Page 37 of Us Dark Few

No other word came out of the councilman’s mouth.

“Besides,” the angel-like tone was back, and he stepped right in front of Khalani, “some can even be put to good use. They are not all the villainous creatures you warn your children about, isn’t that right, girl?”

He was speaking directly to her. She could feel the weight of his gaze crawling on her skin, but she was afraid to peer into the eyes of her parent’s killer.

“Answer your Governor, prisoner!” The crack of a baton whipped out from the guards, and her head snapped up, heart racing.

The Governor held out his hand to the guard. “That’s not necessary. You can help ease Councilman Wyatt’s mind by affirming you aren’t dangerous, right?” His icy-blue eyes connected with hers, and she couldn’t look away. They were cold and distant, as if no life was left in them. Probably because he’d taken so many lives.

“Y-yes. Yes, sir. I am a loyal citizen of Apollo.” She bowed her head, gritting her teeth the whole time.

A part of her wanted to take the wooden end of the broom she held and smash it across his head. She would only have one chance to hit him before the guards stepped in and killed her. It would almost be worth it.

Doling out a tiny bit of revenge would give her instant gratification, but she was smart enough to know it wouldn’t be nearly enough. Her death wasn’t worth a small smack to the head. No.

He would need to suffer the same fate her parents did.

Alexander smiled down at her, his gaze warm and inviting, and she was again struck by his perfect beauty. “Good answer. You certainly don’t look like our average prisoner. What’s your name? Your real name.”

“It’s Khalani Kanes…sir,” she added, steadying her voice.

“And what did you do to warrant being put in prison?” He tilted his head to the side, the soft smile still present.

She hesitated, sensing a trap laid beneath her feet.

What if she told the Governor, and he decided her punishment wasn’t harsh enough and sentenced her to the surface?

Or it was a game, and he already knew what she was locked up for. The Governor could be testing Khalani to reveal the truth.

She’d have to take a chance.

“Governor Huxley, any crime against Apollo should warrant a sentence in Braderhelm. One would be a fool to think someone as intelligent as you would let anything go unnoticed in your city.” Khalani paused, weighing her next words.

He raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”

She gave him a polite smile. Time to lay it on thick.

“Dwelling on my past is pointless and a waste of your precious time. I am grateful for this opportunity to work the streets of Apollo and serve your will as Governor. My focus lies on building a greater Apollo in solidarity, strength, and spirit. Even if those efforts go unappreciated above,” Khalani let that last part slip as she lowered her head in submission.

Her hands tightened on the broom. She wanted to scream so loud that even those on Genesis could hear. She hated herself. Hated that she had to make this monster believe she only lived to serve him.

Did her boisterous thoughts ring loud, shouting that he’d never have her loyalty?

Did he know that all she wanted was his gruesome death?

“My, my.” Governor Huxley’s smile widened. “You are definitely more honest than the average prisoner. You would’ve made a better council member than some currently serving, isn’t that right, Wyatt?” he asked, without looking away from her.

“Yes, Great Governor Huxley,” Wyatt replied without hesitation.

Khalani couldn’t shake the gnawing pressure in her stomach. The amount of control the Governor had over everyone, even the councilmen he insulted, was mind-blowing and frightening.

“Well, we should be going. Much to discuss in improving these streets.” Alexander suddenly grabbed her hand that wasn’t holding the broom, lifted it up to his lips, and kissed the top.

She was so taken aback, her mouth hung open.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Khalani Kanes. It’s beneficial to know my constituents better, even unfortunate ones like yourself. I’m sure we will meet again.” He smiled over her hand, finally releasing it, and turned to walk away, the councilmen following closely behind.

Her chin trembled. Time seemed to slow down. Sounds of people talking animatedly on the streets dulled into a low thrum. Khalani was sure if she stopped her breath, she could hear the machine of life slowly throbbing in her chest.

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