Page 28 of Us Dark Few

“Nowhere. I didn’t try to kill myself,” she huffed indignantly. “One of your guards did that.”

“Who?” his voice deepened, chilling the already cool air.

“It doesn’t even matter,” she fumed. “Let me go.” Khalani didn’t want him to find out, didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of fully believing that she was, in fact, too weak for Braderhelm.

A vein pulsed in his neck, and his jaw visibility tightened at her words. Takeshi inched closer, appearing ready to strangle her. His murderous expression hardened, but another cold-blooded voice ripped through the space.

“Well, isn’t this a nice surprise?”

9

Teach me your fears so I may become a horror of my own.

Khalani’s feet were frozen, rooted to the spot. The color drained from her face. She knew that voice. The repulsive baritone belonged to the guard who assaulted her in the lower levels. Pressure constricted her lungs and her stomach felt like it bottomed out.

Takeshi’s muscles tensed alongside her, and he abruptly released her arm. Mind-numbing fear encompassed the very air around her.

She reluctantly turned, and a sadistic smile greeted her. The bald guard stood a few feet away like a dangerous predator, his attention fixated on her.

Her skin crawled, and the hairs on her arms stood at attention. It took everything inside her not to flee. His eyes promised punishment—a punishment he would enjoy. Even the way he stared at Khalani made her feel violated.

Should she run? Should she fight back, or just accept her fate?

A dangerous glimmer flared in the guard’s eyes, revealing the grim reality of her situation.

It didn’t matter.

She was trapped between two guards of Braderhelm. She couldn’t fight both Takeshi Steele and the guard at the same time.

There was no escape.

Her hands fisted by her side. If that was to be her end, she would go down swinging.

“What do you need, Barron?” Takeshi’s deep voice cut through the tension.

Barron’s attention switched to him. He plastered on a cold smile. “Captain Steele. Always a pleasure. Youcanhelp me, actually. This is the new prisoner on your cell block, correct?” He gestured to Khalani, not looking away from Takeshi.

“It is.”

“Would you mind if I have a word alone with her?” Barron’s smile grew wider.

The stabbing fear intensified throughout her body, eclipsing everything else. This was it. Takeshi would hand her over to him, and she would undoubtedly suffer a fate worse than death. She imperceptibly glanced toward the exit. If she ran now, she could potentially gain a head start.

“Anything you need to say to my prisoner, you can say right here.” The words left no room for argument.

Her head snapped to Takeshi in surprise as her muscles tightened. Would they try to kill her in public to send a message? Takeshi didn’t meet her gaze. He folded his arms over his chest, focusing solely on the guard.

Barron casually rested a hand on the baton strapped around his waist, but there was nothing casual about the tone of his voice when he said, “I’ll have you know thatyourprisoner assaulted me in the lower levels. She’s coming with me alone so punishment can be carried out. This involves her and me, Captain Steele. No one else.”

Rapid breaths came out of Khalani’s chest as Barron turned his attention to her, gesturing to come to him. She didn’t move.

The only way she would go with that man was kicking and screaming.

“As your Captain, itismy business,” the words bit out in a low warning. Takeshi stood immobile. It was eerie, like the too-quiet calm before imminent carnage.

Barron’s callous smile faded and his eyes narrowed. “When I didn’t give her what she begged for, she attacked like an animal. She’s a disgusting criminal who needs to be disciplined.” He pointed at her accusingly, the vile hatred evident in his expression.

The color drained from her face. “You liar,” Khalani hissed, taking a step forward, but Takeshi yanked her back.

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