Category: Twisted Empire

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 103&104

    Twisted Empire – Episode 103&104

     

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 103&104

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    “Why have you been keeping quiet? Why did you develop agoraphobia and stayed indoors for years when you weren’t the one who made the call?” Yulia asked after she pulled away from the hug.

    “My phone was used, and even if Axel didn’t do it, I was gonna do it before I passed out.” Four said.

    “No! You’d never do that! I know you, Eros. I know how much you love and adore that couple even till now! So don’t give me crap about how you’d have done it! You wouldn’t have done it! Even if there’s just a little space left between your thumb and the dialling icon, I’m sure you’d have stopped. The other time when Vaughn got hurt by the guitar strings, you insisted on taking him to the hospital over that small wound.” Yulia said, and Four gave her a small look, dragging his eyes over her own.

                             • Age 10 •

    Vaughn sat in the large living room of the DeVille Castle, playing the zither while Four sat in front of him with a jotter, looking at the man and jotting down the points he’s catching on how to play the instrument.

    “Are you jotting?” Vaughn asked, stopping the play.

    “How did you know?” Four looked up.

    “I might be blind, but I have sharp ears, and I can hear the way your pen is kissing your jotter.” Vaughn explained.

    “You have to be the most intelligent blind man I’ve ever met. You’re medically intelligent, artistically you’re a painter and a zither player, you’re even good at games” Four said respectfully.

    “I’m trying in the computer part, too. Now don’t call me a wizard.” Vaughn smiled, adjusting his black shades.

    “You’re a wizard, sir.” Four replied, and the man laughed shortly.

    “Why do you love brown so much?” He suddenly asked.

    “How did you know?” Four blinked.

    “My wife said it, that you’re always on brown.” 

    “It’s a secret, and I’m not telling it to anyone till I grow. Maybe I’ll tell my future wife first?” Four shrugged.

    “Great, I have a feeling you’re a romanticist.” Vaughn said.

    “I just wanna do normal love, not the exaggerated shit.” Four flatly replied.

    “Shit? You’re too young to curse” Vaughn said.

    “What the f+ck? I’m 10!” Four replied, and Vaughn laughed.

    “I might get my first car in color brown cos of you.” He said.

    “That’d be an honor.” Four grinned, and Vaughn nodded, his smile still intact.

    Four suddenly dropped his jotter and went to the man, giving him a hug.

    “Heyy” Vaughn dropped the zither abd hugged him too.

    “I just want you to be happy with your wife Rue and your child for the rest of your life. Just live. You’re like my second father, so you dare not die anytime soon.” Four said.

    “Of course. No one’s dying, sweet boy.” Vaughn chuckled, tightening their hug.

    Meanwhile, Rue and Yulia are by the other side of the living room.

    Rue is the one doing the painting today, and she’s almost done with the galaxy she’s painting, but she has paused right now, and she’s staring at Vaughn and Four.

    Yulia is staring, too.

    “They’re so sweet and close to each other, I might just cry.” Yulia smiled.

    “Your son…Four. If he gets hooked with any lady in the future, then the lady is lucky. He’s not only handsome, but sweet. Vaughn loves him more than me, always talking about him whenever we’re chatting at home.” Rue smiled back.

    “Any lady? But my son will marry your daughter.” Yulia said.

    “What!” Rue faced her. “No…I didn’t mean it that way. Isn’t Four already in a platonic relationship with a girl?” 

    “It won’t last, they’d probably grow tired of each other before the year ends. You told me a lot about your daughter and how she has refused to let you grow her hair, I love stubborn females, I feel like she’d be the perfect match for him.” Yulia pulled out the agreement to bethrotal documents.

    “Lady Yulia!” Rue gasped in shock.

    “Yunno I lost three babies before Four, right? First one was a girl—Ruby who died after a month. Second one was a boy—Oliver who died after a month too. Third one was Ronnie, a boy who died too before Four came as the fourth one and comforted me by staying, then I had Axel and he stayed too.” Yulia narrated.

    “Did you find the cause of these dead childs till now?” Rue asked pitifully.

    “No, but I was a gin addict back then, and I have a gut feeling that it was the gin from the store. Maybe my babies didn’t like gin, but I couldn’t stop drinking, and yunno Pedro is mostly at the base, so there was no one to stop me.” Yulia sighed.

    “I’m so sorry you had to go through all that.” Rue said.

    “I’m telling you all these cos I want you to know why I really want your daughter for my son. He’s my life, and I won’t want him to suffer any part of his existence, even his love life.” Yulia nodded.

    “I understand…” Rue smiled, taking the documents from her.

    “I also want a stable relationship for my daughter in the future, too. And Four is a sweet boy, so this is just great. I’ll talk to Vaughn after I finish this painting, and we’ll sign. The kids don’t have to know about it yet, right?” Rue asked.

    “Of course, thank you Rue!” Yulia hugged her.

    Vaughn has resumed playing the zither right now, but his abrupt gasp made the two of them break the hug.

    The zither strings actually gave him a slight cut.

    “Mr. Ambrose!” Four gasped, taking the finger that’s bleeding slightly.

    “Let’s get you to the hospital!”

    “What! No. It’s just a minor cut, why should we go to the hospital?” Vaughn declined.

    “But you might get tetanus!” Four protested.

    “You think tetanus is that easy to get?” Rue joined them. “You care too much about my husband and I’m jealous”

    “Pedro would be the most jealous if he sees his son showering Vaughn with this much attention.” Yulia added, and Vaughn laughed heartily with Rue while Yulia chuckled.

    Four smiled.

                       • Present Time •

    “So you signed the bethrotal documents that same day?” Four asked.

    “Of course, I wanted the best love life for you and I know I didn’t chose wrong. Now I just need you to take the antidote for your scar and prepare for the war. Get to the training field and join the armies in the preparations. Act nonchalant, and things would go fine. The lives of thousands of citizens is in your hands, so don’t jinx it.” Yulia tapped him.

    “If you jinx this, then you’d be disappointing Pedro up there, and that can’t happen. Please, just trust this.” Yulia tapped him again.

    Slowly, Four brought the small pill out of his pocket. He threw it in his mouth and drank some water to swallow, then he stood.

    He took off his uniform shirt, opening the scar to the air as he walked shirtless out of the suite.

    Yulia followed him, they marched to the field together.

    As expected, the training is on hold as everyone is with their phones, watching the torture show of the four criminals by Usman.

    But as Four marched in, they all dropped their phones quickly, and Kash rushed to him.

    “Sorry, sir. Even I couldn’t concentrate, and they’re scared of going to war, yunno … Usman’s human robots.” He said.

    Four climbed the highest place in the field so he could view the armies from there.

    Every single army is present, just that the squad members are in the front except Stormy who has already left the base and Paine who’s still unconscious at the clinic.

    “You wanna get discharged and go home? You’re scared to go to the war? You’re wary of the human robots? Then drop your weapons right now, go back to your barracks, pack your luggage and go home.” He announced.

    Silence was what he got as a response at first, but then some armies started leaving, majorly Privates.

    Twenty of them left

    There are 700+ armies remaining now, and Four’s jaws grinded.

    “No more cowards? Then y’all drop your phones, you’re not to use that device till after the war. Get on the field and choose a weapon you’re more familiar with. You’d get guided by the seniors and me. No slacks, no sleep, no chats. You can only take breaks to eat or use the bathroom.” He addressed.

    “Yes sir!!” The hundreds of armies replied in a hoarse chorus.

    Yulia smiled satisfactorily as the field got busy.

    [Usman Lab]

    Teal sat at a corner in the dreamy world, resting her elbows on the table and looking around again.

    Looking around is all she has been doing here since she came. If she’s not training alone in the gym, then she’d be here gawking.

    Her fingers are webbed, and the pregnancy test strip feels heavy in her pocket.

    Theo came with the concoction cup which he dropped in front of her.

    “From the kitchen. You should take it while it’s hot, and you’d bleed out the pregnancy without feeling pains at all.” He instructed.

    Teal took the cup without replying, and Theo left.

    She stared into the porcelain cup, looking at the brown liquid as if gauging it with her eyes.

    She lifted it up to her lips, and one minute later, she dropped the cup from her lips and went inside with it.

    When she came back outside, the cup is already gone from her. She met Rue by the door.

    “Already drank it?” She asked, touching her hair.

    Teal nodded.

    “How do you feel? The little drop of blood will soon wet your underwear, I suggest you go rest inside.” Rue said.

    “I’ll go inside when I feel funky.” Teal replied, and Rue nodded.

    “Ma’am, Axel is done.” A scientist reported to her.

    Rue followed him to Axel’s corner where Axel is sitting up in bed. His head is still bandaged.

    He looks confused.

    “Welcome back to life, Axel DeVille. Your head is officially a control box right now. There’s no time to work on the rest of your body, maybe after the war. But for now, you work according to your head says.” She said.

    Axel nodded, and Rue smiled evilly, stroking his hair.

    Teal stayed behind, watching everything.

    Her eyes caught Theo at the other side of the lab. He’s sitting on a stool, rubbing the necklace on his neck absentmindedly.

    When his eyes met with Teal’s, he looked away and left the stool.

    Teal went inside—into the big luxurious room she was given.

    She paced around for a long minute, thinking hard leaving the room, staring up at the light bulbs.

    There are different sizes and they’re all fluorescent.

    Even the smallest light here is on. The lightning is in excess, and they never flicker at all no matter the power consumption from the lab.

    She went down the hall—to the power house of the lab.

    [Jason’s House, 4 Days Later]

    Jason has accommodated both Gem and Xanthe since the start of this turbulence.

