Page 106 of My Instant Karma

“We are good. The solo operator status suits us just fine.” Chara glares at me. “We’re able to be more efficient with our work, but also rely on each other for support when needed.”

“Excellent.” Karma smiles.

Heather, Trent, and Steven all report they are doing well, then Karma turns her attention to Evan.

“And you? How are you doing?”

Evan maintains his composure as he answers, “I have been busy with our work and also training Tessa.”

“How have you found Tessa to be as an agent?” she asks. “Has she been leading you astray?”

“What?” He blanches. “No.”

“Tessa is a willful soul. She would be a challenge to the most faithful,” Karma says as her heavy gaze lands on Dante. “Wouldn’t you say she might even tempt the most callous hearts?”

“I wouldn’t say she tempts.” Dante cocks his head in subtle defiance.

“Oh, I think I might.” Karma stares at me.

“I have just been trying to do my job,” I quickly add.

Karma grins wickedly. “But you don’t know what I want from you, now do you?”

She’s correct. I reallydon’tknow.

“Whatdoyou expect from me?”

“I expect you to do as I ask without question, or there will be karmic retribution.” Karma sips her soup as if she isn’t threatening me.

“What would my retribution entail?” I arch my eyebrow. Will she confess her plans to everyone at the table?

“I might have toretireyour teammates early.”

The guys all snap their heads my way, and I dare to look at their expressions of dread. Those of us on this side of the table know it’s a death sentence, not retirement.

“You would kill off your agents just to manipulate me?” I ask.

Chara and her side of the table gasp.

Someone whispers, “What?”

I look at the other agents. “Retirement is a deceptive word for dying and having Karma eat your souls.”

“Is this true?” Chara asks Instant Karma.

The goddess doesn’t respond to her and instead glares at me. “Everyone out except for Tessa and her team.”

There’s a moment of hesitation where the five other agents are frozen with fear, and then they come to their senses and rush out of the room. I can tell by the footfalls that they don’t go far, probably hoping to hear more of Karma’s secrets.

Karma flicks her hand, and the doors to the dining hall slam shut.

She stands up, and her form appears to stretch, making her tower over us. The room darkens, and the air seems to lose all its oxygen.

I’d be lying if I said I’m not scared. I know the only way out of her grasp is death, but I have been conditioned by the nature of life to resist dying as much as I can.

I gasp for air, but she only allows us enough to keep us alive.

“Is this how you want your life to end?” Instant Karma asks. “Do you really want to watch your friends and lover die just to defy me?”

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