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ELIJAH

Two weeks later

I’ve been idly rotating the cigarette between my fingers for the past ten minutes.

Iris isn’t one to back down, and she’ll make sure we learn our lesson.

Sadly for her, if her punishment entails me watching her while Archer fucks her, I will willingly endure it.

And she knows it.

She’s playing with us, and she’s enjoying it.

The night in the mausoleum was the first time I touched her in three years, and one more week, give or take, won’t make a difference. From the moment I laid eyes on her in this cabin, I knew she was mine. There is no way for her to escape.

“Do something!” My attention is drawn away from my laptop as Theo bursts into my office.

“Don’t you think you’re overreacting? It has only been two weeks.”

“Two fucking weeks, Elijah! She resists my touch, denies me the chance to sleep with her, barely speaks to me, shuts her door with Arch inside, and even converses more with Kai than she does with me. So, no, I am not overreacting.” He groans audibly and plops down heavily in the seat across from me. “Why are you so indifferent?”

“What do you want me to say?” I light up my cigarette because I know he won’t stop there.

“Anything. Show any emotion. Why are you fucking locking them away?”

“There’s not much to say.” I inhale deeply on my cigarette, watching as the smoke dances and swirls around me. “I’m used to it. At least she’s been ignoring you for only two weeks.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” A crease forms between his brow.

“You didn’t witness your best friend sleeping next to her for the past six years. You didn’t watch your best friend fucking her, while you couldn’t even get a hint of her scent. She didn’t cry in your arms for hours because she was afraid of putting you in danger and chose to release you to keep you safe. For the past six years, you have been a constant pillar of support for her while I lost her three years ago. I think you can survive two weeks without touching her.”

Shit, I didn’t mean to lash out at him. I have no right to reproach him for my decision, considering that I was the one who sent him.

“You’re angry at her?” His piercing grey eyes meet mine, filled with a touch of worry.

Theo has always been the one who can effortlessly tap into our emotions.

With a resigned sigh, I take one last drag of my cigarette, the smoke curling in the air as I mutter, “It doesn’t matter how I feel as long as she’s here.”

“You should’ve opened up to her, sharing the truth about your identity and the nature of your job.” He sighs.

I shake my head. It would’ve made no difference at all. If I had stayed, she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become the strong, self-reliant person she is today.

“Does he suspect anything?” I change the subject.

“No. I can’t believe I had it under my nose all this time, and I didn’t see anything.”

“Don’t blame yourself for that. None of us would have sus?—”

A sudden, piercing noise catches our attention, causing Theo and I to exchange a quick glance.

What the fuck was that?

As one, we leave my office only to be met by Arch and Kai in the middle of the hallway.

“Did you hear that?” asks Arch.

“Sounds like it’s coming from the basement,” I gesture to it with my head.

It’s a restricted area, accessible only to us, where our weapons are kept locked in the room adjacent.

Leading the way, we descend the stairs, the creaking sound of the old church reverberating through the empty space.

“What the?” starts Kai.

“Oh, hey there.” Iris' voice echoes through the basement. She stands in the centre, munching on a liquorice stick, her hair and clothes smudged with paint. The stained glass casts a kaleidoscope of colours on her, creating a mesmerising reflection.

“What are you doing now?” Kai groans as he takes in the deep purple colour that now coats a corner of the wall, contrasting with the neutral tones of the rest of the room. “And did she put a fucking rocking chair? In a fucking killing room?”

“Yes, and yes. You guys are boring. This place needed a little ‘Iris’ touch. What should I do when you bring a kill home and I am left out of the action? You didn’t consider it at all, did you, you little genius?”

“Drop the sarcasm,” Kai pinches his nose. “You better clean after yourself.”

“Do I not always do it?” She raises her brow, leaning closer to him, tiptoeing before planting a gentle kiss on his lips.

I must admit that Iris has been displaying an impressive level of attentiveness lately. She went so far as to intimidate us into cleaning the mausoleum alongside her, leaving us no choice but to comply.

“I’ll never get used to this view,” whispers Theo in my ear.

Yeah, I don’t think seeing Kai and Iris being friendly with each other will ever feel normal to me.

“I think it’s cute,” says Arch as he kisses the top of her head.

“Thank you. Now, I’ve found the perfect spot to relax and read while you attend to your tasks.”

“You could just use the sauna or the hammam for that,” sighs Kai.