    Thankfully, his house is hidden well, so there are no reporters.

    Xanthe and Gem get questioned by the cops daily though, but the cops are smart enough to do it low-key so they won’t alert the crazy reporters.

    The interrogating cops left not long ago, and both Gem and Xanthe returned to the bedroom.

    “How was it?” Jason asked, dropping his cup of groundnut.

    “Light, just ok. They weren’t too persistent with questions.” Xanthe replied, sitting beside him.

    Gem sat opposite them, looking better than she looked when she just came out of the annex 

    At least she’s now wearing clean, pretty clothes and her hair is well kept. Her skin is still rough, but if she’s consistent with the skin care routine, it’d be back to normal soon. And thanks to the halo vial from Uncle Paul, her mental health is improving.

    “Why is the television not on? Today is the sixth day, the last day of the soap opera. The four criminals are gonna die today and I’d love to watch Empress’s cries.” Gem said.

    Jason got down from the bed.

    “But tommorow is the war, and I’m so fuckin worried especially now that Usman has Teal. I’m not in the mood to watch Usman’s soap opera, maybe I can watch the rerun If my General is ok after the war.” He replied, leaving the room.

    “I’ll watch alone then, I’m optimistic.” Gem shrugged, putting on the TV.

    She went to sit beside Xanthe, but Xanthe stood.

    “I’ll be right back,” he nodded at her, rushing out of the room to meet Jason outside.

    “Hey, Jason!” He hollered. 

    Jason turned around by the door. “Why are you here? I told you to spend as much time as you can with her. She obviously missed you.” 

    Xanthe came closer and gently took his left hand.

    With a blank face, Jason looked at the contact, then at his face.

    “We’re still close, right? Like we were before.” He said.

    “Of course” Jason pushed his forehead with a finger. “Soft boy.”

    Xanthe smiled, and before Jason knew it, he already hugged him.

    Jason hesitated, but he eventually hugged him back, tightly.

    [Torture Media]

    The state of the four criminals at the moment could only be described as life—and-death.

    They’re far from life and are drawing closer to death every minute. Today being their last day makes it worse.

    They’re all slumped on their hanging chairs, barely breathing and heads knocking out of their bodies.

    Their bodies are near purple with the bruises and cuts and chain scratches.

    There are metals on their laps like nails, and there’s another metal on their back which crossed over the chair backrest to their backbone then their inner flesh.

    Another one is on their forelegs which connected it to the chair legs, so one could say there are nails on every important bones in their bodies except their heads.

    Their blood already painted the chairs red, and their skins gummed to their clothes already. The smell of their blood is rotten since they’ve been bleeding since six days ago without stop, and their hair is already pulling—hair loss as a result of stress and torture.

    Today, Rue is below the chairs, standing on a podium like a judge, wearing all white like an angel.

    She’s holding a small microphone which carried her voice around the torture house.

    “As the last day, we should at least give the viewers their money’s worth, don’t you think?” She spoke, looking up at the chairs.

    “I’ve always known you’re a bîtch, I shouldn’t have only messed with your womb, I should have messed with your life instead” Empress said, her voice lacking life.

    Rue stayed silent.

    “What? Surprised I’m talking? You’ll kill me anyways, so I’m just gonna pour out my thoughts.” Empress said again, and a single small spike ball was released from her head angle.

    If fell on her head, peeling off a part of her skull to her face and bathing her in more blood.

    Empress cried loudly, unable to even struggle with the pains. She could only move her broken head.

    The other criminals were starting to shiver in fear on their chairs again.

    “I must say, your powder is potent. I mean… I’m a medical guru, but I still wasn’t able to get the antidote or create one. I give you 50 for that.” Rue smiled sickly, moving her face to Katerina.

    “So it was you… The one who colluded with Four to make the call, cos you wanted Spyros for yourself alone? A man I wasn’t a bit interested in?” She sneered.

    “I…I was stupid…I really was… stupid.” Katerina stuttered.

    “And you… Spyros…” Rue moved to him.

    “I’m…I’m sorry ….I’m so sorry. Please have mercy. Please!!!” Spyros screamed, and that seemed to anger Rue cos she released a spike ball to his head too. His face and skull peeled just like Empress’s, and the peeled part fell off.

    White appeared first, then blood. Spyros began wailing, his cries swallowing Empress’s own.

    “And here comes the obsessed who still couldn’t let go even after he became president. But look at us now, even your presidential office couldn’t save you. The cops have no idea where this place is, and no one will find it till I’m done! That’s how much power I wield.” Rue muttered.

    It was Prof Kai next. The old man is worse than the three of them since he’s already so frail.

    “Rue….” He said with so much guilt, so much regrets.

    “Vaughn liked you so much, but you chose money over loyalty, and that’s fine, I understand you. Not all men are men, some are meant to be useless fossils like you, and that’s why you’d die uselessly.” Rue sighed, turning away from him.

    She faced the cameras.

    “You just witnessed the last speeches of everyone, shall we move to the last programme?” She smiled, pressing a button on the wall.

    The big sharp spikes on the ground moved faster, coming for them with murderous glints.

    “No!! No please!!! Please have mercy!!!”

    “Spare us!! Spare us!!”

    “You’ll get anything you want! Anything at all!!”

    “Don’t do this!!! Don’t!!!”

    “Please!!! I know I did bad but don’t be like this!!!”

    “Spare us!!!!”

    “Rue!!!!”

    The closer the spikes got, the louder their pleads got.

    They’re all pleading except Prof Kai who have obviously resigned to fate.

    “Rue!!!!!!!!!!!” Spyros screamed his last.

    And that was really the last sound in that building before the spikes finally got to them, entering their chairs and penetrating into their bodies, puncturing their bones and bursting their lungs, stabbing their hearts.

    Brutal wouldn’t be enough to describe the scene, cos one more minute, their hearts are already out on display on their shredded chests.

    The spikes grinded their flesh with their bones, and they became flat with the chair, their blood filtering out to the metals.

    Satisfied, Rue pressed another button on the wall.

    She left the building, and a countdown started on that wall.

    The moment is reached 00:00, the building blew up in ashes.

    [Next Day ~ D-Day, Military Base]

    As early as 7am, everyone’s ready.

    This is just like the other time in Boma. It might be a city war, but they’re using horses since they’d be too much for cars.

    They’re not wearing combat uniforms, they’re wearing new war uniforms—colour black, and the black helmets.

    Their preparations showed in the way they’re climbing the horses with readiness, each on their own throne.

    It’s a 70/30 situation. Their chances of life is shorter than the death chance, given the fact that they’re going there to face human robots.

    But maybe they’re not very scared of death anyways. Maybe they’re ready to guide the country with their lives.

    Yulia, Four and Kash were the last to climb their horses, and Yulia exchanged glances with Four, giving him a look that says… “Make sure you come back alive”

    And then they galloped out of the base, the hoofs of their horses so loud as it thudded on the road.

    The cantonment is dry, and the streets is even more dry cos there’s a curfew today.

    No one is supposed to come out, everyone stayed indoors.

    No school, no church, no mosque.

    Nothing. Every building is closed.

    As Four led the squad with the rest of the squad and the entire army, he closed his head out on any other thought, focusing on the task ahead.

    They travelled ten streets away from the cantonment before they arrived at UNN College street since Four has suspicions that Rue is gonna make it her next attack location.

    Everything started from the school anyways, and he’s really right cos when they arrived at the street, Usman’s people appeared from the opposite end.

    There are just 100+ human robots behind her, but the confidence in Rue’s eyes is insane as if she’s so sure of victory today.

    She’s on horses with her robots too as if they planned this with the base. She’s in the front with three more people…

    Axel…

    Theo…

    And Teal.

    Four’s hands slacked on his horse reins the moment he saw Teal who looks soulless beside Rue.

    And Rook swallowed emptiness when he saw Theo’s heartless figure.

    Yulia knew immediately she saw Axel that something has changed in him. He’s staring into space like a programmed dummy doll.

    The two opponents stopped at a time, leaving just a small space between them.

    “The four main criminals are already gone. It’s only fair if I send the fifth one to join them, and if y’all have decided to die with him, who am I to say no?” Rue smiled.

    “Your arrogance is tall, but you aren’t. I can’t believe I once signed an agreement document to get our kids married, Rue.” Yulia smirked.

    “And that same son made the call that killed my husband! We used to adore him, but he killed that adoration!” Rue spat.

    Four choose not to talk, his eyes are still on Teal, with focus.

    “Four was threatened by Katerina! He was burned with a poisoned iron to make him give in, but he didn’t even give in. It was all Axel, and even with that fact, he still stayed guilty for years, developed agoraphobia and stayed indoors, what else do you have to say!” Yulia defended.

    “Well too bad I don’t care. The call came from his phone, and I heard his voice! He’s joining the other criminals!” Rue insisted.

    “You disgust me,” Kash muttered on his horse.

    “Fine…” Four finally spoke, voice firm as he drew his spear.

    Rue’s eyes lifted when she saw the change.

    Four actually had all the weapons in the weaponry changed. Spears, guns, explosives, nuclear weapons, knives and everything.

    And the new supplies came from the artillery at Kalynda. Uncle Paul supplied everything himself.

    “We fight till shadows crawl. Fight till the last army standing. We fight till red covers the green, till sweat mixes with blood!” Four continued.

    “Attack!!!!!”

    And that was it.

    The start of the war.

    The beginning of the battle.

    The armies attacked the human robots first, and it was a bloody beginning as the robots can’t be killed since they’re half metals.

