Page 6 of Anger

“How goes your operas?” Luke asked, and they all laughed.

It amused them that Hans became the Phantom of the Opera, and he wrote musicals and operas. He’d achieved global fame. However, he remained a shy recluse. Or so the humans thought. Hans just didn’t trust any human around him.

“They go well, thank you,” Hans replied dryly.

“I have missed some due to my incar—I need to catch up,” Luke murmured.

Lanie’s heart bled for her brother. Unlike Browen, who kept bursting into flames in her anger, her phoenix at odds with the Sin she carried, Luke had retreated into himself. Lanie was delighted to see him mixing again.

“No doubt, I am sure we can resolve that issue. As for now. Do you need to hunt tonight?” Noah asked.

Lanie eyed him. Noah held Cunning, but his shifter form as Rumpelstiltskinwas a vicious little being.

“I do and require company. I admit to being afraid,” Luke said.

“Accompany me, Luke,” Lanie offered, and he nodded.

“Thank you, that would be suitable,” Luke responded somewhat shyly.

“I’ll be there too,” Sela added. “I don’t need to hunt tonight, but I shall guard you, brother.”

“Sela, you ease my worries. Such kindness in you,” Luke replied.

“You’re most welcome. Feed Deception, I am sure Mary can get you culprits nearby. Deception and Anger are so easy to find in humans,” Sela said, shaking her head.

“Yes, indeed they are,” Lanie agreed.

???

They stood in front of her mirror later that evening as Mary displayed two images. As guessed, Mary had been able to not only find two evil-doers close together, but they lived in the same house. Lamia joked it was a two-for-one deal. They headed through the mirror, and Sela followed Minotaur, intent on protecting him.

They discovered themselves in a large home and went their separate ways. Lamia tonight felt vicious, but didn’t know why. She wondered if it was because she was reminded of what had been done to Minotaur. Even though he was covered in short, sparse hair, his scars were visible.

Anger rose in her at his appearance, and, for once, Lamia let it reign. By the time it had finished toying with its food and eaten, Lamia felt more balanced.

“Wow, your Sin was messy tonight,” Sphinx murmured, entering the room.

“Yes, it was uneasy and demanded to play. So, it did.”

“Interesting. How does it feel?”

“Like there is a threat to it, which I can’t understand. Anger keeps warning me, it has done since…” Lamia’s voice trailed off.

“Since?” Sphinx prompted.

“I met the new guard in my office. I think Anger is afraid of him,” Lamia mused.

“How weird!” Sphinx replied.

“Yes. That makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with him. It’s impossible that he is holding a Sin, he’s human, so what could frighten a Sin?”

“Your mate!” Sphinx gasped.

“No. There was no link or bond there. But it is certainly strange. Maybe he’s a Hunter, and Anger picked up on it. I shall keep on guard just in case,” Lamia replied.

Now, Sphinx looked worried. “Be careful, Lamia. Hunters won’t hesitate to harm you if they knew who you are.”

“I know. And I always am. Sadly, we’ve learned our lessons too well,” Lamia said.

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