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17

IRIS

My head is killing me. What the fuck happened?

I think I passed out? Did I pass out?

Damn it, if that’s what happened, Wolf will keep blabbering about how he fucked me until I was completely unconscious.

And in a way, that’s what happened.

I had enough time to clean the stickiness between my legs when I woke up before leaving his place.

It’s only 9 p.m., but I’m already running out of time.

And whose fault is that, Riss?

Mine, obviously, but I couldn’t come back without another gift, could I?

Actually, it’s their fault. I had to pass through the dense wood to reach their place, and as I walked, I could still see the lifeless body lying on the ground.

That’s quite disappointing if you ask me.

“Oh, Sammy. They didn’t take care of you, did they?”

Sitting beside him, I pull my mask over my head and savour the sweet taste of liquorice as I chew on a stick.

“See,” I sigh, “that’s the issue with them. They never do what I’m expecting them to do. And that’s really annoying.” I pull on the stick and gesture around me. “There’s so much space here. They could have at least found a proper resting place for you,” I mutter under my breath.

Shaking my head, I quickly finish the last piece of liquorice before settling down on my knees.

“Thank you for listening to me, Sammy. Oh, and I’m sorry about that.”

I place my mask back on before carefully lifting Bart 2.0 and holding it up to his eyes. With one hand, I carefully spread his eyelid open and insert the knife between it and his eye socket, applying pressure as I feel the tension in his muscles beneath my hand. The knife struggles to slice through the tough middle piece but glides smoothly along the side before encountering difficulty again at the top of the eye socket.

Ugh.

C’mon.

Fuck it.

I remove the knife and look into my backpack to retrieve the screwdriver.

I knew I’d use it one day.

With both hands, I insert it at the bottom of the eye socket, exerting pressure to ensure it’s in the perfect spot. Then, I gradually raise the screwdriver until the sound of a ‘pop’ confirms that his eye has disconnected from its muscles.

With the toolkit aside, I use my fingers, one at the top and one at the bottom, to extract the eye socket. The sensation of gooeyness and blood combines as I pull it out until it finally rests in my hand.

It’s truly captivating when you consider that something as tiny and viscous as this enables your vision.

Methodically, I repeat the same process with the other eye, ensuring they are both safely stored in a plastic bag before reaching into my backpack to retrieve my machete.

I don’t understand why Wolf always mocks my backpack; it’s filled with useful items that come in handy.

Fair. It’s purple with a unicorn on it, but it’s cute.

With a tight grip on my machete, I can feel its weight in my hand as I bring it towards his throat, positioning it carefully on the top of his Adam’s apple.

“Hmm. Sammy? You might bleed a tiny bit.”

With every ounce of strength, I bring the machete down, the sound of it cutting through the air intensifying as it strikes his neck, resulting in a gory scene of blood splattering over me and his head rolling across the ground.

I groan as I stand, feeling the ache in my muscles, and wipe the blood off my shorts before cautiously approaching the severed head nestled in the corner of the grave.

It took me some time, but a girl gotta do what she gotta do for her boo.

Gripping the head tightly between my fingers, I gather all my belongings and set off through the wooded area.

I pause once I’m in front of the house. It’s strange that I’ve never noticed it until now, but the building’s exterior gives off an undeniable church-like vibe. The windows in the house are ordinary, except for the one at the top and downstairs that resembles intricate stained glass artwork typically seen in churches.

I wouldn’t be surprised if those fuckers renovated one.

Wait a minute.

Tilting my head to the side of the house, I catch a glimpse of the sharply pointed roof.

Those fuckers really went ahead and renovated an old church, and I’m willing to bet this section used to house the ancient prayer room.

I don’t bother turning off the alarm when I go into the boys’ house. From what I got from Kai, he’s probably watching for any movement in the house and will be really pissed when he gets the alert.

What did he expect? Did he seriously think I’d stay peacefully in that freezing room?

That jerk didn’t even bring me a blanket. Who does that?

While I roam through the house, the piercing sound of his scream reverberates in my mind.

That was a sweet one.