    The only targetable place in their bodies is the necks; it’s free of metal, but to even hit their necks is a problem cos they’re so damn fast.

    Within five minutes, the bodies of over twenty armies dropped on the field like animals.

    The war isn’t favoring them at all, and the use of nuclear weapons isn’t helping shit.

    Shannon and Brent and several other armies set the bomb cart, sending the sling to the human robots camp, but the robots replied with a more powerful weapon.

    Their counterattack was heavy, and the moment their explosion happened, it threw Shannon and Brent far away from the field.

    They both landed like dead bodies, and their heads rammed into stones, their blood spilled.

    Four jumped down from his horse, his adrenaline on a rush as he leaned on the horse, avoiding a stab.

    He threw his spear forward, hacking the head of that robot and killing him completely.

    That was the first robot to die.

    But Four was stabbed from behind immediately, and he paused for a second.

    They must be thinking his scar is still a weakness, but he surprised them and pulled himself out of the knife he was stabbed with.

    He climbed his horse back, and from there, he swung his spear twice, throwing it down at that robot.

    He ran, so the spear missed him, but it met another robot instead, hacking his head too.

    He went down the bloody field like the first one, but those were the only ones Four could kill, cos Rue came for him immediately.

    She jumped on the horse with him, making two people on the horse.

    She roundhouse kicked him on the chest, and Four tumbled, but he didn’t lose his stance.

    He swung himself down from the horse and landed on his feet. Rue followed him.

    As for Yulia, she’s warring with Axel, and she wasn’t wrong about him. His strength has grown more than it was, and he’s mercilessly stabbing her.

    Yulia has three stabs on her arm already, and tears in her eyes.

    “I should have stopped after Four stayed. I shouldn’t have bothered birthing you. You’re a mistake that shouldn’t have happened.” She muttered, and Axel stabbed her again.

    “Yulia!!!” Four yelled from his side, wanting to come for her, but Rue stabbed him, too.

    “Eros!!!” Yulia screamed back, standing to go for him.

    Axel kicked her back, and she fell face-first to the bloody field, but she was fast to turn on her back, raising her spear.

    So when Axel came for her again, the weapon hooked his neck.

    “I shouldn’t have birthed you, you monster without a left kidney!!!” She shrieked, pulling his head away from his neck with her spear.

    An explosive landed not far from her, and the ground cracked, the explosion throwing her to another part of the field.

    She thudded on a pile of stones, barely moving a finger as her eyes are closed, and her wounds are bleeding.

    Rook and Theo are warring it, too, and as tough as the war is, Theo is smiling, blocking every hit from Theo who’s crying.

    “Falling for you was my biggest mistake, ever. I swear.” Rook muttered, bending back to avoid a hit from him.

    “I’m glad you finally know.” Theo smiled again.

    “F+ckin fake!!!” Rook cried, stabbing Theo’s shoulder with his knife.

    Theo remained there, unmoved.

    Rook withdrew the knife, and he was about to stab that shoulder again when Theo grabbed his hand with the knife and directed it to his own neck, stabbing himself.

    Rook went cold, and his eyes widened.

    “I was never fake with you, Theo. Be it my feelings, or story. I was indeed raped, but it was done by bandits. My dad was indeed made to sleep with my sis, and my family were killed. I’d have been killed too, but Usman’s men saved me. I joined Usman’s lab cos she owns my life anyways, and I pledged to serve her with my whole life which I’ve been doing. I was never fake with you, Rookie.” Theo muttered, smiling despite the blood pouring from his stabbed neck.

    The knife is still in his neck, blood wetting the necklace, down to his chest. There are tears in his eyes right now, and he’s already on his knees.

    “Theo…dore…” Rook muttered, feeling much colder.

    “I love you too.” Theo smiled, and his eyes snapped shut at once, then he fell on his face.

    “Theodore!!!!!!!!”

    Kash, Morgan and April are standing back to back on another part of the field, and they’re not even dealing with fights.

    They’re dealing with the explosives, and the ground they’re standing on is already cracked.

    One wrong move, they all get swallowed.

    “At the count of 3” Kash said, and they both nodded.

    “1…2…3!”

    They jumped, but Morgan made sure to hold on to Kash, so they both fell in good places.

    April is on her own, and another explosive hit her spot the moment she landed.

    She was flung again, to another part of the field.

    “April!!” Kash and Morgan chorused cos her body was going to the pile of stones, and if she lands with that force, she’s gonna break her neck.

    Before April could reach the pile, she was taken by safe arms, and she landed on a different spot.

    Her breaths were heavy and still fearful as she opened her eyes to see who took her. She could smell hospital from the person.

    It’s Paine, and he’s smiling.

    “Paine?” She whispered, crying.

    On a very different side of the field, Teal stood alone, looking at the timer she’s holding.

    On the left hand, she’s holding a switch, and her eyes are going 360 over the field every now and then.

    Her eyes stopped on Four who’s currently fighting through his teeth with Rue, and she grew more impatient.

    She has to press this button at the right time, else she’s gonna f+ck things up.

    The human robots power comes from the lab lights, and that’s why the power is always on 24/7, so to disable their controls, she has to turn off the lights when the currents go low by a watt.

    She was shaking visibly, but her fingers aren’t shaking as she watched Four and Rue.

    Rue is madly strong, and Four is taking her well, but Teal knows it won’t last cos Rue’s stamina is creepy.

    Four fell back on the horse, and Rue took the spear.

    She was already bringing it down to Four’s chest for a stab when Teal finally detected a slim low current.

    She pressed the switch with her, automatically turning off the lab lights from here.

    Every single robot on the field fell on their faces instantly, and the spear fell from Rue.

    The explosives stopped coming, and there was calm for a minute before Rue detected what was going on.

    Every standing member of the army turned to face Teal, and Four sat up on the horse too, his body dripping with blood.

    “Teal…” He whispered.

    “You betrayed me?” Rue jumped down from the horse.

    “I stayed with you in your disgusting lab for days only to find out your weakness, not because I loved it there. And you know you’re not the only one with this brainy head, I have one too, so I visited your power house when I noticed there was excessive lightning in the building, and I was right, cos I saw the fuse. You power your robots with light energy. I might not have electronic knowledge, but my husband studied electric engineering in school, so I might have read some of his journals. I connected the lab energy to this switch. It’s your fault for trusting me.” Teal explained, hate overtaking her big red eyes.

    “I am your mother!!!!” Rue howled, coming for her.

    “No you’re not! And you only just proved that! Dad might have pretended to be blind, but he would never harm anyone to revenge. You took the lives of thousands of people in this city already, I hate you!!!! More than anything existing!! They made you evil, but you overdid it, and it’s unacceptable.” Teal muttered.

    Rue bursted into laughter, so loud and unsettling. Psychotic.

    But it was very short.

    She drew a gun from under her shirt, and Teal immediately figured out who it’s for.

    She did a mad run to Four as Rue stretched the gun at him, but the armies were fast too.

    Rue shot the gun, and the armies shot at the same time.

    Their bullets hit Rue’s body at the same time, destroying her completely.

    But at the same time, Rue’s bullet flew to Four’s direction.

    However, Teal stood in the way, and the bullet hit her instead..on the back.

    She was already holding her pregnancy test strip when she fell on Four, and his red, wide eyes brought out tears for the first time since he was born.

    The test strip fell from Teal, and her mouth opened…

    “I’m…I’m yours. And I ….”

    “I love you, so f+ckin much.” Four cut her off, confessing first as his tears entered his mouth, his arms tightening around her blood-soaked body.

    Her smile was small but beautiful after she heard that, and then all colour drained from her face.

    Her lids closed, her lips closed, too. Her neck went limp, her blood soaked his legs, and her body turned dead cold. 

    Wind carried the pregnancy test strip far away.

    Four’s mouth opened, and his scream was sickeningly insane…

    “TEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TEAL!!!!!!!!!! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 99&100

    Twisted Empire – Episode 99&100

     

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 99&100

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    [UNN College]

    Four’s boots were dragging on the ground, and his palms were dragging on the walls for support.

    He was sweating, and it’s even showing through his uniform—on his chest, and at the back of his neck.

    His eyes aren’t red, they’re something close to yellow as if he’s terribly sick with fever. His chest seems inflated, and it’s rising constantly without falling. He looks like he has been murdered, like this is his spirit roaming the earth.

    He’s already outside the professor’s office, and Paul is beside him as they went down the hall of students.

    A lot of students are even greeting him respectfully, but he’s not hearing a thing. His ears are hot, too. Like they got flushed with a boiling liquid.

    He’s not even here anymore, literally.

    “Rue?… Rue is Usman?” Uncle Paul muttered, fists folding and unfolding for more times than he could count.

    “Unbelievable..” 

    He’s not even aware of Four’s perplexity beside him cos he’s dealing with the shock too.

    When they arrived outside the gate, he hopped in the van, expecting Four to join him, but Four just stood there.

    “Four?” He called out.

    “Leave. I’ll find my way back to the base.” Four replied, his voice below a whisper. He’s not even looking up.

    “Are you…ok?” Paul asked with obvious concern.

    “Go find Dave at the annex.” Four rasped, voice still low, eyes still down.

    “Fine then, I’ll call you. And I’ll contact Teal on my way. Since things have come to this, I’ll inform her of everything, including the fact that Rue isn’t her real mother.” Paul said, expecting Four to be shocked.

    But shock didn’t happen.

    Four remained the way he is.

    “You knew? That Rue isn’t her real mother?” Paul asked surprisingly, and Four looked up.

    The sick yellowness is gone from his eyes, replaced with faint red.

