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I step forward, holding them out. “Here. Proof enough?”

Red Mask takes them. He doesn’t say anything for a second, just stares at the fabric, then looks back at me. “Interesting choice, Grayson. You ripped these off her?”

“Yeah.” My voice is steady, but my body’s wired. I don’t like him holding them, even if this is part of the ritual.

He chuckles, low and deep, then tosses the panties to Black Mask. “Good work, recruits. You’ve done well.”

Black Mask steps forward, clapping his hands together. “Welcome to the initiation process.”

Red Mask pulls out a box and lifts the lid, revealing three red masks.

“These are yours now,” he says, holding them up one by one. “Don’t disgrace us by being fools. Wear them with pride. And if you do your part then you’ll end up with a black mask.”

Logan grabs his mask first, grinning like a kid on Christmas. Finn takes his next, inspecting it like he’s looking for flaws. I grab mine last, running my fingers over the smooth surface. It’s heavier than I expected, solid and cold.

“Congratulations,” Red Mask says, his voice booming. “Now, go celebrate. There’s a party in your honor starting in less than two hours. Plenty of drinks, plenty of company.”

“Wait,” I say, stepping forward. “I want the underwear.”

Black Mask tilts his head, almost amused. “They’re collateral. Proof of your commitment.”

I clench my jaw, glaring at him. Caleb in his black mask. I don’t argue with him. Not here. Not now.

The party starts slow, just the recruits and a handful of the Reapers hanging out in the basement, passing around bottles of whiskey and beer. But within half an hour, it’s chaos.

The doors open, and girls flood in, all wearing tiny masks that barely cover anything. Most of them are dressed to kill. Tight dresses, sky-high heels, and looks that scream trouble.

Logan’s already got two of them hanging off his arms, laughing at something he said. Finn’s got a beer in one hand and a brunette pressing herself against his side.

I lean against the wall, nursing a drink and trying to stay out of the spotlight.

“Hey,” a voice says, pulling my attention.

I look up to see a blonde in a tiny silver dress and a feathered mask. She’s smiling, her lips painted a deep red.

“You’re new, right?” she asks, stepping closer. “Not from around here?”

“Something like that,” I say, taking a sip of my drink.

She giggles, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. “I’ve always wanted to fuck a Reaper.”

Her hand brushes against my arm, her nails dragging lightly over my skin.

I smirk, but before I can answer, Red Mask climbs onto a table, clapping his hands to get everyone’s attention.

“Alright, listen up!” he shouts, his voice cutting through the noise. “I’ve got a fun idea.”

The room quiets down, all eyes on him.

“How about a hunt?” he says, grinning behind his mask.

The crowd erupts in cheers and whistles.

“What’s a hunt?” I ask Logan, who’s standing nearby with a drink in his hand.

He grins, leaning in. “Ladies… want to be chased and claimed by a Reaper?”

Black Mask holds up a hand, silencing the crowd. “Alright, if you’re interested, step outside to the backyard. Rules are simple: stay within the marked boundaries, and no hiding in the house. Once you’re caught, you’re claimed. Understood?”