Page 61 of Dig Your Grave

“Captain,” he greeted Anubis in a tone dripping with condescension.Then to me, “Nubia.What a pleasure to see you both.”

I forced a thin smile, my pulse thrumming.“Enjoying the gala?”

He chuckled.“Indeed.I trust you’ve healed from your…initiation.”His gaze darted to my shoulder, though it was covered by the shawl.

My chest tightened.“Yes,” I said tersely.

His eyes narrowed slightly.“Then be sure to attend the demonstration.We have big plans to share with our donors.And we expect our novices to be there, supporting the cause.”The ring glinted as he lifted his hand, a mocking gesture.“After all, you embody Edenvane’s future.”

With that cryptic remark, he slipped away into the throng.

I let out a shaky breath.“He basically ordered us to watch whatever twisted spectacle they’re unveiling.”

Anubis’ jaw was set, anger simmering.“I want to see what they’re up to, but we need to be careful.If it’s some new Skulls stunt, it might tie directly to Toccara’s murder.Or to that injection gear we spotted.”

I nodded, fighting the wave of anxiety building in my chest.This was no mere dinner party anymore.It was a stage for the Skulls to display something bigger.

We found ourselves near a side entrance to the main hall, scanning for a place to regroup.Just then, we noticed Kate standing behind a tall potted plant, wearing a sleek green dress.Her eyes darted around until she spotted us.She motioned surreptitiously for us to follow her into a smaller adjacent corridor.Anubis and I exchanged a quick glance and complied.

Inside the corridor, the music and chatter dampened.Kate let out a relieved breath.“I made it in thanks to some old favor with the Howler’s alumni.They gave me a press pass to cover the event for the campus paper.I recognized a few men carrying those crates earlier, but I couldn’t see what was inside.Did you find anything?”

I hesitated, glancing around to ensure we were alone.“We caught a glimpse of silver tubes, looked like syringes.The staffer mentioned a demonstration.”

Kate’s face paled.“Syringes?Maybe some experimental drug?That’s not typical of a philanthropic gala.”

Anubis folded his arms.“We suspect it’s a front for the Skulls to wow donors.They might be peddling illusions of miracle cures or hooking wealthy families with the promise of advanced research.This place is basically the ultimate marketing platform for them.”

Kate’s gaze hardened.“We have to keep them from misleading everyone.If it’s some sham or something dangerous—”

A voice echoed from the corridor’s other end.We all jolted, pressing ourselves back into the shadows.A pair of older donors wandered past, discussing the upcoming demonstration.Once they were out of earshot, Kate whispered urgently, “My group, the Undercurrent, has people outside.If you uncover anything incriminating, text me.We might be able to leak it fast or disrupt it.”

I pressed her hand gratefully.“We will.”

She nodded, smoothing her dress.“Alright.I’ll mingle, try to overhear more.Good luck.”

As Kate slipped away, I felt a spark of hope.We weren’t entirely alone in this fight.We just have to stay alive long enough to expose them.

Half an hour later, ushers herded the guests down a broad hallway toward a double-doored space labeled “Gallery.”It had been cleared of furniture except for rows of chairs facing a temporary stage.The mood felt curious, expectant.

From the hush of the guests and the presence of black-suited security guards near the stage, it was clear this demonstration was exclusive.I recognized some wealthy donors who’d contributed to Edenvane’s expansions.Professors in fine suits, the Dean, Sophie, a handful of older men and women with that quietly lethal aura of the Skulls.The air bristled with subdued tension.

Anubis and I hung at the back, near a pillar, scanning for any sign of the silver syringes or crates.My stomach churned, imagining what they might do in front of everyone.

Sophie stepped onto the stage, a microphone in hand.She smiled brilliantly at the crowd.“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us for this special preview of Edenvane’s partnership with cutting-edge biotech research.Tonight, we introduce a concept that could revolutionize gene therapy and specialized treatments.”

My blood turned cold.Gene therapy?My thoughts leaped to the rumor that the Skulls were obsessed with bloodlines, controlling fates from behind the scenes.

A woman in a lab coat joined Sophie onstage.A Dr.Lansing, from the embroidered name tag and her introduction.She began explaining breakthroughs in CRISPR editing and how Edenvane’s donors were funding the next wave of medical innovation.

I glanced at Anubis.His expression was grim.This might be the “official” story, but we both doubted it was the whole truth.

Dr.Lansing gestured to a table behind her, where a black case rested.A familiar staff member opened it, revealing rows of slender metallic vials and syringes.My pulse raced.

“This demonstration,” said Dr.Lansing, “will show how quickly our formula can be introduced to a subject to strengthen immune response.”

A hush fell.My mind reeled.The Skulls had a history of playing with dark, antiquated rituals, but now they were merging it with modern biotech?

“I need a volunteer,” Dr.Lansing announced.

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