“And miss the fun? I’m good, thanks.” She glances at her phone, frustration evident on her face as she mutters curses under her breath. “I’m late.”

“Late for what?” I ask.

“Work.” She pivots her gaze to Theo. “Wolf, you’re on bookshelf duty. Eli took so many of my books; they can come over here.” She turns to look at me. “Eli, we don’t have enough space for the bodies.”

“I know. I have someplace where we can burn them.”

“Fantastic.” She claps her hands. “Well, boys, I’m running late.”

“Do you really need to go to work? The money is unnecessary. You don’t even need it,” Arch complains.

“And miss out on Mischief Night?” She laughs. “Never. Halloween is my favourite season of the year.”

Shit. I completely forgot that tonight was the 30th of October.

“Don’t forget my books,” she kisses Theo’s cheek. “And don’t forget about the bodies,” she kisses mine.

It seems like she is finally reaching the end of her war.

“Oh,” she turns to glance at all of us. “I know you jerks are going to show up at my job, causing a ruckus. No unnecessary kills.”

Leaving us alone with the chaos, she exits the room and disappears from view.

“Purple? She painted our killing room purple?” groans Kai.

The colour is a rich shade of amethyst, so dark that it could be mistaken for black. I have to say, the rocking chair brings a little plus to the room. The small bookcase she brought is already embellished with macabre skull ornaments and a collection of black candles, casting a haunting ambiance.

A small smile forms at the edge of my lips.

“Why are you smiling?” Arch asks, settling into the chair.

“She’s making herself at home.”

Vanilla and lavender are already very present in the house, mingling with the few personal items she had scattered here and there. But it’s the first time she has taken the opportunity to truly make the house her own.

“Okay, boys. Let’s take care of the bodies first, then we can do something about this room.”

“Where do you want to take them?” asks Theo.

“There’s a hidden spot underground that houses a clandestine crematorium.” I’m already in debt to Sal, and he hasn’t even requested anything from me yet. I don’t think he’ll ask something beyond my capabilities, but in this field, you never know what to expect.

“Let’s go then.”

We prioritised the basement and decided to give it a final touch of paint. Then we brought in a larger bookcase and added some of our favourite books, along with fluffy black pillows and a cosy blanket.

If one day someone had told me we would create a cosy spot for a woman, I would never have believed it in a million years.

That’s how much power she has over us.

It’s already night, and the air feels crisp with the distinct October chill as I park the car in front of the metallic door.

It took us some time to load all the bodies into the boot, their weight causing the car to sink slightly.

The streets are bustling with people, all dressed in costumes, eagerly awaiting mischief night. Our black clothes and masks provide the perfect camouflage, allowing us to pass by without raising any suspicion. Driving down the streets feels like entering a haunted realm, with spooky decorations and the warm glow of flaming torches guiding the way.

I step out of the car, joining the guys who are already outside. But as I reach for one of the bags in the trunk, my movements are abruptly stopped by a woman.

“Ohh, I like your costume,” she coos, her fingers lightly brushing against my biceps. “And those look so real,” she mutters, curiosity overcoming her as she takes a quick peek inside the boot, where the sight of blood flowing through the bags can be seen. “What are you disguised as?”

Her attire consists of a short white skirt paired with a lace-trimmed top, while her face is adorned with white makeup and fake blood near her mouth. Her costume is complete with a ripped veil, giving her an eerie resemblance to Tiffany Valentine—Chucky’s wife.

I glance at the boys, then back at her, a smirk plastered on my face.

“The Devils.”

“Ohh, Devils on Mischief Night. I like that.”

I can sense Kai’s frustration mounting, while Theo and Arch are clearly finding the situation highly entertaining.

As she absentmindedly plays with her blond hair, she suggests, “My friends and I are going to Jolie’s after. You should join us.” She turns her head in the other direction and shouts, “Melanie!”

“You’ve got to be joking,” Arch groans.

Melanie comes sprinting towards us.

“Boyyys.” She leans over and sensually taps my biceps, but I quickly brush her hand away. “I didn’t know you had plans tonight.”

How the fuck did she recognised us? I guess our physics and voices betrayed us.

And she is our fucking receptionist, not our personal assistant.

“You know them?” Her friend’s eyes light up with interest as she asks her.

“I work for them,” beams Melanie.

I try to comprehend the idea behind her costume, but “nurse slut” is the only phrase that comes to mind.