The little piece in my ear, connected to the house security, gave me the ability to hear even the slightest sound in the house.

Their basement is so well isolated that not even a whisper from the outside world can penetrate its walls. It would have been a shame to miss the screams that filled the room as he laid on his bed.

Ahh, those spikes really worked their magic.

Oh, I hope he stumbled upon the small gift I hid inside the coffee maker.

I open the fridge and carefully place the decapitated head in the centre. Then, I grab a jar filled with olives, or at least I hope they’re olives, and drop one of the eyeballs into it.

Taking a step back, I admire my job.

I really hope they’ll like it.

With its empty eye sockets, the head adds a certain indescribable charm to the rest of the fridge.

I hold on to the second eyeball, anticipating a different use for it in my plans.

Hmm, a masterpiece.

Closing the fridge, I go upstairs and enter Kai’s bedroom, my footsteps echoing as I approach the vivarium.

“Hello, beauty.” I extend my hand, feeling a shiver run down my spine as Bella slides onto my arm, her icy touch sending goosebumps across my skin. “Do you like water?” I ask her, running my finger along her scale. “I hope you do.” As I go to leave the room, my eyes are drawn to something similar that catches my sight. “Medusa!”

I almost sprint towards her, carefully examining every detail from head to toe.

Knowing this psycho, I don’t know what he would do to my baby.

I sigh in release when I see she doesn’t have a scratch.

Thank God.

“Oh, Mama missed you.”

As I hold on to Medusa with one hand and feel Bella’s body wrapping around my neck, I rush downstairs. Without wasting a moment, I snatch the tank of petrol and head straight for the back garden.

It won’t be long before they’re back.

The night is quiet, with only the faint sound of crickets chirping in the distance. It would almost be creepy if I wasn’t me.

I walk towards the middle of the garden, leaving my hand trail into the warmth of the jacuzzi.

I have to say, their home is much larger than I expected.

Why would anyone require that amount of space, complete with a jacuzzi, a hammam, a sauna, and an overwhelming abundance of rooms?

Okay, it’s really nice.

Oh, maybe I could settle there once I’ve got rid of them.

Yup, I really like this idea.

Carefully placing Medusa with my backpack against the jacuzzi, I pour the petrol in a line in front of it, the potent smell filling the air.

Nice. Slowly and deliberately, I undress myself, ensuring that I alternate arms as I remove my top, all the while keeping a firm grip on Bella.

I keep my mask on for dramatic effect.

Considering how often I find myself caught up in chaotic situations, my middle name should be Drama.

As soon as my foot touches the warm water, a sigh escapes me, instantly relaxing my entire body.

Kai didn’t hold back during the fight; the bruises on my face throb with pain.

Fucker.

Once fully immersed in the water, I let out a groan as Bella playfully glides between my breasts and then returns to rest on my arm.

My feet hang on the edge of the jacuzzi when a piercing shout is heard through the silence.

“FUCKING PSYCHO BITCH!”

Oh, I think Kai found my present.

“WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU? I SWEAR TO GOD I’LL FUCK YOUR BODY COLD!”

I hear them talk without really gripping what they’re saying before hearing a lot of rustling inside the house, probably looking for me.

“POISON, I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU DID SOMETHING TO MY SNAKE, I’LL KILL YOU, FUCK YOU, AND KILL YOU AGAIN, AND IT WON’T BE A NICE KILL!”

A chuckle escapes me as I catch a clear glimpse of his face through the window of his bedroom. I know he saw me because, in an instant, they all emerge, their masks on their faces, the decapitated head firmly grasped in Kai’s hand.

“Fucking bitch,” he spits out from a distance.

“It took you some time,” I chuckle. “My hands are all pruned.”

“Iris?” Angel asks, his eyes displaying pure shock when he recognised my voice.

It’s a pity that the mask obscures his entire facial reaction.

“Why do you have a hockey mask smeared with what looks like dried blood?” I ask Kai.

I love a good hockey romance, but this mask is really creepy.

“Fuck off.”

Ugh. Really not fun.

