Page 17 of Capturing Sin

We could forge a weaponised cure to stop blood demons draining us.

If I embraced my uncle’s latest demands and planned my escape for afterwards, when he’d be most distracted, then I could save countless people from the same fate as Rhia. As my father.

My uncle was as evil as some of the worst demons I’d come across, but ultimately, he wanted to save human lives. Regardless of the terrible cost.

What price was I willing to pay?

I straightened, coming to a harrowing decision. I tipped my face back, letting the rain wash away my failure, along with the stray tears that had escaped.

Nobody else would die. Not if I could help it.

Chapter 7

“I’m glad you’ve seen reason,” Martin said, walking slightly ahead of me down the corridor the following morning.

The “for once” was left unspoken, dangling awkwardly, quite like I imagined his saggy balls did.

I pasted on a fake smile, drawing level with him. “I know, it’s highly surprising given my condition.”

He frowned, unsure of what I meant or whether to question me further.

Confusing him on social norms was the one joy I had in this pit of misery. The only condition I had was a bad case of reality.

What did one do when they realised they’d been raised in a cult?

And then chose to semi-willingly go along with the madness. For now.

After Rhia’s death last night, I’d resolved to carry out the tests my uncle demanded, while biding my time until I had enough resources to escape him for good. If my last attempt had taught me anything, it was that I’d need a solid plan, money, and to start hoarding four-leaf clovers.

A door opened along the corridor, letting an agonised scream out behind Cara. The blood-spattered scientist exited her lab with the confident step of someone wholly unfazed by the pain she caused others.

It took everything in me not to flinch.

“Ah, Dr Smythe,” Martin said. “Good day.” He tipped an imaginary hat to her as we passed.

She blushed, looking coyly up at him from under her lashes. “Dr Burke,” she murmured. “A pleasure, as always.”

I wanted to vomit all over them both. Who flirted in a mad scientist’s torture den?

Apparently I was the only person to hear the screaming. Maybe it was in my head.

Martin cleared his throat, walking a little taller as we made it to the last lab on this floor. “Expecting your answer, the hunter prime arranged for a fresh subject to be prepared last night.”

Of course he had.

Because he’d snapped his fingers, so I’d come to heel like an obedient pet.

I subtly wiped my damp palms on my lab coat, shoving down the urge to bark like a crazy person, and gave him another fake smile. “Excellent.”

Martin nodded his approval. “It’s already caged inside. Since you need this one healthy, to better simulate real-world conditions, our usual methods for obedience are unsuitable.” He held up a small remote, barely the size of his palm. “This controls a reinforced collar around its neck. It will tighten, asphyxiating the subject.”

I eyed the device, letting the reality of what was happening sink in.

Of course I’d need a way to stop the demon from ravaging my veins, killing me in seconds. Choking the life out of it would probably do the trick, but I’d had no idea we had such weapons here.

I swallowed, pocketing the offered remote, ignoring the nausea that came with it.

“I know you’re fairly new to the practical side of experimentation, so I can supervise the first few feeds, or ask Dr Smythe to.” His gaze darted behind me, towards where his paramour had disappeared along the corridor.

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