Page 128 of Sinner

Exhaling, I turned the envelope over to see the return address. “It’s from the Blackwell Group.”

“Well, open it. Maybe it’s some invitation to a fancy party.” Ashley’s grin was mischievous.

A slight hint of nervousness drifted over the initial excitement. But when I opened it, the excitement returned.

A reset. A dark moment. A necessity in time.

You’re invited and don’t be late.

The time of your life awaits.

Test your skills, your resolve as well.

Once completed, your competence will tell.

You can use the tools provided for a dance with the devil.

But beware of untold trials.

Make your way to the other side and you’ll be deemed the winner.

If not, you’ll be labeled a sinner.

Come prepared…

For if you win, you’ll become a member of a very special society.

The invitation was for tonight, the time listed. Well after dark. I sat back and Stephanie grabbed the card from my hand. The location was different from before, but exactly what Xander would choose. Plus, this time it was very private.

I was also being directly invited to the Obsidian Society.

Excitement surged through me. I did so adore his games.

“I thought the contest had been postponed,” she said.

“Yeah, so did I.” There was no reason for me to feel as nervous as I did, but the anxiousness had returned and I nonchalantly looked out the window. The car from before wasn’t anywhere in sight. “But it’s not just for the job, but entrance into this special society.”

Had Xander sent a private invitation? That was entirely possible. I slowly turned my head.

“If you ask me,” Ashley said as she placed the invitation in the middle of the table, “the whole thing is creepy as fuck. Why are you going through hoops when you already have the job? This society sounds crazy too. Besides, don’t you know terrible things happen in the dark?”

Her words broke the strange spell. “Ha ha. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken you to see the movie. Come on. It’s a game. That’s it. I assure you Xander won’t allow anything to happen to me. It’s all in fun.”

“Why don’t you call Xander and tell him no. If he cares about you, he’ll understand.”

I glanced at Ashley. “That’s not how the game is played. I’m not supposed to know who’s involved. Remember? Plus, if what weall suspect is true then I’ll have some very nice perks by being in the society.”

Stephanie sighed. “Maybe so, but I don’t think you should do this. Anything could happen to you. I agree with Ashley. It’s creepy.”

“Oh, come on. This isn’t new for them. Do you honestly think the company would allow anything bad to occur? They vet out their sites and have staff working on this. My guess is that location will be the most highly secured place in Chicago.”

My statement was true enough except if the game only had two participants.

How could I explain to my best friends that events just like this one had brought Xander and me together or that our strange fascination with dark and depraved activities fueled the raging fire between us?

“You’re probably right. I don’t need to do this. It’s silly. I already have the job.” I snagged the invitation, shoving it into my purse. They didn’t need to know all my business. They’d only continue worrying or try to stop me.

I was barely able to contain my excitement. Xander was one wild man. My thoughts drifted to the article I’d just read. I understood so much more about him and why he’d done the things he had. While I still couldn’t condone his actions, a small part of me admired him.

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