“I was telling them to join us at Jolie’s,” Melanie’s friend leans against her, her lips finding their way to her neck as she speaks softly. “Maybe they could do more than join us.”

Theo swallows a laugh while I keep my eyes locked on her.

Iris will definitely kill them if one of them lays a finger on us, especially at her workplace.

“We’re taken.”

Melanie’s eyes fill with rage and anger, while her friend’s eyes widen in surprise.

“All of you?”

“Afraid so. But thank you for the offer.”

“So, you’re with her,” Melanie spits out.

Her friend desperately reaches for her arm, trying to calm her, but she remains agitated.

This was not what we needed tonight.

“Well, if you change your mind, we will be there,” Chucky’s wife says before turning to leave with an unhappy Melanie on her toe. But before they go, she quickly adds, “I’m Chardonnay, by the way.”

Like the fucking wine?

“Well, well. That was entertaining,” chuckles Arch. “I cannot wait to see them and Iris in the same room.”

Yeah, I don’t think it would be a great idea.

“I’m sure Melanie is stalking us,” grunts Kai.

I wouldn’t be surprised.

“Let’s go,” I tell them before lifting two of the bags over my shoulders.

They do the same, methodically emptying the car before silently following me as I open the metallic door.

The dark tunnel leading to the main space exudes a pungent odour, a mix of smoke and burnt flesh, while rats scurry along the ground.

“Lovely,” grumps Kai behind me.

Just as we reach the end of the tunnel, a delicate light begins to illuminate the main room.

As always, Sal is surrounded by his men, his hand clutching a smouldering cigar.

“I thought we talked about your security?” My voice startles them as they all point their guns towards us. “Really? Again?”

“Well, well, well. Isn’t it the entirety of The Order? What an honour.”

“Sal. I guess you heard about Strike, Viper, and Arrow?”

“I did. I did.” His eyes quickly dart towards the heavy bags held over our shoulders and the guns pointed directly at us. “Boys, drop the guns.” With a flick of his wrist, he gestures to Petit, the ash from his cigar falling to the ground. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you all.” The guys nod as Sal continues. “I think you remember Petit? He’ll show you to the biggest chamber.”

With a nod of confirmation, Petit deftly takes the bodies off my shoulders, leading the way with the others close behind. Meanwhile, Sal steps in front of me, causing me to come to a halt.

“Thank you for welcoming us once again.”

“Anytime Crimson Ghost. However, there is something I need you to do for me.”

“Whatever you need.”

He reaches into his pocket, retrieves his phone, and shows me a photo.

“I need this man and his team erased, wiped clean from existence. There’s no denying that he’s a negative influence and has been using us for his own gain, which is detrimental to businesses.”

A low laugh escapes me.

“You might want to reconsider your favour. His name is already on our list, and the countdown to his demise has begun. So you might use your favour for another purpose altogether.”

“He played you as well?” I nod. He did, and that’s not something that I’ll let slide. Not if it puts Iris in danger. “So be it. I trust that if I ever need something from you, you’ll offer it freely, without any strings attached.” I nod once more. “Consider yourself debt-free as long as this man’s life comes to an end.”

“You got it. I’ll let you know once it’s done.”

The guys make their way back, the overpowering scent of burning flesh lingering around them as a sly smile peeks out from beneath their masks.

“We should definitely get one for our house,” Arch exclaims with excitement in his voice. “It’s really handy.”

Sal’s laughter fills the air as his hand lands on my shoulder. “Feel free to use it anytime you need. But indeed, if you have the space, you should get one of those.”

“Sal, thank you again for your hospitality.” I tilt my head to glance at him. “And please, do something about your security. It’s very lacking.”

His laugh continues as he shakes my hand. “Will do.”

The guys nod before turning their backs and exiting the main room, with me following closely behind.

“I knew about these undergrounds, but I had no idea you were acquainted with the leader,” says Kai.

“Yeah, I had to come here recently.”

Stepping out of the tunnel, we are instantly met with a vibrant soundscape of bustling noise as the crowd outside, already inebriated, flaunts a wide array of costumes—some eerie, others whimsical—fully embracing the mischievous spirit of the night as if it was their grand finale.

“Jolie’s?” I ask the guys as I jump into my car.

“What a question. I want to see Vixen in full action,” smirks Arch.

Jolie’s it is then.