My feet dangle outside the jacuzzi as my body sinks into the warm water, enveloping me completely. Kai charges towards me, but I pause, mesmerised by the flickering flame of my Zippo, casting an ethereal glow on my face.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” I point to the glistening trail of liquid stretching in every direction around me. “Unless you want to burn alive,” I continue, nonchalantly shrugging my shoulders and pulling my mask up over my head.

“What the fuck is happening? And what happened to your face?“ Archer asks, his astonishment still evident in his voice.

“Hi, Angel.” I wave my free hand. “For that,” I point at my face. “That’s Kale’s doing.”

He turns his face slowly to look at Kai, probably trying to understand what’s happening.

“She tried to kill me,” Kai groans.

A gasp escapes me as I put my hand over my heart. “Hey, you tried to kill me. I was just doing my job.”

“And what about the fucking breaking in the house and the drugging? You came into my fucking room and sang like a fucking psychopath.”

“That’s a lot of bad words coming out of your mouth, Kale.” I shake my head. “You didn’t like my lullaby? Shame.”

“Wait.” Angel pinches his nose over his mask and glances at Medusa lying near me. “She’s the one who caused the wound on your stomach?”

Oh, I forgot about that.

“She did.”

“Hey, you began the twisted game by restraining me to a lifeless body and forcing yourself on me,” I accuse.

“You fucked her?” Angel raises his brow.

“She got what she deserved.”

“And if I recall properly, I told you that Angel was a better fuck than you.”

Gripping the head firmly, Kai raises it and directs it towards me. “First, how the fuck did you manage to escape the basement? Second, what the fuck do you want?”

Archer shakes his head. “Again, what the fuck is happening?”

Elijah, who had been silent until this moment, finally speaks up. “She’s Raven.”

“She’s what now?”

“Fucking Raven,” shouts Kai.

A mischievous grin gradually spreads across my face as I confidently rise from the jacuzzi, completely naked.

Tilting my head, I allow Bella to gracefully glide down my arm as I say,

“Hello, big brother.”

“Fucking what?” spits out Kai.

Elijah leans in, but I swiftly pull back my Zippo, signalling him to maintain his distance.

“How?”

“You truly thought you could discreetly monitor my every move over the course of these years without me catching on?” I raise my brow. “C’mon, big bro, you should know me better.”

“You better start fucking explaining,” Kai groans.

I sigh. “Kale, if you don’t mind, we’re in the middle of a little reunion here.”

Elijah turns to them, sensing the growing impatience emanating from Kai. “She’s Stephen’s daughter.”

“She’s your fucking stepsister?”

I wave my hand at him. “That’s me.”

“Why is she still alive?”

“Kale, Kale, Kale. Firstly, I have your snake coiled around me. Secondly, I won’t hesitate to ignite the petrol and set everything in my surroundings ablaze.”

“What do you want from us?” Elijah crosses his arms tightly, his eyes examining my exposed body from head to toe.

“You know,” I bend down to grab my shorts. “I really have nothing against you.” I pull them up and continue. “But I never fail my missions.”

“So, someone wants us dead?”

“It appears so.” I put my T-shirt on before letting Bella slide from my arm and graze on the ground. “I don’t make the rules.” I wait before she’s at a reasonable distance before continuing. “You should know that.”

Kai bides his time until Bella is out of harm’s way, then swiftly tosses out the head and races towards me. He overtakes Elijah, but I’m faster. With a flick of my Zippo, the flame engulfs the petrol, forming a captivating barrier of flickering orange that dances in front of me.

I snatch my shoes and break into a sprint through the woods, the adrenaline coursing through my veins as the shouts behind me grow louder.

“Poison, I’ve been nice so far with you. If I catch you, I’m going to tear you apart. Your cunt will be a vast memory once I’m done with you. You better run, and fast!”

My laugh echoes through the woods as I hear their steps getting closer. “You should know better, Kale. Your words turn me on more than anything.”

“I told you she was a fucking psychopath,” I hear him shout behind me.

“Sissy… You better show yourself.”

“So you can kill me? I’m good, thanks.”

“That’s only fair,” Elijah shouts back.

