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Pain does not factor intoto the death. Sideswipe, double thrust, parry.

Suddenly we’re in sync, metal whirring into windmills as we simultaneously attack and defend. First I pace forward, keeping him backpedaling as four fatal pinwheels form a helix of strikes between us. Ero skips one beat suddenly, rounding and forcing me to strafe.

Then it’s me backing away, flourishing faster to prepare my next assault.

Stop thrust, I break his rhythm, bashing both blades wide. I leap, knees bent, my arms stretched back behind my head to arc down through the top of his skull.

“Mount each other like it’s your first time!”

My legs spread, my eyes widen, heart and tummy fluttering.

Ero takes my weight in stride, releasing his weapons to scoop his hands under my ass. Instantly, we’re a flurry of kissing lips, seeking hands, eager and urgent.

“This is a travesty!” a voice shouts from the stands.

We don’t relent, Ero hiking my skirt and preparing to?—

“Halt, my pets.” Ananke sighs, the picture of a patient matron. We stay put, turning to see what drew our lady’s attention.

“Is there a problem,Prime Minister?” She says it like she’s calling him out. Nervous glances and bowed heads respond to the implication, particularly from the world leaders and politicians present. Outing their positions in the presence of some of the world’s most notorious criminals is one thing, outing their identities to other political rivals, far more dangerous.

“This is outrageous. Sickening.”

“Care to elaborate?” Dom sneers, turning in his seat.

“I do not wish to watch two assassinsfornicatein public. I was of the mind that we were here to witness a technological advancement or some sort of biological breakthrough. Not whateverthisis.”

“Sit down, you uptight prick!” Vipera gestures with his fingers, swiping out from his chin.

Ananke stalls a hand toward her partner.

“I assure you,Geraldo, this is a biological and technologicalmarvel.” Her tone drips condescension and tightly contained fury.

“You would have us believe they are mind controlled? Please.” A sneering woman stands this time, decked out in sparkling diamonds and shimmering, gauzy fabric from head to toe. “This spectacle, however amusing, is clearly scripted.”

Her comment gains traction, garnering murmurs and dissent through the ranks of the guests. Others chime in, criticizing the show.

“Allow me to continue and you will see—” Ananke raises her voice.

“We’ve seen plenty. You’ve wasted our time!” shouts another man.

“Ungrateful fucking—” Dom starts.

“Senator, you should sit down.” Ananke’s voice drops, her tone darkening. I know it too well.

Shivers of fear and fatigue ripple through my legs as I hold perfectly still.

Several groups shuffle toward the ends of their aisles, bickering and making threats of wasted time and money. Some reach the edge of the theater when dozens of sturdy men in suits block the exits. Every one of them is decked out with heavy artillery.

“What is the meaning of this?!”

“I am not done with my demonstration. You will extend me the courtesy of letting me complete my?—”

“We’ve extended quiteenoughof our courtesy and patience,” the glittering woman snarls.

“Enough? Yes. I have had about enough indeed,” Ananke snaps. Lifting the mic to her mouth, she croaks a word through the speakers, one I’ve never heard before. “σιγ?ω!”

Immediately, the chaos settles.