Page 95 of Soulless Deeds

Three. Two. One. Ding, ding.

“Just spit it out already,” Emerson shrilled, clearly frustrated by the weltering sight. I couldn’t help but grin. Ava stared up at her blonde friend with wide eyes and even had the audacity to look heartbroken.

I dropped a shoulder to whisper a taunt in Emerson’s ear. “Come on, Meek, come out and play.”

Micah pushed past, making sure she clipped me on the way through in unspoken warning. She crouched in front of Ava and lifted her chin until stormy grey orbs clashed with amber gold. “Can you understand why we’re all upset?” Micah asked.

Ava nodded, tears scattering in all directions.

“We sacrificed and put a lot of trust in you, Ava. Which has now been tested and found wanting. It’s too early to know the ramifications of you keeping a secret of this magnitude, but noneof it can be good,” Micah said. Although her tone was placating, the implication of her message could not be missed.

I didn’t think it was possible, but Ava’s emotional state worsened, practically falling apart all over the old stale carpet. We all watched on in varying degrees of tolerance; Psycho concerned, Ace distracted, Tanner unbothered, Micah introspective, Emerson exasperated, Echo tolerable, and me… Well, I was impatient.

Ava blubbered further, hardly making sense. “I b-bet you regret ever meeting meee.” Hiccup. Sob. “I bet you regretttt taking me in.”

Micah sighed. “We will never regret saving you, Ava?—”

“Well, maybe just a little,” I said, shoving gum in my mouth.

Psycho’s head snapped towards me, blatantly shifting in front of Ava as if I was about to launch into some type of attack.

I scoffed, fucking done with his overbearing, overprotective bullshit. His precious innocent sister wasn’t a little girl anymore, and it was about time he caught on.

“Don’t worry, dear brother,” I mocked, popping a bubble in his direction. “That’s the last you’ll hear of it from me. I think she will suffer enough, knowing her one true love is on the chopping block and facing utter peril. He may not even last the night.”

Ava recoiled, but I didn’t care, ready to deliver more hurt with my words, slice the truth into her fucking flesh until she finally realised the extent of her betrayal and what she had cost us. “And if we manage to save her precious Gannicus—and that’s a really bigif—she will be indebted to us…again.” At that, Ava bolstered, finally getting her shit together. I could tell the girl regretted her actions—or she was a damn good actress. Either way, I stared her dead in the eyes and gave my last retort. “You willneverwithhold anything from us again. Otherwise, not even your gladiator brother will be able to save you.No onewill be able to save you from my wrath.”

I wasn’t one to hold a grudge. There was no need for them, since I usually dealt with my issues using a well-placed blade or solid bullet. I didn’t tend to give second chances, but I figured people that mean something to you can rewire your brain, make you consider what’s truly important and deliberate when concessions could be made for those you love.

To me, Ava was an acquaintance at most. But for Micah, she was closer—in connection at least. For my own sister, I would sacrifice more than the sanity of one measly girl. So, I relented…for the moment. Plus, I could always come back and finish the job later if required.

Yeah, that sounds more accurate.

Micah exhaled heavily as if she could read my mind. Although, by my expression, it didn’t take much to guess. I gave a half-ass shrug in reply, not at all sorry.

“You finished?” Tanner asked, his signature smirk creasing the dimple in his stubbled cheek.

Ava stood as her mask hardened in determination. Sure, tears still ran down her face, but at least they were silent this time. She spared a nod, and with a torch cradled in her palm, led us to a hidden door to the trap room beneath the stage.

We had to hunch over to fit in the claustrophobic space, and dust tracked over every available surface.

Emerson coughed. “This place needs a clean.”

“What this place needs is copious amounts of gasoline and a lit fucking match?—”

Ace gave a light squeak beside me, and I lurched from the sound.That sneaky fucker. I almost forgot about the psychotic teen who shadowed our group. He appeared so chill. I kind of wanted to know why he was sent to Oakview Asylum.

Instead, I said, “You can help me burn this place down, can’t you, Cooks? You’ve already got half the equipment.” I was referring to the silver lighter forever glued to his hand.

His teal blue eyes widened, and in their depths, his very soul shrivelled in on itself, reflecting back a world of horror.

I whistled low. “Brooo, who hurt you?”

He flinched, and Micah’s sharp shrill rattled from up front. “Spencer.”Geez, I do know my own name.

Ava came up short behind one of the stabilising pillars, and disgust rippled beneath my skin, watching her hand run over the soiled floor.

Shortly after, there was a distinctive click, releasing a nondescript panel which opened up from the ground. The secret hatch was perfectly camouflaged with the surrounding floor panelling.

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