    “I told you to go join Dave in the annex!” He snapped.

    Paul brought the van engines to life and drove off.

    Four continued standing there, legs straight in his trousers against the tar and arms weak at either side of him.

    Students are walking past him to and from inside the school, but he’s only feeling their breeze, he can’t see them—or he choose not to.

    His throat turned sour.

    No, bitter.

    Unbearably bitter.

                              • Age 12 •

    It’s Four’s twelfth birthday, and as expected, Yulia made it grandiose. A gathering of riches that not only has kids from Four’s school, but also big personalities worldwide.

    From the army, from the country estates, from the overseas and so on.

    It’s an Houseparty, but it’s got everything belonging to a open air party. It’s the best of Four’s birthdays.

    But Four didn’t enjoy it—not with the huge painful scar on his back.

    He spent the whole day flashing fake smiles at the guests, hiding his pains and masking his discomfort.

    “Birthday boy is so handsome, my daughter would love him.” One of the guests commented.

    “Oh…he has a girlfriend. He’s in a platonic relationship, sorry.” Yulia replied, smiling at Four who’s sitting on a large regal chair in the middle of the room. 

    Four returned her smile, and she luckily didn’t notice his pain.

    He hardened his bones, gritting his teeth when the pains from his back came again.

    “Big bro!” Axel appeared with wide eyes, “Your neck! There’s a black vein!” 

    Four spranged up, and Axel gasped again, “Your shirt is stained at the back! I think you’re bleeding!”

    Four sneaked back inside, avoiding the notice of all other guests till he arrived at his room.

    He peeled off his shirt and went to the full mirror. Truly, there’s a black vein on his neck like a serpent, and his scar is bleeding fresh blood.

    The pains seemed to multiply immediately, and he punched the mirror, wanting to cry…but he couldn’t do it. The tears wouldn’t come.

    He crawled back to the bedroom to get his phone and reread the message from the blackmailer who poisoned him.

    • Call the Ambrose couple, tell them to come to your birthday after-party. I’m giving you the last chance to save yourself and your family. I’m very sure the scar is bleeding right now, and your neck has the dark vein. That’s only the start, cos if you fail to comply, your brother is next, then your dear mother and your father! I won’t stop till your family goes down the death pit!

    As he read, he gulped in repeat, trembling with fear.

    Axel rushed inside. He’s the only one who knows about the scar since he got branded at the museum washroom.

    “You’re… you’re actually… bleeding so much! I’ll tell mum!” Axel said and went for the door.

    “Come back here Axel!!” Four yelled, and Axel turned. He’s crying already.

    “But you’re bleeding and you’re in pains, and that vein on your neck is scary! I don’t want you to die! You’re being threatened!”

    “You will not tell mum. Mum is stubborn, and she might ruin things. She’s adamant about me and you know it! I have to be gentle with this person if I really wanna live.” Four groaned, sweating to the floor.

    “Stop talking as if you aren’t stubborn too! I dunno why you inherited that thing from mum. You’re the only brother I have, and you know how much I brag about you to my classmates, so you can’t die!” Axel snarled, coming back to kneel beside him.

    “The blackmailer told you to call the Ambrose couple to come here, right? Then do it!”

    “Are you a fool? You think calling them to come here is to jolly? This blackmailer has other plans and the couple could get hurt! You know how much I like Vaughn especially!” 

    “But you’re dying! Would you rather die? Mum suffered three lost children before you stayed so think twice! You’re not dying, I will not allow you to die!” Axel yelled, wiping his tears.

    Four fisted his palms, hitting them on the ground repeatedly as the pains slashed through him again. 

    One would think he’s epileptic with the way he’s wriggling on the ground. His blood stained everywhere, and his neck vein elongated.

    “Uhhhhhh!!!!!!” He groaned, slamming his fists on the floor again. His knuckles peeled, and his eyes began rotating.

    Axel quickly shut the door to stop the groan from reaching outside.

    “Call the Ambrose couple, now!” He shouted desperately, kicking Four’s phone to him.

    Four took the phone, his eyes seeing red as he searched for Rue’s line in his contacts…

    •Next Morning•

    Four woke up to find himself in bed. Blood gone. Tears gone. Sweat dried.

    He sat up startled, and he was even more surprised to see he’s already wearing his shirt back.

    Axel came in carrying a tray, containing a cup of tea.

    He dropped the tray on the bed, then he sat in front of Four.

    “I know you love gin, so I stole some from the cellar and mixed the tea with it. You should drink when it’s still hot.” He said, offering him the cup of tea.

    Four looked on, not understanding a thing. When did he fall asleep?

    He was about to query further about that when Pedro came in, holding a small envelope.

    “Hera is the only one who sends you silly love letters through posting. The post office brought this, probably from her.” He said.

    Four snatched the packet from him, tearing it open.

    He brought out the small note that’s inside and read…

    • Job done. You did well. Take the antidote immediately.

    He looked into the base of the package and saw a white single pill. Must be the antidote.

    “The… Ambrose couple…did they come here last night?” He asked without breaths in his lungs.

    “Rue and Vaughn? Nope. You made them draw more than twenty paintings for you last month. Didn’t we tell you that you won’t be inviting them over till next month? Let the couple rest their fingers.” Pedro smiled.

    Yulia ran into the room suddenly, breaths shaky and chest the same.

    “The news…the…news.”

    Four was the first to tear out of the the room, running downstairs. His steps stopped in front of the television, and the news he met made him almost die.

    Rue and Vaughn, the popular painters from Kalynda. They got in an accident at the end of a cliff last night when they were travelling to an unknown location, and they both…died?

    “It’s not our own Rue and Vaughn, right?” Pedro shook his head.

    Yulia sat on the couch and began crying, even Axel.

    “No…” Four shivered, shifting back from the tv. He took a flower vase and threw it at the screen, breaking it to bits.

    “No!!! It’s untrue! They’re not dead! They’re not!!!”

    “Four!” Pedro grabbed him in a firm hold with his shoulders, but Four broke free, kicking and wailing.

    “It’s not true!! It’s not true! They’re not gone!!!”

    He was acting insane, and his bones suddenly turned harder than it was.

    That vein stretched on his neck, shocking both parents.

    “Four!!!” Pedro and Yulia shouted in a deep chorus, fear gripping them.

    “Big… brother.” Axel stuttered.

    Four’s fingers travelled to his hair, and a small deranged laughter crackled from his throat.

    “I’m disgusting. A pig.” He muttered, going back upstairs.

    “Four!!” Pedro and Yulia went after him with Axel.

    His room door was already locked when they got there.

    And that was the start of the indoor self-trap.

                 • Present Time •

    Four is still standing in front of the college gate.

    But he’s now conscious of his surroundings, conscious of the students who’re staring at him, and the breeze against his sweaty skin.

    He got into a taxi down the road.

    “The base?” The driver asked.

    Four replied with a simple nod. He’s gonna return to the base and tell Teal he’s responsible for the death of her father and Rue.

    She deserves to know that before this gets any worse cos obviously…Rue is getting revenge on him.

    The president is surely the blackmailer.

    Rue is seeking revenge on him and the president, and it’s understandable.

    Now she needs to face the two of them and leave the citizens alone.

    Cos if that next attack happens, then thousands will die.

    And before Rue gets to the president, he’s gonna have to make him pay for giving him this ugly scar first.

    He dipped his hands into the side pocket of his uniform, bringing out the small single antidote pill sent by the blackmailer.

    He didn’t take it since then. He doesn’t deserve to take it.

    [Ring Building]

    “Why…?” Teal held Rue by the arms very firmly. “Why!!!”

    “You grew your hair, so I expected a lotta changes to come with the growth, and I wasn’t wrong. But aren’t you being rude? You’re seeing me after 17 years, and the first thing you ask is why?” Rue glared cruelly.

    “No matter what you’ve been through, you shouldn’t involve the citizens!! The citizens did nothing wrong, but you’ve killed thousands!! So you made it alive all these while, and you hid in the dark, developed you skills and began your lunacy? You couldn’t even come see me? You were more concerned with revenge than your actual daughter? If you’re that interested in revenge, you should have killed the president!!” Teal yelled, pushing her away.

    “Add Empress to that list… she’s the same person who made the powder for Spyros to destroy my womb when I was in jail with Vaughn!” Rue pushed Teal too.

    Teal’s eyes came wide, tears welling inside.

    “W..what!”

    Rue took a deep breath, smiling…”I had to beg Vaughn to sleep with another woman so he wouldn’t die childless cos of me. We hired a woman… Anassa. Vaughn laid her, and she had you, then she handed you over and we payed her off. You automatically became my daughter.” Rue said without breathing.

    Teal took a step back, eyes unable to blink and knees turning weak. She just got the second hit, and it pierced her like a bullet.

    “An..assa?”

    “I purposely made Boma the attack location the other time so you’d meet her. You should thank me for that.” Rue smiled.

    Teal’s phone buzzed, she checked with hot breaths.

    It’s Uncle Paul.

    Uncle P: I have a lot to tell you about your biological mother. It’s not Rue, it’s someone else. Rue is actually USMAN. Don’t get anxious, we’ll talk better after I get Dave out of the lion’s den.

    Teal looked up slowly, her eyes clashing with Rue’s who’s still standing in front of her with that funky smile.

    “Where is my dad?” She asked, surprised by her own calmness.

    “He didn’t survive the accident, unfortunately. He covered my body with his own during the accident.” Rue replied.

    Teal covered her mouth with her palm, crying slowly.

    “Dad….”

    Her sounds were shallow but painful, muffled by her palm.

