Page 8 of Dollface

“Havoc knew dolly was lonely and curious like a cat. So she brought the little creation to the light. Boss man must be happy.” I look at Havoc’s innocent face as she ignores my question.

“Havoc, so help me God,” I groan as she cackles.

“Just a little dust. Not too much, boss man, no worries. Dolly can play more tomorrow.”

“Oooo. Interesting,” Charisma coos.

“Always meddling,” Sullen hisses.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I snap, uncomfortable with the shift of the conversation. “She and I aren’t playing. You didn’t bring her to me. I just found her when I—” I stop as Havoc finishes my sentence.

“When you followed me!” She leans forward, grinning as her face paint glows in the blacklight of the moon. “Games, games, games. Always playing games!” She cackles, her head tilting back as she laughs.

I quickly rush to her, covering her mouth as she glares up at me. I stare through the eye holes of my mask, watching her. Havoc knows things, things about Nightmare, Dreadmoor, Stingy Jack, the Spinster, and apparently Blue. I need to know what she knows and why she wants me to find this specific creation. “What do you know about this doll?” I ask quietly. Havoc tilts her head to the side, her single button eye glistening as she stares back at me.

“You should probably remove your hand from her mouth if you want her to talk,” Charisma snickers, raising a brow. “Hard to talk with a mouthful, you know.” They carefully sit next to Havoc, crossing their legs as they wiggle the sole of those ridiculous boots they always wear. “Isn’t that right, Sullen?” Charisma smiles over their shoulder as Sullen huffs, crossing his arms.

I look back at Havoc. “When I move my hand, you are going to tell me everything you know about her, do you understandme?” Havoc’s eye darkens as she clenches her teeth against the inside of my hand. I quickly move my hand, thankful for once to be wearing my gloves. “Jesus, Havoc!” I whisper loudly.

Havoc snaps her jaw a second time, growling as she watches me. “Shouldn’t touch what isn’t yours,” she threatens. I step back, cautious as she tilts her head and melts into her familiar demeanor. “Dolly is unwanted, punished for her heart. A weak heart. Scraps and mishaps sewn into one. She’s blue, like you.” She points to me. “Roll the dice, choose her fate. But remember: she is from the one you hate!”

“Nonsense and rhyming. Typical Havoc.” Charisma sighs, examining their nails. “Have fun deciphering that one, boss.”

I stand there, silently going over her words. A weak heart, roll the dice. Does Havoc want me to gamble with the doll’s fate? I pull a pair of green dice from my pocket, inadequate to my prized pair stolen by the spinster after losing our last game. Havoc had randomly brought me them, hoping they would do, but it’s not the same.

I glance at the faded green dice, their glow dull and weak in the moonlight. “You want me to decide.” I glance at Havoc. “Alright, what are her options?”

Havoc squeals with excitement, jumping from the bed. Blue stirs, causing everyone in the room to freeze, fearful of her waking. She moans faintly, reminding me of the previous night as I fight back my urges and watch her return to sleep. I sigh in relief, the three minions relaxing their tense bodies as they all look at me.

“Not enough dust, evidently,” Sullen scoffs.

Havoc grins, approaching my side. “Fate. Roll her fate! Let’s see,” she begins to think, tapping her chin.

“What about killing her?” Sullen chimes in, the question an eager one. “Roll a six and let me have my way with the toy.” He grins, crouching beside her bed as he stares at her face.“Creations are so unique, each made differently than the last. Roll a six and let me find what makes her tick.” A low rumble vibrates in my chest.

“Someone didn’t like that,” Charisma sings. “I know!” They turn, glancing back at Blue. “Roll an eleven, and I get her hair.” They stand, their heels clunking as they approach Sullen’s side, lifting a single strand of Blue’s hair. “Dolls don’t normally have such colorful hair. I want it. Besides, it would look way better on me.” They motion their hands, as if flicking hair from their face. “Oh, and you gotta burn that too.” They motion to the stuffed rat. Sullen stands, wrapping his arm around Charisma’s waist as they giggle with eagerness and excitement.

“Fine!” I snap, killing their mood. “What about you Havoc?” I ask. “What’s your choice?”

“Roll a seven and all go to heaven!” She cackles.Fucking psycho.

“Havoc,” Charisma calls. “I’m not killing myself if he rolls a seven.” She tsks at them. “Charisma is no fun!”

“Anything is better than this stupid game,” Sullen mumbles.

“Alright, Havoc, your choice is made. But don’t be surprised if no one sticks to it.”

“Let Havoc do it then! Havoc will make all into angels with big, white fluffy wings! Then shoot them down!” She snickers to herself, pretending to shoot at things in the air.

“Easy,” I coo. She suddenly drops her excitement, standing quiet and still. It’s an odd, scary sight, as Havoc never remains still long, let alone quiet. She remains frozen, staring into space. Charisma and Sullen both slither to her side, trying to get to her move as they wave their hands and call her name, refusing to touch her. “Havoc?” I ask. Her single eye snaps to me as she stares blankly and whispers, “Dolly can get you there. Toher.”

“What did you say?” Sullen and Charisma back away, stunned by her quiet statement.

“Dolly can travel to the other world. She just doesn’t know it.” This is it. This is my way to Dreadmoor—to her. I can win our game and end it for good. “Boss must make his choice.” Her single eye moves to the green dice in my hand.

I stare at them, pondering the ridiculous decision as I speak the words out loud. “If I roll a two... ” I stop hesitating as Havoc pipes up.

“But careful, boss. Bugs who fly too close to the light burn. Zap!” She claps her hands as I jump at the sudden sound, dropping the dice.Shit!They begin to roll across the floor, skipping as one stops at the foot of the bed and the other rolls underneath.

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