Page 10 of His Trick

I was a fucking hunter.

I let my voice slip into the night, quiet enough to make them lean toward the sound.

“Tick tock,” I whispered again, watching the girls scramble in the shallow water.

They were awkward, trembling, reluctant, but finally, they obeyed. Lips and hands fumbling, the tension thick, dripping off them like sweat. Every shiver, every gasp was like they didn’t realize they were performing for me. I watched them, calm, precise, and savoring each moment of their pleasure, knowing it would be replaced by slice after slice of pain.

“That’s right,” I murmured, stepping closer, letting the fog hide the blade at my side.

Their panic flared.

“No hesitation. Let yourselves feel this. Every moment you falter…you’ll deeply regret later.”

Tears ran down their faces as I pushed them, teasing, controlling, continuing to watch them strip themselves bare of pretense, forcing vulnerability, testing their limits, their fear and desire twisting together.

“I’m sorry, Rai,” the redhead choked out, pulling the woman closer to her, letting her tongue collide with hers.

I leaned in close, the two unaware of my presence for the moment as the passion rose with their breathing.

“Do you understand now?” My voice cut through the veil. “This is my game. You are my little puppets. And guess what, you feral, little book junkies…I want more.”

I let the silence hang heavy before letting a cruel smile twist through the mask. “I could end this. Right. Here. Right now. ButI have always been the performer. Maybe it’s time I enjoy a show for myself before your…final curtain call.”

Their eyes went wide as I snickered to myself—pure, unfiltered terror. They realized that this wasn’t teasing anymore. They weren’t just my playthings. They were mine to destroy if I wanted.

And that was when the real hunt began.

“Strip, Hoho,” I demanded, reveling in the irritation rising at the misuse of the woman’s name.

I let them falter against the cold air, shivering, hearts hammering, knowing I was in control. But control wasn’t enough—I wanted obedience.

“You think I’m kidding?” I murmured, letting the sharp tip of my blade trail over their shirts and nipples slowly. “You’re trembling, but it’s not just from fear…I see anticipation. Admit it. My game allows you to be free. Authentically yourselves, with no masks to hide behind for society. I’ve given you a gift.”

They shook their heads, breathless, whispering denials, but I could see it in their eyes. The hesitation that screamed yes. I moved so close that my breath tickled their lips. I dropped my voice to a low, dangerous hum.

“Kiss her again. Slowly. Let me see your need or…she dies now.”

Their eyes flicked to each other, confusion and horror battling desire. Thing One hesitated, and I pressed the sharp point of my knife under her jawline, tilting her face upward, commanding her gaze.

“You wanted a reward. Well, here it is. A few precious moments to live. To entertain me. So come on. Do it now…”

The black-haired girl took in a shaky breath, linking her fingers in her friend‘s red locks, smashing her mouth onto hers with urgency.

“Just like that. Good girl,” I whispered, savoring how my words made her shiver.

The second one sobbed quietly, lips trembling against her friend’s. I leaned back, giving them just enough space to feel the area closing in, feel the predator’s shadow—my shadow. Their shame, their fear, it painted them like living art, and I was the one with a fucking paintbrush that would bleed them into red.

“Stop pretending you have control,” I said softly. “Every move, every breath, every glance is your plea for life.”

I let silence stretch again, watching them wrestle with my words, letting panic twist into something darker, something obedient.

“Hmmmm…nope,” I said, popping the ‘P.’ I pressed the edge of my knife, glinting faintly in the mist, and waited.

“Do passionate lovers really kiss fully clothed? Tsk tsk, ladies. I’m not feeling this tragic love story.”

Their panic broke when I pulled out my phone, the red light beaming at them as I recorded their tear-drenched face. Dark eyes wide, ruined makeup streaked across flushed cheeks, and they fell to their knees, realizing this was the end.

Their final moment was coming.