Page 53 of The Devil's Hunt

"Really? I thought she was just being dramatic."

"Nah. That's one thing she isn't being dramatic about," he replied. "Now, can we go downstairs so I can feed you?"

It took a few minutes to get downstairs because I refused to let Archer carry me, and my leg was throbbing and stiff. Eventually, we reached the kitchen, where he helped me onto a barstool at the counter. I took in my surroundings as Archer rummaged through the pantry and fridge. The kitchen was modern and sleek, with a large island in the center boasting marble countertops and barstools lined up against it. The walls were a crisp white, with black accents throughout. The cathedral-style ceilings, walk-in pantry, and wine room made the kitchen more expansive. Baskets of fruit and other fresh ingredients were placed around the room, giving the otherwise cold space a homey feeling.

Archer finally returned with the ingredients for breakfast, and I watched as he expertly whipped up a gourmet feast. Eggs over-easy, freshly baked bread with butter and jam, and a pot of strong, black coffee.

"This looks amazing," I said, my stomach grumbling again. "How did you learn to cook like this?"

He grinned, flipping an egg and sliding it onto a plate. "I am self-taught."

"Really?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah. I've never really wanted servants to wait on me hand and foot. Cooking relaxes me."

"How do you find the time?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, with all the killing, fighting, chasing college girls, and running a secret society, cult, or whatever The Brotherhood is?"

"I make time for things that matter," he responded blandly.

"I hate when you do that."

"Do what?"

"Answer my questions with some broad, cryptic statement."

"What do you want me to be more specific about?"

"The Hunt. The Brotherhood. All of this," I sighed, waving my hands around to emphasize the enormous mansion.

"But not the killing?" he inquired.

"And the killing," I rolled my eyes.

"The people I kill deserve it. The Brotherhood was around long before I was born. We are the descendants of affluent families. The Hunt is a way for us to let out our pent-up emotions and reward ourselves for the sacrifices we make daily as leaders of The Brotherhood. As far asall ofthis, you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth too. You are well aware that the rich and powerful love flaunting their money to remind people of their importance."

"How does The Brotherhood decide who lives and dies?" I questioned, taking a long sip of my coffee.

"There is a natural order to maintain balance in our world. We merely carry out what we believe keeps the world in check."

"What gives you the authority to make that decision?"

"The Brotherhood is a culmination of many powerful families—Kai's, Theo's, and mine. And while The Brotherhood itself was founded by our fathers, our families have been in control for at least one hundred years. We are a representation of that power and authority. It’s not just about us. It is about our bloodline and the responsibility we have to uphold the values and principles handed down to us by our ancestors. We may seem ruthless, but we simply ensure the world remains balanced to keep the bad guys at bay. It's a necessity." He poured himself a glass of orange juice and took a sipbefore he continued, "Let me tell you, the world would be a much scarier place without us to keep things in order."

I shook my head, still trying to wrap my mind around his words. "What about the morality of it all? What about the innocent people that get caught up in all of it?"

He sighed, looking at me with sympathy and frustration. "I wish it was as simple as morality. The world is messy, and hard choices have to be made. The people we target are not innocent, but victims of circumstance. This is our world, Mila. The world of the rich, powerful, and deceitful. It's a world we've inherited, and we have a responsibility to maintain it."

"But at what cost? Do the ends justify the means?"

"I don't know. But it's all I've ever known."

"Where do I fit in?" I replied quickly.

"What do you mean?"

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