Page 300 of Mayhem and Minnie

“If not us, then the demons will. He is a liability. At least with us, he’ll serve a greater purpose.”

“What’s wrong with you?” she spits out.

“Nothing.” He shrugs. “I’m just laying out the facts. Demons will keep coming after him, and when they do capture him, it will prove deadly for Aperion.”

“I’m not letting you take him or do anything to him.”

He stares at her, his mouth set in a grim line. His eyes flash a deep blue in a code-like pattern.

Moments pass before he utters, “You don’t have to let me do anything. It’s already done.”

Minnie frowns. “What are you talking about?”

Just as the words are out of her mouth, three figures appear in the distance.

Minnie steps back, her entire body trembling.

“You… You betrayed me?” she whispers, her voice breaking with pain.

“On the contrary. I negotiated with Commander Azerius on your behalf. Aperion will get the human, and you will not be executed.”

Steps thud onto the ground as a huge man strides toward Molokai. He’s wearing a dark bulky iron armor, and at his waist is a bright white sword that gleams in the sun. Half of his face is covered in a myriad of tattoos resembling runes. His eyes are dark and unfeeling, his expression entirely blank.

The atmosphere immediately grows heavy, the air harder to breathe.

A chill runs down my spine. With each step the man takes, a piercing pain reverberates in my chest, making me gasp for air.

Behind the newcomer trail two men of similar height and build, both armed. Their armors are different than the first man’s. One of them is wearing a burgundy armor while the other has a dark green one. They’re both half a step behind the first man, suggesting the power hierarchy.

Minnie gasps as she steps back, falling next to me as she loses her footing. She reaches for my hand, holding it tightly as her entire body is racked by tremors.

“Commander Azerius.” Molokai inclines his head.

40

Minnie freezes. All the color drains from her face.

“What have you done, Kai?” she whispers.

“What’s best for you,” he replies flippantly.

Azerius stops in front of us, his shrewd dark eyes studying us.

“This is the human you mentioned?” he asks in a haughty tone.

“Yes, Commander. His blood displays an unusual poisonous agent that’s deadly to both demons and deities alike.”

Azerius tilts his head to the side.

“Get the female out of the way,” he commands.

Molokai inclines his head and reaches for Minnie. She kicks and fights, but he easily immobilizes her.

“Minnie,” I grit out, though I’m powerless to help her.

Her terrified gaze meets mine as she struggles in Molokai’s hold, and she shakes her head at me.

Her brother takes her to the side, and one of the soldiers steps forward to help keep her still.

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