Page 61 of Mind Maze

It’s not Dad.

Since the guy is focused, I casually make my way near him. Sure enough, when I get close, I see the tiny star-shaped scar. It’s not the same guy from yesterday. It’s someone new. How many of them have been activated? To what end?

We’re at a heavily secured event. It took us way too long to get through the security at the doors. Whoever this guy is, he can’t do much without getting tackled by a horde of secret servicemen.

So what’s he doing?

Just watching my girl for fun?

I don’t buy that.

“Supernova,” I say to him, loud and firm.

The guy doesn’t even flinch.

Someone is fucking with our CUP Stars. To be able to do this, they’d have to have extensive knowledge of psychology, CIA mind control tactics, and the human brain on a physiological level. There’s not a lot of people out there who could pull something like this off. Either the threat comes from someone else well-versed on the subject or it comes from within. Like my father playing games in the background to fuck with me.

I’m making my way back over to Romy when my phone buzzes in my slacks’ pocket. I pull out my phone, heart in my throat, wondering if it’s Calista again. While it’s an unknown number, it’s not her.

Unknown Number: She’s beautiful.

A chill races through me. I glower at the Star soldier to see if he’s the person behind the text.

Me: Who is this?

Unknown Number: S. Miss me?

Me: What do you want?

Unknown Number: To warn you.

Me: This is a threat?

Unknown Number: No. It’s a warning. Look around, Caius. The wolves are out. Keep your belle of the ball on a leash.

I tear my stare from my phone to look at each and every face I can. These people are all in party mode, laughing and chatting while dressed to the nines. No one, aside from the Star soldier, sticks out.

Me: Where?

Unknown Number: Everywhere. Most don’t stand out so boldly. There are plenty in sheep’s clothing.

Me: Who are you really?

Unknown Number: Your friend.

Me: Show your face. I know you’re here.

Unknown Number: Master of the Obvious. How else would I have an eye on your girl? Who knows, maybe I’m next in line to say hello?

Me: You’re that bold? I’ve got an eye on her. You’ll out yourself. No more hiding behind an untraceable number.

Unknown Number: Honestly, with your prowess in the tech field, I’m shocked you haven’t tracked me down already. I must be getting better at playing the game.

I grit my teeth, aching to get my hands on S’s throat.

Unknown Number: You’re supposed to be Cold Caius Crowne. Where’d that man go? All I see right now is a man quickly losing his cool.

He’s right.

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