    Rue came closer again, her smile disappearing.

    “And now you’ve played enough games with Four. Cos he’s included in my last plan.” She said.

    Teal’s wet, ruthless eyes snapped to her immediately, and she grabbed Rue violently by the neck, nearly breaking it as she threw her back.

    Rue staggered heavily to the wall, smirking with a cutting glare. Her back made a thick thud.

    “If you touch Eros, that’ll be the end of us…I mean me and you. Don’t go near him, you’ve done enough, and stop the craziness about hurting the citizens! Go after the President and Empress!!”

    “And Four!! He called us out of the house that night! He’s working with the president, so don’t ever believe whatever he says! Four is the main reason we left the house that night! We weren’t supposed to leave the ranch but he dragged us with his lies!!” Rue roared.

    Teal’s head was smoking. It’s cloudy and choky at the same time. She went still. “What did you… just…say?”

                     • Teal’s Age 7 •

    [Ambrose Ranch]

    It’s the early hours of the night, and the couple already finished eating dinner of veggies and chicken, but Teal is still by the dinning table, eating the leftovers.

    The parents sat across her, watching her eat with smiles. 

    Vaughn might not be seeing her, but as he sat there with his black shades, Rue explained how Teal is eating to him.

    “Can you stop that? It’s creepy. Don’t tell him details.” Teal said with a sharp eye roll.

    “Darling, are you still mad about the castle?” Vaughn smiled.

    Teal dropped her spoon and stood.

    “Yes! I mean…why wouldn’t I be allowed to follow you? The DeVille couple bought my ugly big dipper painting for a million, and I’m dying to meet them and say thanks, but you’re telling me I can’t follow you cos the first son of the house hates noise? Fine, I’m a very loud person, but I promise to behave and not make a sound throughout our stay…”

    “Lies…we both know you’re noise, and noise is you. You’re the same person who got sick when we visited the temple for a sleepover cos it was too quiet. You can’t go to the Castle, Teal. And besides… we’re not going to the Castle again till next month.” Rue said.

    “So that next month, I can follow?” Teal smiled.

    “No.” Rue and Vaughn chorused.

    Teal’s smile disappeared, and Rook entered the house.

    “It’s ball time, Battery!” He announced.

    “Even better.” She rolled eyes at both parents and left the house with Rook.

    “She’s so recalcitrant.” Rue muttered.

    “She took that from you,” Vaughn commented, removing his glasses.

    His eyes are widely open, and they look totally fine and healthy.

    “When are we gonna tell her you can actually see? The whole world might think you’re a blind man, but she deserves to know the truth.” Rue said seriously.

    “Soon. I’ll find a good time to tell her. I’ve regained my sight before we even became college students, and it’s been a long time, so telling her means she’s gonna get really mad. You know how her temper is, timing is important.” Vaughn sighed.

    Rue placed her head on his arm, he stroked her hair fondly.

    On the table, Rue’s phone buzzed alive, she picked it up with a drag.

    “It’s the first son calling… Four”

    “Really? But Lady Yulia said we’re not to draw paintings till next month.” Vaughn replied.

    “I’ve never believed in that, you know how much Four is obsessed with ink.” Rue smiled, picking the call.

    “Can you come paint a birthday present for me tonight? It’s my birthday.” Four’s voice spoke up, and the couple stood at the same time.

    “Your birthday? How come we’re just hearing about it? The day is almost over…it’s 10pm!” Vaughn said surprisingly.

    “Mum must have forgotten, and it must have skipped my mind since I don’t fancy parties. But I don’t care…I just need a new painting to look at. The drive here should be 3hrs if you’re fast, I’ll pay for everything.” Four replied.

    The couple didn’t argue.

    They left the ranch that night in their new brown car, and Rue got busy singing along with the playing song on the stereo.

    Vaughn slid his glasses into the drawer so he’d concentrate more on the driving. Thanks to the tinted windows, they’re covered from the prying eyes of the townspeople.

    “Spyros…” Rue suddenly released a sigh.

    “Why are you bringing that name up again. Don’t remind me of the start of our misery.” Vaughn replied.

    “He has people watching us, I believe.” Rue said.

    “Why would he still be interested in our lives after everything he did? He’s the president now, we’re the least of his problems.” Vaughn said.

    “But yesterday when I was at the town supermarket, I saw strange guards behind me and—”

    Rue stopped talking, eyes balling wide when she saw a coming car. It’s coming directly for them like it was sent, and the driver’s face is hidden.

    “Noo!!!!!!!!!” The couple shrieked, the horror of the night registering in their wide eyes till the car crashed into their own. Vaughn quickly covered Rue with his own body.

    The car is bigger, so their car took the heaviest hit, rolling out of the road completely. Two somersaults brought it back to land, but it didn’t stop.

    The car geared down the swampy area, crossing trees and fallen branches, rounding one more somersault before it arrived at the edge of the forest cliff.

    It didn’t wait. It was sharp.

    The car fell inside, taking several stones along with it.

                      • Present Time •

    Teal is already squatting, bawling out her eyes and also smiling devastatingly as her eyes closed and opened, red streaks decorating it.

    Rue squatted beside her, touching her shoulder gently…

    “I also did nothing to deserve what Spyros and Empress and the rest did to me! I did nothing to deserve what Prof Kai did! Vaughn did nothing to deserve everything! We were too innocent, and the world took advantage of that, so I switched it up. I became their worse nightmare. Where is the fun if I just kill Spyros and his cohorts? Where is the fun if I had ended them fast? The whole world deserves to have a taste of that wickedness!” 

    Teal’s tears slowed, but it didn’t stop as she looked up, her eyes meeting with Rue’s.

    “You might not be my biological daughter, but I raised you, and I love you, and I would never harm you, I’d rather die. I’ve been watching you from the shadows since long ago, and I came out today cos It’s hightime you avenge your father with me.” Rue muttered, the heat of the venom in her eyes so contagious.

    Teal could feel it in every pore.

    She stood up when another person appeared in the building, and she wasn’t even shocked to see it’s Theo.

    “Meet my first human robot. I made him two years ago, and he has been efficient till now.” Rue introduced.

    Theo bowed respectfully to Teal, but he didn’t say a word.

    “You ready, darling? I’ll introduce you to my world of science and art and tech, and also… you’ll get to see your father’s grave.” Rue rubbed Teal’s back.

    Teal didn’t nod nor talk, but her red eyes says yes, so Rue smiled, removing the band from her ponytail to release the long strands of hair.

    The hair covered Teal’s face, she didn’t bother to brush them away.

    “Spyros will probably get arrested by the cops soon, but they don’t know he’s mine yet. I’ll take him right in front of them, and that’s where the war starts from before it’d stretch to Four and the others.” Rue said.

    Teal looked at her, their eyes meeting and sharing the same blaze.

    “This way,” Theo pointed.

    Rue was still rubbing Teal’s back as they both walked to the door, leaving the building completely.

    Theo followed behind.

    [Therapeia Underground Annex]

    “We have to drop her from the tub, ma’am. Electric bed works better to multiply neurons, and we do not have that. She might die like Hera.” An assistant panicked behind Empress.

    Empress turned around so fast, her eyes inhuman. “If it fails to work on her too, then y’all better get ready cos I’ll be throwing everyone inside one after the other!”

    The assistants seemed to freeze after that, so she turned back to the tub where Gem is struggling for her life.

    Dave entered the annex, and when he saw Hera’s body on the ground and The Marquis laying unconscious beside her, he stopped.

    But his eyes widened when he saw Gem inside the tub.

    “You said you wanted to go pick up something, you’re late.” Empress faced him.

    “Paul was questioning me,had to tell him lies.” Dave said carefully.

    “I hate that man,” Empress hissed, turning back to the tub again.

    Gem is still struggling inside.

    Dave counted the seconds with his breaths, and at the third second, he pulled a stun gun out of his pocket, hitting Empress’s back with it.

    It was surely unexpected cos Empress trembled roughly before dropping on the ground.

    The assistants came for Dave at the same time, but one punch from him to each one of them was enough.

    They all fell unconscious like Empress.

    Dave flung one of the laptops at the water tub, breaking it down.

    Water filled the annex, reaching his calves. Gem’s body fell out limply.

    “Gem!” Dave ran to get her up. 

    Her body is slippery with the water, but she helped herself to stand on her feet. Obviously, she wants to live.

    “You…you know my name?” She muttered.

    “This ain’t the time for chats, let’s go.” Dave pulled her.

    She followed.

    They jointly opened the ward doors of the other patients. There are fifteen of them.

    Dave and Gem led the way, and the other fifteen patients followed into the tunnel, the sounds of their feet pounding the ground so heavy, rivalling drums of war.

    But then, things didn’t go as smoothly as expected, cos just when they were about to get to the thin door, the giant annex dogs broke out.

    They look starved, hungry, angry.

    Dave pulled the door open, then he began pushing the patients out one by one as the dogs came at them.

    “This door leads to another. Code is 4QRK. You can only try once so don’t miss. Go, and don’t turn back!” Dave shouted, shielding them from the dogs with his body.

    When the dogs finally got to them, they focused on him since he’s blocking their way.

    His arms, legs, body and stomach. Their teeth entered every hole on his skin, but he kept shielding the patients out though.

    “Sir!!!” Gem shouted from outside, crying bitterly as she watched his dripping blood and tearing flesh.

    “I said go!!! Your boyfriend is waiting! You must take these patients out at all costs, ok? No matter what!” Dave smiled, and one of the dogs tore his lap skin with the paw nails.

    “Sir!!!!” Gem cried loudly again, holding the gate metals.

