Page 83 of Scream (Duchess & Devils #1)

Kane.

Location… Unknown.

My footsteps echo along the long, narrow corridor as I pass the locked, windowless rooms holding each contestant.

I smirk. Well, I suppose 'contestant' is a term used loosely.

Soft wails and pleas are heard behind a few, and the others are barely waking up from the last bout of galaxy gas, or nitrous oxide, if you'd like to use the technical term.

It's lovely. The screams, I mean.

The motion-sensor lights ahead turn in as the ones behind me turn off. Some flicker red to help with disorientation. Or rather, worsen it. The lights make the floor glow palely white. A bit ethereal, if you ask me.

But nobody usually asks me.

I don't spend much time down here, seeing as I passed my initiation years ago. But the games are still fun to watch. I'm not always privy – due to life getting in the way – but, well I'm here for this round.

I stop at the very last door on my right, wave my temporary badge, and the door automatically opens for me to welcome me.

There's a glee, I feel. A sort of high , really, when I see the beast I've brought to slaughter hanging by chains like the animal he is. Sweat drips from his forehead onto the floor where his toes barely touch. That's got to be painful. I wouldn't know. But it is rather glorious.

I'm greeted by a wide, wolfish grin. Even loopy the animal looks rakish. "Why does… the villain always have to be… some British guy?" He pants out, grasping the chains above him.

I laugh. "Maksim, I'm not the villain. I'm merely wanting to be entertained. Besides, you wanted inside the Syndicate, did you not? Well, here's your chance."

"Fuck you and your little pusillanimous bitchass brotherhood, fuckface. I'm no one's bitch."

I nod happily. I'll have to look up pusillanimous later. "Then I'll cut you a deal. Kneel to me, kiss my shoe, and I'll let you go."

"Fuck you. I don't kneel for anyone except my wife."

I nod again. "Perfect. Let the games begin."

"What fucking games, you psychotic piece of shit?"

I let a sinister grin spread across my face, as the next bout of gas begins to fill his new chamber. "Tell me, Maksim, have you ever read The Most Dangerous Game?"

He grins and huffs out a delirious laugh as the door closes behind me. “Bring it on, bitch!”