Page 27 of Insanium
Eryx closed the distance in a few long strides, his movements swift and predatory.
Juno’s frustration boiled over as Kristy still refused to let her go. “This is bullshit,” she snapped, trying to pry herself from Kristy’s iron grip, but she clung on, desperate and wild-eyed.
Raphael, not to be outdone by the dramatics, removed his mask and flashed me that annoyingly perfect movie-star smile, as if we weren’t in the middle of something.
Kristy let out a shrill yell, her voice high with panic as Eryx reached them. “Don’t you dare touch me!”
Ignoring her protests, Eryx deftly moved Juno aside and grasped Kristy by both arms. With a powerful yet graceful motion, he effortlessly lifted her off the ground. Kristy’s legs flailed, desperately searching for solid ground, but Eryx’s grip was unbreakable. Her screams pierced the stale air of the shed, echoing off the walls until they were abruptly silenced.
Eryx hoisted her up and impaled her on one of the sharp hooks hanging from the ceiling. The metal spike went right through the bottom of her jaw, silencing her with a brutal finality that left her gasping for air as she dangled helplessly. Blood dripped down her chin as the hook pierced her cheek, leaving a gruesome trail in its wake.
“What the hell is actually going on here?” I muttered under my breath.
Eryx gave Kristy’s shirt another sharp tug, pulling her down even more forcefully before turning his attention to Aisha and me. As much as I hated to admit it, his brutal efficiency was unsettlingly attractive. “Cameras are down for the next eight minutes, give or take, so we need to make this quick.”
Juno, still caught in the fallout, demanded, “How did you know we were in here?”
Eryx dismissed her question with a flick of his wrist. “Asking that kind of question is a waste of time.”
Meanwhile, Raphael chimed in almost simultaneously, “Who do you think told Kristy to lead you here? Well, not you specifically. We were after her.”
My eyes flitted from them to Kristy’s dangling form. “I thought you two had a thing.”
Eryx’s face remained impassive. “I manipulated her into serving my needs.”
“Hm, sounds familiar,” I mused, folding my arms. “I know a few other guys who do that.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, a dark edge shadowing his tone. “None of them are me.”
“Don’t try to be scary, Eryx. I know a set of twins who can out-terrify you twice over on their worst day.”
“This isn’t about scaring you,” Eryx retorted smoothly, his gaze unwavering. “It’s about wooing you.”
“Well, in that case”—I gave a dramatic sniff, feigning consideration—“do go on.”
Raphael stepped forward, adopting a more diplomatic tone. “We want to make an alliance—a pact, if you will.”
Raising an eyebrow, I leaned back slightly. “And why exactly was I singled out for this special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?”
Eryx’s unexpected laugh was disarmingly charming, the sight of his full smile transforming his usually stoic face.
“Well,” he began, his eyes locking with mine, “besides the obvious—your ties as a Vetis and my status as a Draven—we’re natural allies for the Playground.” Before I could interject, he continued, preempting my response. “I know about your alliances already.”
“Aisha,” Raphael chimed in as if I needed the clarification.
“And Sinclair,” Eryx added, his tone serious. “But do you really think that’s going to be enough when everything hits the fan?”
Now, he had my full attention—not just curious but hooked on finding out how and what he knew he knew about the twisted undercurrents of our competition. “And just how are you two so well-informed?”
“We have our sources,” Raphael said, his voice flat.
Eryx stepped closer, his presence commanding. “Let’s just say that we’re always a few steps ahead. Joining forces doesn’t just benefit us; it’s a lifeline for you, too.”
The notion of needing a lifeline irked me, but his offer also intrigued me. “And what do you get out of this?” I probed, eyes narrowing slightly.
“Security in numbers, Kennedy,” he replied smoothly. “And with your influence and our resources, we’d be untouchable.”
I liked to think I was already at that level, but my beauty didn’t make me pig-headed. I wasn’t at that point yet, and I would need people with me whenever I got there. “Continue, because I’m not convinced yet.”
