Page 16 of Hollow Nights

“Like what?” I snapped.

“All defensive! You're acting like a real bitch, you know? I know I fucked up, and I came here to apologize and make things right. But you know, you led me on that night.”

“What?”

“Yeah, with your tight, seductive little dress, letting me walk you home. You were sending me all these signals.” My back hit the counter as Barret stood inches from me. “If every guy who tries to get close to you, following your little cues, only getsrejected, then it’s no wonder you're still single. But, I’m willing to give it another try.”

“Get out!” I bite the air between us.

“You’re seriously going to turn me down?” He scoffed at me. “Is there another guy?” I made a face, looking around the shop for Axelle. “Wait, is he here?” Barret’s demeanor shifted as something dark fell over his face. “You’re not playing games with me now, are you, Libra?”

“No.”

Barret grabbed my shoulders, squeezing me hard. “Then who is he? Who’s this other guy you want to ditch me for, huh? Are you fucking him? Is that what it is?” He shook me violently, slamming my back into the edge of the counter as I dropped the box of herbs.

“Let go of me!”

“Oh no, not yet.” Barret slapped me across the face. “Doesn’t feel good, does it?” He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. I could feel my eyes tearing up as he glared at me. “What, are you going to cry now? Cry like a sad, helpless, little girl?”

“Fuck you.” Barret slapped me again, harder this time.

“You might want to watch your mouth.” A familiar hiss began to grow as I looked up to see Axelle standing behind him. I couldn’t help but smile, seeing the rage on his monstrous face.

“Are you smiling? You think this is funny?” Barret scoffed again. “You’re all alone here, Libra. Alone and defenseless. I wouldn’t be smiling if I were you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Barret.” I laughed. “I’m not alone.”

Axelle wrapped his chain around Barret’s neck, snarling as he tugged tight, forcing him to step away from me. The man gasped, his eyes wide as he watched me, unsure as to what was even happening, his hands clawing at his neck as he fell to his knees.

“W-what—” he choked, gasping for air.

“No one touches my human,” Axelle warned, pulling the chain tighter as Barret’s face began to change colors. “No one!”

I glanced around, noticing a decent-sized brass goddess statue on the counter. I grabbed it without thinking, holding it as I turned to face the man. Axelle watched me closely, making all sorts of animalistic sounds as I glared at Barret.

“I won’t waste my time explaining it, but just know you will never lay a hand on me again. Ever. Because if you do,” I leaned down, “he’ll kill you.”

“W-who?”

My eyes raised to Axelle, smiling as he watched me. “Someone you should hope never to see. But,” I rose back up, playing with the statue in my hand, “I don’t want him to break any more rules for me. So I’m going to let you live.”

“Libra,” Axelle growled, grabbing the chain.

“It’s fine,” I said to him. “I think Barret’s learned his lesson.”

“Go to h-ell, you b-bitch,” the man groaned.

I sighed as I stared at him, something snapping inside as I swung the statue, slamming it fiercely against his skull. Axelle’s chains fell as the man’s body hit the floor with a loud thud, his head bleeding profusely.

“Libra,” Axelle called. I leaned down, stomping my boot into the man’s head, enraged by everything I had been through. I lifted the platform shoe as I slammed it down again, listening to Barret’s bones crunch beneath my foot. His blood splattered around me, spraying my face as I continued, screaming as I stomped harder and harder until I was exhausted, still sore from the other night.

I yanked my leg back, Barret’s blood soaking my boot as I panted.

“Well, I have to say, I am feeling great!” I grinned, looking at Axelle. He was staring at me with an expression I couldn’t translate. “What?”

“Libra, you have no idea how fucking hot that was to watch. God, I am so fucking turned on right now.”

“Axelle,” I groaned with an exhale. Honestly, I was feeling a bit buzzed myself.

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