Page 17 of Mercy & Malice

I chuckle, having a hard time believing we are even sitting next to each other having a heart-to-heart. “Don’t pretend we’re loving brothers. You still hate me, and I still hate you.”

He quickly states, “I never hated you. That’s the role our father wanted me to play and made sure we never had a close relationship. Ask yourself why.”

“Who the hell knows what that crazy bastard is thinking.” Luca has no idea. But I wonder if he’s right about our uncle’s death. “Is there any way to find out more about the past rounds of Mercy?”

“I haven’t found any type of records. It seems like nothing was written down or recorded that would leave a paper trail, not surprising with how guarded they all were about their little club.”

“You didn’t think to ask questions during the murder spree?” I still have a hard time believing he took out all thirteen top members and basically dared anyone to resurrect the society. According to Dad, the message was received loud and clear.

“No. I should’ve, but I was so determined to just put an end to the Keepers that I couldn’t think clearly.”

“You wiped out the untouchables; you had to be a little insane.”

Luca laughs, something he never did before with me present. “I had a lot of help. And most of them made it easy because they all thought they were untouchable and immortal. I considered calling in another favor and having them find you, but I figured I’d give you space and let you be until you were ready to come back.”

I wasn’t ready. I just couldn’t stay away any longer. “Yeah. Present. And still not your friend.”

“No, you’re not. We’re brothers. And I can’t say that I fully trust you and we’ll skip off into the sunset together, but just know I’m not your enemy. Never was.”

Luca stands and leaves without another word. But he said enough. He’s entirely correct. Every choice I made was the wrong one. My brother wasn’t the real opponent. I was up against myself—my own worst enemy.

9

MICAH

FOUR MONTHS AGO, DARE 3

The abandoned theme park was a welcome sight. It’s been over a month since I completed the last round and bled at the Tomb. It’s finally time to get on with the competition. Even as I climb up the old wooden roller coaster, I’m itching to conquer whatever is up next. I know I have the upper hand against my brother. Luca is totally preoccupied with Ivy. That girl will be his undoing. I knew it from the moment he didn’t show for his Tomb fight. It was shocking when he finally went through with a matchup. Now, it’s game on.

Even before my phone chimed with the message Dare Three—Ascend if you dare. Climb to the highest peak of the wooden coaster then face your fate with your ally. Pick wisely, for your fate will forever be tied to theirs, I knew we’d be picking teams during this round. My father warned me of that much. And as much as I hated the suggestion, Dad kept insisting that being on the same team as my enemy would work to my advantage. I never understood how. But either way, Luca never went for it. So, I plan to use his weakness to my advantage instead. Ivy doesn’t even fully understand the game yet. Though, she’s been a vital factor since the first round.

Brooke seems adamant that she doesn’t want to play. It was shocking considering anyone with the chance to join the competition, does. Except Cain. He also said he wasn’t playing because he didn’t want to jeopardize his scholarship to LSU. Cain even tried to talk all of us out of joining. So far, Brooke is the only one who’s backed out. I can’t help but tease her even though I’m relieved she isn’t going to be on Remy’s team more than anything. The guy is an accident waiting to happen. One bad move in Mercy could be lethal.

Once we reach the top of the coaster, the tension is thick as we realize what this involves: zip-lining off the structure and plummeting into darkness.

“Who’s going first?” I ask before I challenge my brother. “Luca, want to test it out?”

Of course he doesn’t respond.

Everyone is whispering, but no one makes a step to reach the next level, so I do. It’ll work best for making sure that Ivy is on my team.

“Fine, I’ll go first. At least I won’t have much competition since you pussies will all be up here crying.”

I grab a harness, noticing another is already tethered to it. “For the ally, I’m assuming.”

As I secure my harness, Brooke retreats a bit as she says, “I don’t want to play. Mercy is stupid and not worth it.”

I offer the second harness to my current target, “How about you, Ivy? Want to jump with me? I could use a worthy ally. Or are you too scared?”

Unfortunately, her response is less than enthusiastic. “I just don’t see the point in it.”

“To fly and not give a fuck about anything.” I spread my arms, imagining I’m already soaring down the zip line without a care in the world. “Come on. I’ll protect you.”

She doesn’t look pleased with me, but I take note of her glance towards Luca. As soon as she says, “Sure.” I don’t doubt it was to piss off my brother. And that just makes it so much better.

Especially when Luca moves towards me. “No. She’s going with me.”

Ivy asks, “Who the fuck says?”