protested, but he continued.

She’s been different since we moved here. I know you feel it, too. We wanted something different, but not...I thought moving here would change everything.

It still can, she said, eyes twinkling. Just imagine once she’s made a few friends and we start hosting parties. It’s every girl’s dream to be raised in a castle!

I still worry that by trying to give her a better life, we’ve only isolated her more...

The thought was interrupted by a loud and sudden belch. Michael knew not to drink coffee on an empty stomach, but the subject at hand dampened his appetite.

Everything will fall into place, Sarah promised. I know it.

Just then, the pair of tall wooden doors spread apart at the front of the hall with a