That same slow, sideways smile.
My breath caught in my throat.
I looked away immediately.
Fox gave my shoulder a light tap, breaking the tension.
“Well, the show’s over. Let’s get back to work. This time, you wash the dishes, I’ll handle the kitchen.”
I nodded, still distracted, and walked to the sink.
My eyes widened. The mountain of dirty plates was overwhelming.
“Shit… I’m screwed.”
I grabbed a pair of gloves and started washing. I had barely begun when a brutal shove knocked me aside.
The impact was so strong that I lost my balance, hitting my elbow against the cold floor.
Pain shot up my arm.
“What the fuck-!” I tried to speak, but when I looked up, there was a boy standing in front of me. Behind him, three more.
My stomach churned.
The leader smiled with mockery, arms crossed, eyes glinting with malice.
“Look who it is–the newbie. His foot nudged my leg, more to humiliate than to hurt. “You won’t last long in here.”
I tried to stand, but the others snickered like hyenas waiting to strike.
“If I were you, I’d be careful,” the leader said, his voice dropping into a threatening tone. “The Reaper might be playing nice now, but once he gets bored… no one’s going to protect you.”
My muscles tensed.
I didn’t want to be here.
‘Get out of my way.” My voice was low, but firm.
More laughter. One of them tapped the back of my head, mocking me.
“Aww, he’s got some nerve.”
The leader leaned in, his lips nearly brushing my ear.
“The Reaper likes to play. But when he’s done with you…” His hand gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. “We’ll be here. To show you your real place.”
I swallowed hard, sweat sliding down my neck.
“Back off, Viper.”
Fox’s voice cut through the air, sharp and irritated, drawing everyone’s attention.
1/3
21:54 Tue, 29 Jul
Chapter 22
28%
“You know damn well the Reaper doesn’t like people touching what’s his. You’re living proof of that. If you don’t want to feel the consequences again, you
better stop now.”
Viper chuckled–a low, spiteful sound.
“Stay out of it, Fox.
He responded with contempt, not even bothering to look at him.
I’m just giving the rookie a warning. When my dear Reaper gets bored of him… then the real fun begins.”
His gaze was cold, eyes gleaming with cruelty.
“Watch yourself.
With that, he turned on his heel and walked off, followed by his group, laughing like a pack of wild dogs.
My heart was still pounding as I looked at Fox, confused.
He sighed and ran a hand over his face, like he was already tired of this whole thing.
“Viper was the Reaper’s last toy.” Same goes for the rest of his little gang.” He scoffed, clearly irritated. “They always try to get rid of whoever catches his attention.”
A knot formed in my stomach.
“Is he… going to try to kill me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it out loud would make the danger more real.
“What? No way I’m talking to that man!” My voice came out louder than it should’ve.
“I won’t say another word. Just don’t come crying to me when you get your ass beat for being too proud.”
He took a deep breath, his voice filled with frustration and something dangerously close to concern.
‘I’d rather see you alive than dead.” I’ve watched too many rookies fall because they held onto the same stupid pride. Your survival depends on the Reaper’s mood. He’s the only thing stopping this place from swallowing you whole.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving me there in shock, the crushing weight of reality pressing down on me.
Now I was locked in this hell, surrounded by criminals, reduced to a mere object in the hands of one of them.
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Welcome to Hell (by Williane Kassia)