Page 12 of Emperor of Havoc

But because Ileft this house at all.

I’ve heard every version of every rumor concerning the fact that I barely leave home and hardly ever make public appearances. Some assume it’s because Papa is controlling and overlyprotective of me, especially after that week of darkness and fear when I was nine when he almost lost me.

Others assume I’m agoraphobic and can’t bring myself to leave. There was once some truth to that particular rumor, but I’ve gotten over that now.

No, the reason I’m scarcely seen out and about is mostly strategic, a decision made by both Papa and me: if I’m hidden away, and if enemies and allies alike don’t know what to make of it, human nature will lead them to think the weakest of me.

That I’m scared of the world. That I’m a freak. That I’m "touched", or something.

It meansthey’ll underestimate me.

I do go out—infrequently—but when I do, I’m usually in disguise. Up until a couple of months ago, I even had my own secret elevator at my apartment that went down to a sub-garage, where Okita would be waiting to drive me wherever.

Except that all changed when Kenzo Mori’s beyond-psychotic younger brother, Takeshi,set it on fucking firea few months ago as some sort of insane provocation before our almost-war with his family devolved into a Cold War.

Crazy fucking asshole.

I do love Papa, but there was areasonI’d been living on my own for the last year…

Back in my room, staring at the Venom app on my screen, my pulse quickens as I navigate to my messages. Kaiju’s name is there, glaring at me like a taunt.

I hesitate for a moment before clicking on his profile. The last message he sent still lingers on the screen:

Kaiju

This isn’t over until I say so.

As if summoned by my thoughts, a new message suddenly appears, making my pulse spike so hard I almost drop the phone.

Kaiju

Meet me.

Kaiju

Showa Kinen Park, in Tachikawa. Midnight tonight.

My fingers tremble as I type.

Snowflake

Why would I meet you?

His response sends a bolt of something dark and forbidden through me.

Kaiju

Because my dick is still hungry for your pussy and your futile cries for mercy.

My eyes bulge. Jesusfuck.

Kaiju

Because you sought me out for a reason, little prey. And I very much doubt that reason has vanished in a week.

Kaiju

But mostly, because what I told you before still holds true, even if you tell yourself otherwise.

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