The barred door creaks open, and Rune strolls in, his gaze sweeping over the dead bodies with a detached curiosity.

“I’m crestfallen, Moretti,” he says, his voice smooth but laced with something dangerous. “This is child’s play.” A smile stretches across his face, baring his teeth in a way that could almost be mistaken for a predator’s grin. “What happened to ripping skin first, then toying with the flesh?”

His words hang in the air like a challenge.

“My inadequacy will be rectified if you provide me with more victims.” I grab my phone from my pocket and text Oscar to get the bodies discarded.

“That would be a waste,” Rune says, his tone casual, but his eyes narrow as they lock onto mine. “Your attention seems drawn to something else, or perhapssomeoneelse.”He nudges, leaning in slightly, his gaze expectant, as though he’s waiting for me to reveal more about Odessa.

“She’s none of your concern,” I reply coolly, the words leaving my lips like a shield.

He hums, folding his arms.

“Don’t wear your feelings so clearly, brother,” Rune says, his voice laced with humor and mockery. “I might think you’re human after all.”

“I’ve long since outgrown it.”

He tilts his head, studying me with an almost clinical interest.

“Is that so? Well, if that’s true, you’ve got a strange way of hiding it.”

“I suppose I like keeping you on your toes, curious” I shrug.

“Curiosity is a dangerous thing, Moretti. It gets under your skin, eats away at your resolve.” Rune laughs softly, almost to himself, tauntingly “And look at what a curious thing she has made you.”

“You’re one to talk,brother.”

“Iamone to talk, I’m not out here stalking a woman, now am I?”

I shake my head, reaching for the folder in his hand, my fingers brushing against the cold paper and smearing the blood covering my hands. The lighthearted banter fades as quickly as it came, replaced by the reality we’re tangled in.

“Seven more bodies are gone,” he says, his voice low and devoid of any trace of the playful tone from before. “And the church is doing everything to keep these silenced, however a little threat can get a nun talking.” He pockets his hands “Their pick of the season are sanctuaries—easy prey after all.”

“Sanctuaries...” I murmur.

He glances over at the genitals collecting dust on the floor next to the pillars I used to dismember them from their bodies. “His dick, huh,” Rune says with a smirk, his voice dripping with dark amusement. “They do say a man’s jewels get the secrets spilling.”

I furrow my brows

“Have you never heard that?”

“Not quite.”

Rune grins, unfazed. “Well then, that file has more details on the binding cases of Basilio.” He slides the folder across the table with a casual motion. “Look through it. It’s all in there. Evening Moretti.”

“Have a good night, Rune.” With that he walks back out and I follow suit. I make my way into my office, where I find Oscar putting on his gloves and overalls. I place the file on my desk , once more, smearing everything l brush past.

“Good Evening sir.”

“Where is she?”

“Sleeping in her room Mr Moretti.”

I make my way to her bedroom where I quietly open her door. She lies asleep looking tranquil and with the night still so young, I pull her armchair and make myself comfortable. And as I watch her, wretched thoughts filter through my mind. Mad desires I know she will open her arms and legs to.

Chapter 24

Thorn – unknown 11712