Page 53 of Us Dark Few

Shouting truths that lay in waiting

These bleeding wounds encompass a story

Of someone stronger than steel

And more fearful than death

I clench the sword of life and bellow out

You’ll remember the monster was always me.

15

Layer every step forward in defiance.

Khalani stood calmly in front of her cell, her fingertips continuously rubbing against the sleeves of her dirty uniform. She’d been waiting for this day all week. Her training with Takeshi was finally about to begin.

Khalani had used a shower token that morning, and the restless energy coiling through her had her furiously scrubbing away the dirt and grime till her skin was red. After changing, she scanned the prison block, her muscles tensing with anticipation.

Since her conversation with Winnie, she opened her eyes each morning with renewed energy. A new purpose. Apollo left her to burn and spat her out in a blaze. Crushed and beaten—but breathing.

That was a tremendous mistake because the strongest substances were forged in fire.

She was prepared to take on all enemies, barriers, and demons that stood in her way.Livingwould be the ultimate act of her rebellion. And the first obstacle was the menacing Captain.

She’d only known Takeshi for a couple months, but it already feltlike they had history, and the bad outweighed the good. He was insufferable, and she was the constant thorn in his side. Hell, he probably polished his personal knife collection in anticipation of this day.

Yet, she didn’t move from her spot. Nothing would make her back down now. She waited.

And waited.

What was taking so long? She looked down both sides of the hall, but he was nowhere to be found. Did he forget? She scoffed at the idea as soon as the thought came into her head.

It was Takeshi. He didn’t forget anything.

“Kanes.”

The deep voice sent shivers up her spine. She slowly turned and drew in a sharp breath.

The very air seemed to bend around Takeshi as he walked toward her. No, walk wasn’t the right word. Takeshi marched with purpose, as if the swift power of death and tenacity of man were embedded in his stride. Each step forward was layered with quiet confidence, like he could take on a whole army and emerge the victor.

His dark eyes captured hers, and a heavy lump filled the back of her throat.

“For a second there, I thought you’d changed your mind.” An electric current ran through her as his massive body edged closer.

Takeshi’s expression smoothed into an unreadable mask as he slowed to a halt. Pensive and stoic, he appeared carved out of a marble statue. The only indication of any emotion was the spark in his eyes. They narrowed and pierced hers in a challenge, daring her to run.

“You should know by now, Kanes, I don’t ever back down.”

His resonant voice made her swallow as he towered over her. But Khalani refused to be intimidated.

She lifted her chin and stared back defiantly.

Your move, Captain.

“Let’s get this over with,” he snapped, turning sharply and striding down the hall. She quickly followed, her eyes darting around for witnesses, but there wasn’t a soul in sight. Everyone was in the pit.

Takeshi crossed his arms and moved to the far corner of theelevator. Khalani leaned against the opposite wall, the silence heavy as the elevator descended. She tugged at the hem of her dirty garment and tried to ignore him, but with Takeshi, that task was impossible.

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