“I can’t believe she’s your stepsister,” Archer groans, his voice fading into the background.

I change direction and try to catch my breath as I sprint through the graveyard.

“Run, my little prey. I’m coming for you.” Kai’s voice grows louder, so I change my path once more, navigating between the graves.

They must be crazy to live near a graveyard.

You call them crazy, Riss?

Just as I make a right turn, Kai appears out of nowhere and swiftly immobilises me, pushing me to the ground. He clamps his hand over my mouth, muffling any sound as his other hand starts undoing my shorts.

I sink my teeth into his hand, causing him to let out a pained groan before attempting to strike him with my knee, but he blocks my attack.

“I told you I’ll destroy your pussy before killing you.”

Without wasting a moment, he forcefully thrusts inside me, overpowering my body and rendering me completely immobile.

“Shut the fuck up and take my dick like the slut I know you are.”

A moan escapes me involuntarily, and I try to suppress it, but the bastard hears it.

“I knew you’d like it. You’re a fucking junkie for that kind of shit.”

I see no lies here.

He thrusts with increasing speed and intensity, driven by an unseen force. His mask hides his expressions, but his piercing green eyes lock onto my chocolate ones.

Fuck, something I’ll never deny is that his dick feels good, especially with those piercings. How many does he have?

Not really the time, Riss.

With a forceful grip, his hand constricted around my throat, causing my eyes to roll back.

“Fuuuck,” he groans. “You should see you. Covered in blood and getting fucked like the pet you are.”

Damn. He’s right. I am really a slut for that.

I never thought I would enjoy someone else calling me pet .

Taking it as my cue, my hands collide with his arm before I raise my head and unleash a mighty blow that sends him stumbling backwards. Then, I rapidly extend my foot and forcefully knock him to the ground.

“Fucking bitch.”

He tightly grips my foot, forcefully pulling me back towards him, causing my body to scrape against the ground.

“I’m not done with you.”

“As much as I would like to assist you with your ‘firework’, I should probably go. You know, before you kill me and all.”

I steal a glance at him, his stiff cock as hard as stone, before delivering a final, forceful kick.

I don’t hesitate this time. Ignoring his shouts, I quickly pull up my shorts and sprint away, the sound of my pounding footsteps echoing in my ears.

Turning to the left, I spot a mausoleum and slow down my steps before going in.

What the fuck is that?

It’s like stepping into a nightmare from a horror film, with two bodies suspended on crosses. The face of one man is completely gone, while the other’s scalp lies scattered on the ground.

I squint my eyes, leaning in closer to get a better look at their flesh.

It’s fascinating.

Beneath the dry blood, their muscles and ligaments are clearly visible. The way it’s executed is so precise that even the lines are perfectly straight.

I’m really impressed by their job.

The increasing proximity of their voices disrupts my contemplation, prompting me to find a hiding place.

“That wasn’t really smart of you to hide in this place.”

I turn my head to face Elijah, his figure blocking the entrance of the mausoleum.

“Your puppets are not with you?”

He lets out a low chuckle. “You know, you really pissed off Kai.”

“What can I say? He’s easily irritable.”

“You came into our house. You drugged our food and drinks. You put fucking spikes on our beds. You ripped book pages to let us know when you’ll come for us…”

“About that one. I’m quite disappointed in you. I thought you would be the one decoding the meaning behind the numbers.”

“Iris,” he groans. “You made us eat human flesh.”

Ooh, they did find my little photos with all the ‘ingredients’ inside their blender.

“But you ate it all. Was it good?” I raise my brow. “You know, cannibalism is a thing. You shouldn’t be ashamed of liking it.”

He crosses his arms over his chest. “I won’t kill you.”

Softy.

“But Kai will. Don’t expect me to save you from his wrath. You really pissed him off.”

That’s more like it.

“I wouldn’t expect less of him. But tell me, why are we talking?”

As I sprint towards him, the metallic scent of Medusa fills my nostrils. I swing the bat, aiming for his head, but he effortlessly dodges my attack and sends me crashing into the wall.

Bloody hell.

