“We have simply found him a new home,” Vilanos said. “Such a rare treasure is very valuable.”
“Very valuable.”
“Very valuable indeed.”
Mr. Heiss turned his hateful gaze on Seymour. “You knew where the talking skull was this whole fucking time?”
“Yeah, and?” Seymour scoffed. “How the fuck was I supposed to know that’s what you were lookin’ for? It’s not like you made me a fuckin’ list!”
“It is no matter.” Mr. Heiss plucked King away from the twins.
“Hey!” King blinked. “What’s going on now? You sound like a real arsehole. In fact, had I an arsehole of me own, I’d tell you to kiss it.”
“Charming,” Mr. Heiss drawled. He snapped his fingers. “Come, Sariel. We’re leaving.”
Sariel tensed, and he held Seymour tighter. “I…”
“Now.”
“Yes, master.” Sariel reluctantly pulled away.
“Hey, that’s bullshit!” Seymour shouted, grabbing Sariel’s arm. “We just saved the whole fuckin’ city, you got your stupid talkin’ skull?—”
“How fuckin’ dare you!” King gasped.
“—and now you’re still tryin’ to take him? What the fuck?” Seymour tried to pull Sariel back. “I almost fuckin’ died doin’ your damn dirty work and I swear to fuck I will let my cat girl eat your stupid ass!”
“Yeah!” Day cheered.
“Seymour, no,” Sariel pleaded, gently prying Seymour’s hands away. “I am so sorry, but I must?—”
Mr. Heiss pulled at the air.
It was the invisible chain connected to Sariel’s collar, and Sariel was pulled forward with enough force to send him to his knees. He was weak from his old injuries and the strain of battle, and he collapsed almost immediately.
“You motherfucker!” Seymour ran at Mr. Heiss, but he was stopped short when a familiar squeeze seized his heart. He couldn’t breathe, and he gasped brokenly, still trying to take a step forward.
No…
Not after all this.
“A reminder that Sariel is myproperty,” Mr. Heiss said sternly. “He is not your beau, your boyfriend, or your Daddy. He is mine to command and do with as I please. If I wanted to fuck him right here in front of you all, I would. If I wanted to have him kill you so I could watch, Iwould. He is nothing but a tool for me to command, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.”
“Fuck… you!” Seymour wheezed. “You ass… fuck…!” He searched those gathered around him, hoping to find help.
Someone—fuckinganyone.
Lou had looked away, as if he didn’t want any part of this.
Myrna watched sadly, clasping her hands together.
Flanders—wait, when did he get there?—was sniffing at the flower confetti and otherwise ignoring them.
Zolrya had reduced Jerry to a head and torso and was currently plucking out his other eye as Jerry silently convulsed in pain.
King appeared to be grimacing, though it was difficult to really judge since he was a skull.
But Absolis and Vilanos were smiling.
