Page 4 of The House of Whispers

“You still owe me two.”

“No, I will not do it!” I growled, rolling to my knees. My eyes stared into the holes of his mask. His head tilted as he bent down, his face level to mine.

“But we had such a good time the other night. Don’t you remember?”

I knew he was toying with me. Thankfully, I had no recollection of that wretched night.

“Pity. You weremarvelous.” The excitement in his voice scared me.

He reached behind his back, grabbing something from a lower pocket before moving his closed palm to his face. He opened his hand causing the color to drain from my face. Terror filled my veins as I stared at the red dust.No, not again. I furrowed my brows as my eyes shot from his opened hand to his face as he stared at me. I needed to be quick. I instantly bolted to the washroom as he shadowed me without a sound. I rushed to the small window, clawing at the locks as I tried to pry it open. Jakkal reached me, yanking me back as I kicked and fought against his grip. He covered my mouth as I tried to scream.

I would not kill for him. Not again.

As his leather glove pushed against my mouth, I shook my head, biting hard into his hand. He didn’t make a sound as I fell from his grip, my head slamming into the side of the copper tub. My body dropped to the floor as he stood over me. Pain echoed in my ears as my vision blurred. I blinked, and suddenly he was gone.

Relief.

I remained on the floor of the washroom a few minutes before dragging myself to my feet. My head was pounding as I stumbled from the washroom. I exhaled, relieved at his absence when I felt a sudden presence behind me. My skin prickled. I whipped around as he blew the dust in my face, catching me as I fell back. He stroked my hair, brushing across my head wound. He grazed my face, trailing my neck and traced the brand across my breast. I winced as my brain fogged over and my eyes flickered to the back of my head.

“Time to enjoy death’s playground.”

A bright flash of light interrupted the darkness causing me to gasp. I blinked as reality returned. My arms were raised high as a knife lay firm in my grip. I was completely naked under the towel wrapped around my body.What’s happening? Where am I?My eyes shot down to see I was standing over the body of a brunette-haired woman, dead between my legs. Her blood was splattered across my hands and face, staining my towel red. Her chest was exposed and sliced beyond recognition. I panicked, dropping the knife.What have I done?Deep grunts directed my attention as I turned and looked behind me. Jakkal was stabbing another woman just a few feet away. I could hear the squishing of the woman’s flesh as his knife slammed into her body. I felt sick. My head became dizzy as my vision began to blur. My body swayed, falling over. Before my head could hit the gravel, Jakkal caught me.

He lifted me, cradling me in his arms.

“Too much fun tonight.” He carried me away from our crimes.

I faded in and out of consciousness, as my breath echoed in my ears. I caught flashes of old buildings and trees as he carried me. I sank into the darkness as his presence oddly soothed me.

When I finally came too, I found myself chained to a stone wall. I had been laid atop a thick, warm blanket spread across a concrete floor. Panic set in as I yanked at the chains, the metal clanking as I tugged, unable to break free.What the hell?

I glanced around me taking in the frightening surroundings. The room was small and dark. The walls and ceiling rounded together resembling a tunnel made from rough earth and stone carved into a mountain. A few lit candles atop a simple table illuminated the dark space. A closed door stood at the far end of the room. Whatever this hellhole was, I needed to escape it. I stared down at my chains and tried to focus my magik. Vibrant purple seeped from my skin, glowing as it traveled from my hands. As my magik reached the thick, iron cuffs, it glowed a bright red, zapping me in return. I jumped, gasping in reaction to the prickling pain.

“Only my magik can break them.”

My head shot up to see Jakkal standing in the doorway.

“Release me,” I growled, pulling the chains and yanking them with what little strength I had left.

Jakkal calmly approached me, keeping his distance. “I’ll make you a deal.”

“No, no deals. I want nothing more to do with you. Either you let me go,” my head rose, “or kill me. Now.”

Jakkal remained standing. “If you do as I ask, I’ll let you go. No more killing, no more deals, no more games.”

“No, I don’t believe you. You’ll just use that powder on me again!”

He raised his hand, the powder inside his palm. I flinched away from him, fearful of what would happen next. He dumped the powder onto the floor, wiping his gloves clean.

“No more powder.”

I watched, wary, as he remained still, waiting for me to respond. I didn’t trust him, but I needed to escape. I needed to be smart.

“If I do what you ask, you swear—no more killing?”

“Your debt will be paid.”

I pondered his wicked deal. My eyes scanned the earthy room searching for a possible way out. No bars, no windows, and only one door. I was trapped. If I wanted to survive, I’d have to play his game…one last time. My brows furrowed as I turned, my eyes glaring into his mask as my voice remained bitter and low.

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