Page 26 of Misted

“The man you broke his arm the other night is a chief secretary of the bloody state.” Shadow bites out.

“And?” I tap my arm.

“And we don’t fucking deal with politicians. He’s coming at you with everything he has. We don’t only have Hades and rivals up our arses but the Met Police, too. This is the perfect opportunity to crack down on us."

"He almost raped Jessica," I announced as coolly as possible.

"You could’ve just kicked him out, not break his fucking arm and crack his ribs.”

“His kind only understands strength. Don’t worry. I’ll silence him.”

“No, you won’t. He’s already making a big deal out of the assault and made a police report against you. If you kill him, all the fingers will be pointing in your fucking face.”

“The Met Police are freaking arseholes.” Scar clicks her tongue, meeting Shadow's metallic gaze. “Especially that troublesome lieutenant. You think Elle and Zoe will be very upset if I kill the arsehole?”

“I don’t like him that much either.” Shadow glares. “But don’t even think about it. He’s their foster brother.”

“I’ll make it look like an accident?” She bargains.

“Ha. Does that include a blood bath or not?” Shadow barks. “Could’ve fooled me, psycho doll.”

“Pssh. Fine.”

“I deleted security footage and all witnesses.” I interrupt them. “That scum politician has nothing that will guarantee a warrant.”

“Let’s fucking hope so.” Shadow saunters to the cabinet, unclasps a bottle of scotch and drinks straight from the bottle. I don’t remember the last time he used a glass like a normal human being. “This day just keeps getting weird.”

Flame’s body angles towards Shadow. “What happened?”

Shadow gulps down more of the amber liquid. “Do you remember Nero?”

I stagger backwards, almost falling. Thankfully, the desk stops me. I clutch the edge with cold sweaty fingers for balance. My heartbeat pounds through my ears. Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Ooh, the guard?” Scar snaps her fingers with an edge of enthusiasm. “He was a sadist. Taught me my best torture moves!”

“And Hades’ Chief of Guards.” Flame retrieves a cigarette and twirls it between his thumb and forefinger. “One of the first founders of The Pit.”

“Do you guys remember how he just disappeared?” Shadow licks the alcohol glistening on his lips. “I always thought he was dead in some hole.”

“But?” Flame stuffs the cigarette in his mouth and keeps it hanging.

“But I just heard he’s alive. I mean after more than fifteen years? That’s insane.”

I suck in a stuttering breath, unable to remain standing and snap. “Who’s spreading such rumours?”

“The hell is wrong with you, old hag?”

“Answer me!” My voice raises.

The three of them watch me as if I’ve grown two more heads. Maybe I have. I’m on the edge of breaking down.

“It’s not a rumour." Shadow swirls the liquid in the bottle. "Celeste is keeping Hades company and told me that he had a tip about who made Nero disappear. If he finds whoever that is, Hades will butcher them alive."

My knees buckle, and I fall like a dead weight on the chair.

A presence at the entrance pulls my attention. I raise my head and stare at Hawk.

Even without saying a word. Both of us must be thinking the same.

Our nightmare is back.