Chapter 216
KESTER.
I was almost behind schedule. I had to make a quick stop at Leropita Hospital to make sure everything was fine. Just a quick ‘hello‘ check on them. Nothing more.
I still didn’t ask them what Kasmine was there for, but I was certain my presence there reignited a certain understanding that was established between us some years ago.
The basement of my office reeked of stale sweat and grime. The kind of smell that clung to the walls, seeped into the cracks of the concrete, and wrapped itself around the atmosphere like a living thing.
Behind me, three of my men followed.
In the center of the dimly lit room, tied to a chair, was a man. A pitiful mess of sweat- drenched clothing and trembling limbs. Ropes soaked in wolfsbane cut deep into his wrists and ankles, biting into flesh and leaving ugly, raw marks that hinted at the pain he was going through.
He let out a pathetic, broken whimper that barely made it past the gag stuffed in his mouth. His head lolled slightly, the blindfold over his eyes hiding the panic I knew was brewing beneath.
With a rough yank, one of my men stepped forward and pulled the blindfold free.
The second his gaze met mine, his entire body tensed. His breath hitched. His pupils shrank, then expanded in sheer, unfiltered fear.
I let out a slow, cruel smile.
“Alfred,” I said, drawing his name out like a lullaby, sickly sweet and dangerous. “Alfred
Anderson.”
The moment he heard my voice, something inside him snapped. His breathing turned erratic, his chest heaving as he struggled against the bonds, making the wolfsbane burn deeper into his skin.
How poetic. Even his own desperation was a punishment.
1/3
Chapter 216
His attempts at speech were nothing butt muffled sounds behind the gag. Pathetic.
I sighed, tilting my head and feigning disappointment. “Now, now. No need to rush, Alfred. We have all the time in the world.”
I grabbed a stool, dragging it with an intentional screech across the floor before positioning it directly in front coff him.
Then, I sat, legs sprend, as nesting lazily on my knees he sat there, unraveling in the worst way possible.
–
the picture of relaxation,, whi
My wicked grin widened ass II leaned in, my voice dipping into calmness, “Let’s have a di
shall we?”
The whites of his eyess stood out against his sweat–slicked face, his pupils darting from
to the darkness behind me as if salvation could be hiding somewhere in the dark.
There wasn’t..
I studied him, amused by the sheer, animalistic panic in his gaze. The kind of fear that stripped a man down to his rawest form and left him bare and trembling.
Slowly, I leaned back, stretching my legs out in front of me, “You know,, Alfiat, II have a
of a problem.”
“You see,,” I continued, leaning forward just enough to watch the temon settle deep in hi bones,, “when we heard you left Valor Lante, we saw an opportunity. A talent like yours suddenly up for grabs? Naturally, we acted fast. My company pursued you and offered y a position with a salary far better than whatever scraps Kex was throwing your way.” My voice dipped, “And you took it. Just like we expected. Just like we wantell.”
A stump exhale escaped his nose, and he shook his head slowly.
Was it guilt or regret?
Well, I suggest he feels both because, by the time I wass dome with him, held the obligate tto feel even more because I plan to add pain and panic to the party.
“Imagine my disappointment,” I murmured,, tapping my fingers lightly against my knee, when I realized I wasn’t the one doing the hunting,” My sille widened. “No, no, Alfred.
Chapter 216
was you who came to me. Because that was the plan all along, wasn’t it?”
A garbled plea tried to escape past the gug. Desperation.
I sighed slowly, “I’m a patient mum, Alfred. Truly. But I don’t appreciate being played.”
I shifted slightly, adjusting my position on the stool before letting my gaze drop to the floor, feigning thoughtfulnesss. You know,” I mused, “There’s a little shop down by thee side. Old run–down thing. Burdly gets customers.” I paused, lifting my gaze and studying the way his body tensed further, muscles locking into place. Perfect
Chapter Comments