    “Go!!!!!!!!!!” Dave yelled painfully, hitting the gate.

    Gem led the other patients away in a fast run, and immediately they left, Empress appeared from the annex corner with her assistants.

    They finally woke up.

    “I knew I smelled betrayal from you. Too bad you became food for my dogs.” Empress shrugged.

    “Follow the patients, none of them must get out, especially Gem Number 44!” She yelled at the assistants.

    They ran out the extra door, and Empress’s phone came alive with a buzz.

    890: Tomorrow, Ring building.

    “Usman?” Her eyes stretched.

    “Finally? You’ve decided to meet me? Finally?” She smiled. “Yes!!” 

    [President’s Mansion]

    The warrant took more than five hours.

     Jason and Mr. Yuri arrived at the mansion at two minutes to midday.

    They came with nearly all cops from the bureau for the search, and when they showed the warrant at the door, their entry was automatically approved into the mansion.

    Unluckily for President Spyros and Katerina, they were both carrying Quentin and Xanthe out for the drive to the airport when the entry happened.

    They’re at the staircase, so they froze with the guards behind them.

    Spyros was controlling the wideness of his eyes, but he was helpless cos it kept widening.

    Katerina was worse, her mouth is included in the wideness when she saw Jason with the police men.

    “It wasn’t wrong after all.” Mr. Yuri spoke with obvious disgust.

    “We were taking them to the hospital, they drank too much and got sick.” Katerina lied, and Mr. Yuri laughed.

    “I’m not a fool, Katerina. We got a report of the president keeping his son in a house custody, so I trailed the news, and here we are, but not only your son but another guy? Isn’t he your brother, Katerina?” Mr. Yuri sneered.

    “How dare you break into the house of the president!! How dare you even step into the estate!!” President Spyros yelled.

    “Get him arrested, throw him in solitary for a year till I’d decide what to do with him!”

    The inner mansion guards were already stalking to Mr. Yuri when he raised the arrest warrant.

    There are two papers.

    “I got one from the regional bureau and I got one from the national! This is a country with law, and you swore during your inauguration that if anything suspectable occurs during your presidency, you’d cooperate with the law! President Spyros Dimitris, are you going against your own words now?” Mr. Yuri glared.

    President Spyros went mute, and his guards also went still. Mrs. Katerina has never been this spelled.

    “Take the boys from them.” Mr. Yuri ordered the cops.

    They moved immediately, taking both Quentin and Xanthe from them.

    The boys were lay on the ground, and Jason quickly brought a bottled water out of his jacket pocket. He kept it her for sudden matters like this.

    He sprinkled water on the guys, and it looked like they won’t react at first, but Xanthe suddenly coughed back to life, then Quentin.

    “Xanthe!” Jason knelt beside him.

    “Quentin?” Mr. Yuri tapped Quentin.

    Xanthe’s eyes opened with a flick, and then they widened as he sat up.

    “Jason? You came for me?” 

    “I always keep to my promises.” Jason smiled, and Xanthe hugged him unexpectedly, so tight and intimate.

    Jason’s eyes almost widened, but he just smiled and hugged him back.

    “You ok, Quentin?” Mr. Yuri tapped him again.

    President Spyros and Katerina are both shivering obviously right now.

    “I’m… I’m still alive?” Quentin blinked, looking around.

    His eyes popped when he saw Katerina and Spyros and the multitude of cops.

    He spranged up, rushing to Katerina. He grabbed her by the collar.

    “Quentin!” She gasped.

    “I am your blood brother! Why would you connive with this trashy president to harm me!! I could have died on the staircase if not for Xanthe!!” He yelled.

    “I didn’t know about the staircase incident till it happened!!” Katerina said in defense.

    “Even if you knew, you would have supported the motion cos all your life you’ve always been the president’s shadow!” Quentin pushed her roughly.

    She staggered on the staircase below, and Xanthe finally stood from the ground, facing Spyros who looks like he doesn’t know how to talk anymore.

    “Were you gonna send us outta the country to keep us shut, daddy?” He muttered, going closer.

    Hush fell in the mansion, and Spyros moved his mouth to talk, but he couldn’t.

    “You were obsessed with Rue despite the fact that she was with Vaughn! When she wouldn’t do your wish, you stole their reports and graduated as the best student with it! You cancelled their medical license, sent them to jail, you ruined Rue’s womb, made them poorer than poor! They returned to their hometown, Rue miraculously gave birth to Teal, and you still went ahead to kill them in that accident!! And after killing them, you want their daughter for me cos you want Rue’s bloodline? What the fûck is your name!!! You’re not human, you’re an animal so tell me what your name is. Snake? No, you’re more venomous than a snake you Lucifer!!!” Xanthe cried painfully.

    He grabbed Skyros by the collar of his tang suit, and Spyros just stood there, allowing him.

    Mr. Yuri was recording every of his utterance, and the cops were too stunned. Jason is just there, looking at the hurt and pains in Xanthe’s eyes.

    “I’m so ashamed to be your son! I’m so ashamed!! I’m so ashamed!!!! Please just kill me! I want to die!!!” Xanthe yelled.

    “Teal isn’t Rue’s daughter though. He succeeded in ruining her womb so Rue hired a woman for Vaughn to impregnate.” Jason supplied.

    “You’re not my father…” Xanthe muttered, his face wet with waterworks as he locked eyes with the president.

    “I did everything you said, but killing her? I didn’t kill Rue and Vaughn! I wasn’t involved in the accident! I wouldn’t kill Rue!” Spyros said.

    “Stop lying!!!” Xanthe shoved him back. Spyros staggered on Katerina who’s just standing.

    “Don’t lie, I’m sick of it!”

    “I’m not lying! I wouldn’t lie at this stage! I didn’t kill Rue and Vaughn!!” Spyros stood back.

    “So who killed them?” Xanthe demanded.

    “I know who.” Quentin spoke up, and it’s like fire entered the mansion immediately as everyone faced him.

    “The person was obsessed with Spyros just the way Spyros was obsessed with Rue, and she has been secretly enjoying Spyros inhumanity towards the couple.” Quentin said.

    Katerina pulled him, but he pushed her away as fast as possible. Katerina fell back.

    “I read your phone diary! Wicked people shouldn’t keep diaries yunno? I read everything last autumn, I know everything, and that’s why I’ve been frequenting the base!” Quentin snapped.

    “She was the happiest when Rue and Vaughn returned to their hometown. Then Spyros became President, and she became his secretary. She was happier, but then she found out Spyros was still monitoring Rue in their hometown, and she didn’t like the fact that he still wasn’t over Rue, so she made the accident plan, but Rue and Vaughn would never travel outside Kalynda except if they got invitation to the Castle, so she used the only way possible…She used Four.” Quentin continued…

    “She blackmailed him at age 11, threatened him and burned him with a poisoned branding iron. The iron is in her room at home, and I’ll bring it over if y’all need it.”

    “She blackmailed him till his 12th birthday when he finally gave in and called the couple to the Castle. On their way to the Castle, she killed them in that accident. The car she used to hit their car is parked in our old garage at our former house!!” Quentin yelled.

    “Who’re you talking about?” Mr. Yuri asked to be sure.

    With slowness, Quentin faced Mrs. Katerina, smirking disappointedly.

    “Katerina, my sister. The president’s secretary.”

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 85&86

    Twisted Empire – Episode 85&86

     

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 85&86

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    Blood.

    There’s blood everywhere in the washroom.

    On the walls, on the floor, on the ceilings, on the light switch, on the zinc bowls. Even on the other side of the door.

    It’s like a warfront, like a human sacrifice happened here.

    Paint would have smelled of acrylic or chemicals, but this ain’t it. 

    This is blood, and definitely human blood cos of the way it’s cascading.

    And in the middle of the room, Four’s black shirt lay blood-soaked. Shredded as if a magical wild animal had attacked him.

    Teal’s palm pushed against her mouth, muffling another scream and stopping it from coming out.

    “Eros?” She whispered, taking one and two steps into the room as slowly as possible.

    The echo of her own voice slammed back into her ears.

    “Eros?” She did the second call, the blood on the ground sticking to the base of her shoe and causing it to gum. She had to make extra efforts to raise her legs.

    “Eros!!!!!!” She yelled madly, the beating of her chest turning erratic and out of control. She’s asphyxiating so bad, and her flesh seems to be burning from the inside.

    Then she saw it. The fourth wall.

    Amidst the blood, there are four block letter words written with darker blood, so it stood out.

    FIND US, TEAL. ~ USMAN.

    “Usman? Usman…” She muttered, fear creeping it’s way under the cages of her cold mind.

    First thing she did was take off her heels since it’s useless at this point.

    Their servers entered the room. 3 of them.

    They must have somehow heard her first scream.

    “Are you ok, ma?” They asked at the same time, but Teal’s stunned eyes stayed on the wall, and they entered the room fully, stepping into the blood.

    They screamed.

    All three of them, and one of them even passed out on the blood.

    The cops were contacted, and Teal picked her phone from the ground, but ink already covered the screen, so she took a phone from a server, dialling Four’s line since she knows it offhand.

    Throughout her countless rings, all she heard is the line is out of reach.

    She ran out of the mansion completely, her asphyxiation getting worse. Her heart clocked faster than a clock, till she arrived outside.

    Nothing. No lead, no trace.

    Nothing at all.

    It’s like a fever dream, horrific and at the same time unreal.

    This must be unreal. How could Four be captured as simply as that?

    How???

    But it’s Usman, and Four has a weakness scar on his back. So it’s all played out like cards in front of her.

