Page 116 of Us Dark Few

Paranoia exploded inside her at the Governor’s choice of words. She trembled along with everyone seated at the table.

“Well then!” the Governor exclaimed, startling the group. “Enough of this serious talk! I believe it’s time to get this party started.” He stood and walked to the center of the ballroom.

Enthusiastic chatter slowly died down along with the music as a servant handed the Governor a microphone.

Khalani backed away from the immobilized table, her skin crawling as his eerie words stayed with her.

“Hello, my beautiful subjects! I must say that you all look radiant tonight, especially you ladies.”

Multiple women giggled, but Nora and Francine silently stared atthe ground, expressions shuttered, as if they were trapped in a nightmare.

“Many years ago, no one thought we’d be standing on this hallowed ground today. But here we are, on the surface of the earth, safely protected by the Genesis dome. Ten years have passed, and Genesis continues to be a beacon of light and hope for all Apollo.”

Cheers extended throughout the ballroom, and the Governor held out his hands, quieting the crowd.

“Before the Collapse, our ancestors were rife with greed, selfishness, and ignorance. Unfortunately, those qualities have not fully disappeared from our cities. As expected, of course, change does happen slowly.” Alexander chuckled, and the people laughed, unaware that he insulted them.

“Nonetheless, Genesis remains a wondrous city, and this is a momentous day. I shall not bore you any longer. Let us dance tonight, for wise is the man who is grateful for each day, knowing it might be his last.”

Khalani frowned, sensing that every word from the governor carried a hidden purpose, a motive she couldn’t quite grasp.

His chilling gaze shifted to her, and she looked away, her nerves crawling with apprehension.

To everyone else, he was a divine savior, but she saw the truth beneath the alluring surface, down to the treacherous foundation beneath.

Chairs scraped against the floor, and the mindless chatter about the Governor’s generosity and hospitality grated on her nerves. Guests made their way to the dance floor, pairing up as the orchestra began a waltz.

Khalani stacked the plates from the now-empty table a bit too harshly as she hurried back to the kitchen.

It was time to contact Hermes.

Her skin prickled as she felt someone watching her, like fingers trailing down her spine. She glanced over her shoulder and did a double-take.

Takeshi Steele stood in the shadows of the wall, his dark gaze boring into her. The sharp lines of his face stood out, and she foughtthe urge to march over there and tell him to take his spying ass somewhere else.

His brows began to lower, and Takeshi’s face turned scarier with each passing second. She frowned as his hand inched closer to where she knew his gun was hidden, readying himself.

For what?

“Quite an interesting night so far.”

The honey-smooth voice slithered behind her shoulder, and her muscles locked with tension. She reluctantly turned and found herself face-to-face with Alexander Huxley. He towered over her, and up close, his presence was even more captivating and bewitching. Dangerous.

“Very,” she said in a clipped tone.

The corner of his mouth turned up. “You hate me, don’t you, Miss Kanes?”

Her hands shook as she turned her attention back to the table, arranging the plates furiously to get the hell out of there.

“That’s not true, Governor Huxley.”

Words severe enough didn’t exist in English to encompass her hate for him.

He chuckled. “You can cut the pretense. I don’t have the patience for such frivolities.”

“What do you want from me? To slowly torture me before you inevitably kill me?” The burning question slipped out as she took a harrowing breath.

“Quite the opposite.” He edged closer. “I have lived a long time, Miss Kanes. Do you know what I have constantly searched for?”

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