“You may pass. Just this once.”
A rough unexpected shove sent Griffin back into Viktor and Niko’s forms.
The leader pivoted without pause, addressing their crew. “There is nothing for us here. We have work to do.”
Griffin’s mouth opened, but then in a frenzy of movement they were departing their boat, slipping up onto their ships, and separating off into the sea.
“Fucking pirates. Smallest men I have ever met, and yet they are the biggest assholes.” Drago dusted himself off, getting to his feet.
He doesn’t know.
Griffin pulled himself together, turning to Niko and Viktor who were wide-eyed with their shock.
They don’t either.
“What the fuck happened?” Viktor sounded shocked.
“You’re lucky, brother, most men are killed the second they touch one. And all you have is a little cut.” Drago dug into his pocket, tugging out a cloth and pressing it to his neck.
Griffin watched as the ships departed, his mind racing. He couldn’t figure out why, but he knew needed to keep this secret…at least for now.
The Rakshasa, the pirates?
They may have attempted to mask their voices. To appear taller. But once he felt the leader’s chest against his, he was able to discern with certainty…
They were all women.
Chapter 4
Rubbery Eggs
Raven
Present Day – Catastro Sea
Long fingers wrapped around my neck as the disgusting creature before me bent down. The texture of rubbery eggs pressed to my lips as their hot breath permeated into mine.
The bile was instant as it worked its way up my throat, but I swallowed it down, accepting the intrusion and offering a loud moan for good measure.
“Just like that.” The man reached behind me, turning off the shower.
He was my most recent assignment. I didn’t know much about him except that he was new in town and that he had information my Faction desperately wanted.
And his name.
“Branton.” I hummed forcing myself into my persona.
I am the shadow. I am the shadow.
The man tightened his hold on my neck, dragging me out of the shower and onto my knees.
“You can call me King.” He readjusted his grip, his hand making its way into my wet hair and tangling there. “Now show this king what you can do on your knees.”
“Raven,” the husky voice infiltrated my subconscious. “Bunny, you’re crying.”
The tone was familiar, soothing; a balm to my aching soul. An instant reprieve from the darkest depths of my past.
This nightmare was one I was familiar with, one of hundreds that I used to cycle through. Memories that would only percolate out when I was in my weakest state.