    Four…he has been taken.

    [Jason’s Place]

    It’s a small green mansion that’s on the first street away from the cantonment, so it’s not very far from the base.

    Jason’s left hand is in his pocket, but his right hand is holding toasted bread which he’s biting and eating as he strolled into his room where Xanthe is in bed, unconscious.

    On their way back from the institute raid, Xanthe had lost consciousness, and he hasn’t woken since then.

    He expected his unconsciousness, just not to the point of almost 24 hrs.

    The President and Mrs. Katerina have been blowing up his phone with calls, Jason had to study his usual texting style before texting them that he’s fine and he’d be away from home for a while.

    “Softie.” He chuckled, sitting beside Xanthe in bed. His arm is bandaged, resulting from how he had broke the institute power room window with it.

    He took another huge bite from his toasted bread, then he picked up his phone.

    “Why is my General not calling yet? We should be planning on the Ambrose couple case already.” He muttered, dropping his bread.

    “Is he spending time with his betrothed?” He weighed that possibility before clicking on his number.

    He was about to dial it when Xanthe’s lashes moved, his eyes opened.

    “Finally, welcome back to lalaland.” Jason stood, smiling down at him.

    Xanthe sat up, touching his head before pressing his back to the pillow.

    “Since when did I pass out?” 

    “It’s nearing 24 hours now, softhearted cat.” Jason chuckled, sitting with him.

    His phone started the annoying ring again, and Xanthe took it. It’s Mrs. Katerina calling.

    “She and your father have been calling, had to text then that you’re staying away from home for a while.” Jason said.

    “Good,” Xanthe switched his phone off and dropped it.

    “You have no one except her and your father? I was expecting calls from females. Yunno…fine shyts, but you’ve got no friends at all. You’re boring.” Jason said bluntly.

    “Shut up, what happened to the footage?” Xanthe looked up.

    “Gave it to my General, he submitted it to the three arms of government. General Pedro’s name got cleared.” Jason explained.

    “And the institute?” 

    “Empress and her assistants are nowhere to be found. Her annex is empty, dogs are gone. But she didn’t take the patients at the main building, so the government moved them to another hospital.” Jason further explained.

    “That old hag,” Xanthe muttered. “She became influential cos of dad. She attended UNN too.” Xanthe said.

    “That’s hot tea, tell me more so I can get it right. My General would love this.” Jason shifted closer.

    “Why do you call him your General?” Xanthe asked.

    Jsdon took his bread and had another bite before talking… “He’s my everything. I owe him my life.” 

    “How?”

    “Darn, you’re asking too much. Well, when he was still encamped in his room, I got into an accident. I’m talking about a fatal accident where I broke my legs and was almost braindead. When I woke up, I was tired of life. I mean…I was an athlete, so without my legs, how would I make a life? Also, the money I needed to make a surgery trial was much, and I was just a underdog athlete who had nothing to his name

    “Back then, there was a radio show called Help The Hopeless, my parents signed me up, and luckily for me, General was a listener of that show. I was about to jump down the window of my hospital ward when my parents came in with news that someone has volunteered to sponsor my surgery.” 

    “Interesting,” Xanthe nodded. “I guess there are a type of people he’s kind to, and another type that he’s cruel to.” 

    He lifted his sleeves, revealing his gunshot scar from when Four shot him.

    “You touched what you shouldn’t have touched, or said something triggering. That’s the only way you’d get bullets from him.” Jason said.

    “Of course, Four defender.” Xanthe smirked.

    “Till death,” Jason smiled, taking his phone.

    “Why isn’t he calling and ordering me?” He mumbled worriedly as he dialled Four’s line.

    It’s out of reach.

    He lowered the phone from his ear, detecting immediately that everything is wrong.

    Four’s number is either off, busy, or unanswered. Never out of reach.

    “What’s up?” Xanthe got down from the bed when he saw how Jason went still.

    “Something bad happened, I can smell it.” Jason said, grabbing his jacket and rushing out of the room.

    “Wait up!” Xanthe ran after him.

    [Military Base, Male Barracks]

    Theo and Paine are busy playing video games on their phones, both sitting on their lower bunks and facing each other as opponents, phones heating in their hands.

    The sounds of their games are low cos they didn’t want to attract loitering Sergeants.

    Brent on the other hand sat alone on the top bunk, looking robbed of his last cash as he stared into space.

    The low sounds of their video games registered as white noise to his ears, but he couldn’t help the questions bubbling inside him.

    “Do you think Shannon likes Master Kash?” He asked before he knew it.

    Paine and Theo’s thumbs stopped moving on their screens at the same time, and their heads shot up at the same time, too.

    “I knew it, you’re as open as a book with your loudness. You’ve been grumpy since Master Kash entered the hall to console Shannon earlier, and I saw you leave the hall with hard eyes. Oh, that was soo… awesome to watch by the way.” Paine scoffed.

    “You always have nothing nice to offer.” Brent scoffed back.

    “Do I look nice? Don’t get me wrong. I’m rude, bad, and I’ve never denied it.” Paine scoffed again.

    “Don’t just talk to me.” Brent turned his back on him.

    “Do you like Shannon?” Theo asked.

    “Isn’t it obvious? Why ask?” Paine replied.

    “I don’t like her!” Brent faced them. “We’re friends, and I just feel like if she starts liking Master Kash, armies would start criticizing her cos of her sister.”

    “And you expect me to believe that bull? Do you see diapers on my butt?” Paine said, and Theo chuckled.

    “Just stop talking!” Brent flung a pillow at Paine which he dodged.

    “I think you like her, seriously.” Theo said.

    “I don’t!” Brent argued.

    “Oh but you do.” Rook replied, entering the room.

    “Not you again, Rook.” Brent lay on his bed.

    “Where have you been?” Theo stood.

    “At the detention, I was supposed to be in detention for a month for beating Stormy, remember? I was suddenly released after Battery’s ruined wedding, and I went to ask why. They told me I was just released, but it doesn’t make sense.” Rook said.

    “Of course it does, everything is weird in this base. When is the reshuffling again? I need to leave this room and change rooms, it’s tiring. And tell me our second tier training is starting tomorrow.” Paine said, getting down from the bed.

    “I think the newbies exam results would be out tomorrow, and after that, everything kicks off.” Rook replied.

    “Great, i’m gonna go watch the bonfire at the field.” Paine left the room.

    “Pain in the arse!” Brent shouted, going after him.

    Now it’s just Rook and Theo left. The other roommates must be at the field, too cos it’s the new recruits bonfire tonight.

    Suddenly, Theo’s palm slammed on Rook’s chest, shoving him to bed. 

    With a soft slam, Rook fell on the bunk mattress, and Theo came over him, slowly as if practiced.

    “What do we have here?” Rook said with a small etch of frown to his brows. It’s not completely a frown, though. It’s interest, knitted with readiness.

    Theo didn’t talk, just breathing heavily and hard till his lips found Rook’s. He kissed him, hard like his breath of life.

    Rook’s breaths shared in the harshness within a short second. He began breathing heavily too, his tempo syncing with Theo’s as their tongues threaded, curling and intertwining.

    Hands roamed bodies under shirts, groans welcomed groans. Sheets entangled around them, and in no time, Theo flung Rook’s shirt away from his body.

    “We won’t do this unless you’re ready, orexi. Don’t make me hurt you.” Rook whispered, trying hard to control his heat.

    “But I want you to hurt me, right now. Don’t say no.” Theo’s voice was heavy with lust, and Rook’s body took the message, ate his voice and regulated the lust with the need in his bloodstream.

    “F+ck …” He groaned, tossing Theo and stripping him off his shirt too. His mouth found his small n+pples, licking and biting and pulling.

    Theo grabbed the bunk metals, chest heaving uncontrollably and stomach hollowing down as Rook did his thing. He was getting rocky.

    Rook’s palms travelled every inch of his body, every line and muscles. Every ab and bicep. He touched every skin, and Theo found himself flattening with that surface, his body heat almost melting the mattress with the intensity.

    Rook’s full mouth returned to his lips, and as they resumed the peering kiss, their uniform trousers landed on the bed, getting take off by each of them.

    The blankets covered their midsections as Rook lifted Theo’s right leg, kissing the skin and leaving hotness with his tongue, handling it with insane care like it’s an egg.

    Theo leaned on the pillow with his elbows, watching with attentive eyes and moaning in a ladylike voice, breathing like he’s marathoning. His d+ck hardened more, puncturing through the covering blankets.

    Rook dropped that leg and moved to the second leg, kissing it up to his laps again. The moment he dropped it, Theo raised his leg voluntarily, touching Rook’s n+pple with his biggest toe.

    Rook’s head went back, chest tightening with his fast heartbeats as Theo continued, his toe caressing the dark n+pple till he brought the leg down Rook’s stomach.

    Their eyes locked, and Rook stayed still, letting the leg go lower and lower, reaching his bellybutton…

    Lower.

    It reached his covering blanket, and he yanked off the blanket, uncovering the d+ck.

    He obviously swallowed, and Rook smiled, liking that shocked effect before spinning him.

    Theo faced the bed, and Rook got lube from his drawer, wetting his arse coldly with the liquid.

    Theo’s face went flat on the mattress, and the moment Rook inserted it into him, he tightened around him, choking his shaft.

    “Don’t… don’t stop…” Theo grunted.

    “I won’t…orexi. I won’t. Damn… you’re so hot.” Rook plastered his tongue to his neck, pushing further till he’s all the way inside.

    “I…. love you. Theodore.” Rook surprisingly confessed, but Theo just moaned loudly in response as Rook began the thrusts.

