Page 113 of Us Dark Few

Takeshi turned to address the prisoners, his face granite smooth and his lips set into a hard line, seemingly unimpressed with the brazen display of wealth.

“All prisoners will head to the kitchen over there to receive your assignments from Arthur.” He called several guards to go with the prisoners, and the rest of the guards stayed for a debrief.

Despite her fury and resentment, she couldn’t help but make eye contact with him as she passed, and in that one look, layers of resentment billowed between them. She was the bitter frost and Takeshi the hostile flames, endlessly clashing and forever locked in battle.

Khalani’s hands fisted at her sides, trying to bury her emotions toward Takeshi in the deepest abyss of her mind.

The kitchen was five times the size of the one in the Governor’s mansion. The smell of spices and delicious foods filled the air, making her mouth water. Audible growls of empty stomachs sounded from the prisoners around her.

Arthur, the Governor’s butler, entered the room in a flurry, dressed impeccably in a black tuxedo, not a hint of dullness on his shiny bald head, his coattail trailing behind him.

“Okay, everyone!” He clapped his hands. “There’s much to do and not enough time to do it! The guests will arrive in an hour, and we need plates, food, decorations, and drinks finished setting up.”

He grabbed a list and called each prisoner’s number to a particular station. Khalani waited for her number to be called, but Arthur folded the paper with a flourish.

“No more dawdling. Report to your stations!”

She frowned, approaching him. “Um, excuse me, sir. I didn’t receive an assignment.”

Arthur scrutinized her. “What’s your number?”

“317. The name is Khalani Kanes. I served at the Governor’s mansion not too long ago.”

“Ah yes…I remember you.” Arthur flipped through the paper. “I see it here. The Governor has specifically selected you to be his table’s servant for the evening.”

She recoiled. “Excuse me?”

“You’ll serve the head table, the round one in the center. It’s a tremendous honor but comes with huge responsibility. You can help set up drinks for now, but once the guests arrive, you are glued to the Governor’s every need. Mess up, and it is likely your death.” With that lovely parting gift, Arthur walked away, yelling at someone about burning the bread.

Khalani stood immobile, unable to close her mouth.

Why was the universe constantly pulling her closer to the one man she loathed with every facet of her being? What did he want with her?

Pressure rose inside her chest, but she couldn’t let those emotions overcome her focus or let the Governor’s presence distract her from the plan. Tonight, they would contact Hermes and find a way out of hell.

The guards framed the walls like a mural, and she felt their cruel gazes scan over her body, but Takeshi was nowhere to be seen.

The next hour passed at lightning speed and, before she knew it, she stood posted at the head table, waiting for the guests to enter.

An orchestra composed of only men entered the room in crisp suits. They sat in the far corner with poise and grace as they readied their instruments. A light, airy tune sounded throughout the ballroom.

A myriad of people dressed in luxurious gowns and tuxedos began to flood the space. Butlers escorted guests to their seats as excited chatter and boisterous laughter filled the room.

She stood in silence, anxiously awaiting the Governor’s arrival. Ten minutes passed, and every seat was filled except for her table.

Then, a raucous wave of applause erupted from the guests, silencing all conversation as Alexander Huxley entered the ballroom.

He wore an immaculate gold suit, his hair slicked back, and his aura exuded strength and confidence.

It was easy to be drawn in by him. Even Khalani couldn’t tear her eyes away from his handsome features and perfect smile that would make any sane person fall crazy in love.

He was flanked by two beautiful women hanging onto his arms, beaming with awe-struck smiles.

Behind him were three councilmen, nodding at guests as they passed by, but all attention was fixated solely on the Governor—a mix of adoration, lust, and worship in people’s gazes.

Her lips screwed together as he ventured closer.

The guests didn’t know he’d recently murdered countless prisoners, but they wouldn’t care. The Governor had long completed the breakdown of the people, for he did no wrong in their eyes.

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