“You might want to try again.”

“I thought you said you wouldn’t kill me.” I groan as I stand up.

“Correct. I said I would let Kai have his way with you, but don’t think for a minute I’ll let you breathe if you try something against us.”

“That’s not how it works, and you know it.”

“I know. You have orders, and I have all the reasons to want to know who gave you those orders.”

Why the hell would he want to know? It won’t change the outcome.

I sigh. “Okay.”

“Okay?” His voice betrays his surprise.

“Yeah, sure.” I shrug.

“So, who w?—”

I strike once more, delivering a forceful blow to his stomach with my shoulder. As he doubles over in pain, I seize the opportunity to swiftly stab him in the ribs, causing him to cough and writhe in agony.

“Fuck,” he shouts, the pain evident in his voice as his hand instinctively covers his wound.

“Sorry, big brother. But if you think I’m naive, you don’t know me that well.”

“I know you more than what you think.” His breath escapes through his nose, but I quickly flee the mausoleum when I see him standing tall.

It’s strange that Kale and Angel haven’t shown up yet.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

I turn my head towards the voice, but all I see is a fist smacking my jaw, throwing me off balance before they cover my head with a black bag.

Fucking hell. That’s what happens when you speak too fast.

Before I can even react, someone swoops in and effortlessly hoists me over their shoulder.

“Hey. Put me down.”

Did Elijah plan it? Of course he did. He made me talk to buy himself some time.

Bastard .

“Did you really think it would be that easy?” Elijah whispers in my ear. “Nobody escapes The Order.”

“You’re a fucking liar. You said you wouldn’t kill me.” My attempts to move are met with a tight, constricting grip that elicits a groan from me. “Angel… I know it’s you carrying me. Put me down. You don’t really want to kill me, do you?”

Perhaps a little coaxing will do the trick. He’s the nice one, right?

His laugh reverberates through my body. “Vixen, Vixen, Vixen. Never trust appearances; they can be deceiving. That’s the issue when people think I’m the nicest.”

“That’s because you’ve been too soft with her,” Kai complains.

“What are you going to do with me?”

If they wanted to kill me, I’d be dead already, right?

The crickets’ chorus fills the air, the only sound breaking the silence until everything ends abruptly. In a split second, the bag is yanked off my face, and I’m thrust into a void of darkness, my scream resonating as I plunge into the unknown depth.

What the fuck was that?

“Ouch. That was painful.”

Squinting my eyes, I try to make out my surroundings as a pile of mud and dry soil is suddenly thrown over me.

Mother fucker.

“You put me in a fucking coffin?” I can’t believe it.

“No coffin here,” brags Kai from a distance. “Just the good ol’ dirt method.”

The loud sound of a tractor fills the air just moments before a massive pile of soil buries me. I try to cover my face, but it’s no use.

“Sleep tight,” says Elijah with a smile in his voice.

Fucker.

I can’t believe I’m going to meet my end, trapped underground and becoming food for the bugs.

Ugh.

I don’t know how long I’ve been here, but the boys left a while ago.

Are they really going to let me die here?

I mean, it’s only fair.

The ground appears to be in motion, as if someone is actively digging into it. I can’t even scream because dirt keeps getting in my mouth. Kale said it wasn’t a coffin, but it sure looks like it.

My breaths are shallow, and a lightheadedness sets in as the air deprivation takes hold of me.

Unless someone finds a way to get me out of here, my fate is sealed, and I will meet my end in this desolate hole.

What a way to go.

It takes a few minutes, but eventually, a tiny crescent of the moon appears when a hand is extended towards me.

I’m sure Angel came back to the rescue.

With a strong tug, the hand yanks me downwards, forcing my body to collide with the ground. I sputter and cough, spitting out the last remnants of dirt from my mouth.

“Thanks,” I cough.

“You’re more than welcome.”

My body freezes instantly.

It can’t be.

Trainers with dirty hands are what catch my eye first.

Slowly lifting my head, I squint my eyes, trying to make out the figure standing before me.

Well, fuck.

“Will?”

“Hey, Iris.”