    Hard. Rough. Fast.

    “Ohhh…. Ahhh!…Rook!”

    [Female Barracks]

    Morgan sat alone on her bed, eating snacks from a bowl which is caged on her laps. She’s sitting face-to-face to April’s bed which is now empty.

    April moved to her own Unit immediately she was appointed as Sergeant.

    Morgan is the only one inside. Others are at the field, attending bonfire with the newbies.

    Shannon has gone MIA since dusk. She left the base with Cassie, and she has no idea where they went.

    She’s eating her snacks alone, idling on her phone when April came in.

    “Sergeant April…” She quickly got from from the bed for greetings, but April raised her hand, stopping her.

    “Where’s Shannon?”

    “She left with Cassie earlier, dunno where they went.” Morgan replied.

    April turned around to leave immediately…

    “Can I leave with you? I have no one to talk to here.” Morgan said.

    “Do I look like someone you can talk to? You’re not Shannon Norris or Teal Ambrose.” April glared back.

    “I know… I’m Morgan Hall, the bî+ch. But I just…”

    April was already walking out at this point.

    Morgan quickly dropped her snack bowl, smiling as she ran after her.

    [Yulia’s Suite]

    Yulia is in charge of the exam scripts, and she’s almost done marking.

    Out of 100, 90+ are good enough, so the remaining few are still gonna get chased away tomorrow.

    She’s left with just one script to mark, but somehow, she’s feeling odd. This unshakeable feeling of restlessness.

    She has no idea where it’s coming from, but she could feel it in every inhalation of her air.

    She dropped her pen on the remaining one script and stood. The moment she took a step out of her study table, she mistakingly hit the table lamp. The lamp fell and broke, scattering glasses on the ground.

    Superstition? Yeah.

    Yulia is superstitious. She’s the same person who wandered temples when she was praying for a child to stay, so she’s madly into fetishes.

    She stared at the ruined lamp on the ground, her eyes widening a so much.

    “Giant spider.” She muttered, grabbing her phone.

    She dialled his line and heard it’s out of reach, her fear escalated.

    She dialled Teal’s line, but it’s off.

    “No…no no…no!” She was chanting as she dialled Jason’s line.

    “Ma’am?” Jason cake through immediately.

    “Out of reach, his line.” She swallowed.

    “I got it, I’m currently on my way to the base to meet you. I tried tracing his last location but can’t. It has been untraceable.” Jason said.

    “What! Wait…not the base. It’s moussaka mansion. He went on a date with Teal and even her line is off.” She said.

    “We meet there.” Jason hung up.

    Yulia wore her slip-ons the and rushed out of the Suite, meeting Kash outside.

    “I was coming to profer help with the markings.” He said.

    “Four, I think he’s in danger.” She replied.

    Kash’s eyes widened.

    [Allegra’s Unit]

    With her phone to her ear, Allegra stood by the window, dialling Sierra’s line in repeat.

    Sierra isn’t picking.

    Stormy is behind in bed, looking as helpless as Allegra.

    “Why is she not picking? Why? What exactly happened earlier? She left with Lady Yulia and the General but… where did they take her to?” Allegra muttered.

    “They didn’t kill her, did they?” Stormy said behind.

    “If you have nothing soothing to say, just shut it…ok?” Allegra snapped at her.

    “Look, I’m only stating possibilities. She’s Empress’s child, and it was found out that Empress is behind General Pedro’s death. What if they revenged by killing Sierra too?” Stormy stood.

    Allegra held the window, her palms squeezing into it.

    “No. That can’t happen. She’s our shield here. I’m still waiting for her to come avenge what April did to me, so that can’t be the case. If Sierra dies, we’re done for.” Allegra said.

    Stormy sat back, and Allegra’s phone rang with Quentin’s call. She ignored.

    [Zeus Hospital]

    Cassie finally payed this month’s bill after days of delay.

    Her agent is still off the grid, and she didn’t even meet him in his place when she went for him.

    So she sold her diamond ring…the one Axel married her with.

    She sold it and payed the bill with it.

    She’s in the ward with Shannon, and they’re both staring at their vegetative father.

    “I just hope he wakes soon. He needs to witness just how shameless his daughter is.” Shannon muttered.

    “I had no choice…I had to do what was the best at the time.” Cassie said.

    “Stop talking” Shannon said without looking at her.

    “I swear, I was…

    “I said stop!” Shannon pushed her 

    Cassie’s back slammed on the wall, and she winced painfully, wriggling.

    Suspiciously, Shannon went to her, dragged down her gown zipper behind, revealing the big burn wound on her back.

    “Oh…good…I guess Axel gave you this gift. So romantic, a very hot love.” Shannon said without pity.

    “Don’t say that! I was trying my best to get you a better life!” Cassie raised her voice.

    Shannon pulled her out of the ward so she won’t disturb the old man’s wellness with her volume.

    “Don’t you dare say you did anything cos of me! You did everything you did cos of selfishness! You are selfish! Master Kash should be one of the richest Sergeant in the base by now, but cos of you, cos of us, cos of love, he sacrificed his richness to take care of dad! And what did you do? You threw it all away! You trashed it and showed him how slutty you are! All for Axel?” Shannon chastised.

    “Teal once said love is overrated—”

    “Money is bae?” Shannon cut her off.

    Cassie hiccupped.

    “It’s a popular chill phrase from Teal, and everyone of us in our squad has heard it from her once or twice. You’re listening to her? Teal? Are you insane? And don’t even tell me she pushed you into this… you’re just greedy, and I hope you regret it for the rest of your life. From now on, act like you don’t know me in that base. The only thing we have together is dad, and till he wakes, you’re nothing!” Shannon continued.

    She walked out on her, and Cassie wiped the tears in her eyes before they’d fall.

    She hiccupped again, looking around to make sure there are no nurses or doctors around before returning to the ward.

    [Marquis Mansion]

    Hera’s breathings aren’t regulated.

    They’re shaking, and she’s sweating gallons into her jumpsuit as she threw punches at the punching bag in the training room.

    Her trainer is behind her, putting her through and directing her every flow. Sweats shook from her brows to the ground between her legs, and as she thought about that day with Axel in the toilet, she punched harder.

    Axel only tried to fit himself inside, and when he couldn’t get it in, they stopped. And they call that sèx?

    She’s still a chaste virgin, and she’d say it anywhere.

    She landed another punch which shook her insides, and she quickly grabbed the bag for balance.

    “You’re doing just fine, miss Hera.” Her trainer said behind.

    The Marquis entered, smiling as he marched to her.

    “Any news?” She let go of the bag.

    “I got a tidbit just now, Sierra is dead. Was burnt to death by…you know who.”

    “Four? Great, I love that. I was starting to get queasy cos of that lady. Now what next?” She asked, following him out of the room.

    “Emily is probably in hiding, and she’d reach out soon. Get ready.” He replied.

    “I’ve never been more ready.”

    [Moussaka Mansion]

    There’s no backdoor in the mansion at all. Just the front door and the windows, then the emergency door in case of fire accident.

    Teal had checked out the emergency door, but it’s still as locked as it has been since it was built. Never been opened.

    So where? 

    Where did Usman take Four through?

    She’s getting mad, and her brain is not even supplying anything as Usman left no trace to follow.

    It was too clean except for the note on the wall.

    Cops are here already here, and the men are running around the mansion, trying to gather info.

    Teal refused interrogation. She’s not gonna sit and chatter with cops when Usman is probably doing wicked things to her Four right now.

    He’s always been so sensitive about that scar, which is why he even refused to tell her the origin, but one thing is for sure. It makes him weak when messed with.

    Teal raked her fingers through her hair, her madness escalating as the only bulb in her skull went off, leaving darkness. She heard a straight sound next.

    This is starting to feel like that night when she heard about her parents death.

                         • Age 7 •

    It’s a dark moonless night—starless, too. It’s the middle of fall when leaves shake off trees and make brown carpets on the roads and forests.

    This time of the year is when football becomes interesting to play at night. Luckily, there’s a playground in the middle of town that’s not far from the ranch.

    Teal and Rook are like the leaders of the football players. They bring the ball and pick out other kids that’s gonna play with them.

    Teal looks like a complete boy except for her pink small lips and girlish eyebrows which gave her out.

    Otherwise, she’s like a boy with her short trimmed hair and boy clothes.

    She’s in the same team as Rook, and they beat the opposing team with 3-1 that night.

    Their joy was toppling as they left the playground, and Teal was throwing the ball up in the air and catching as they made their way home.

    “You should grow your hair, pleaseee.” Rook begged for the umpteenth time.

    “I don’t wanna look girlish, don’t you get it? I wish I was born as a boy. I prefer dîck.” She replied.

    “You’re so difficult, even your parents have been begging you to grow this hair, but once it grows beyond your ears, you barb it off. I don’t like you boyish, and your boy clothes too.” Rook complained.

    “You don’t like me or anything, do you?” Teal faced him, tossing the ball at him which he caught.

    “I like you, it’s obvious.” Rook blinked, and Teal made faces.

    “Any day my parents decide to allow me follow them to that DeVille castle to meet the couple who bought my ugly painting, I’d start growing my hair.” She said.

    “Then when we got home, we’ll beg them together.” Rook assured.

    “For real? You can’t take it back.” Teal grabbed him.

    “Of course, let’s go.” They held hands.

    They even ran past Fletcher mansion—Rook’s house.

    They ran into Ambrose ranch, but they were slapped in the face with grief.

    Townspeople are in front of the ranch, and they all look like they’re crying but quickly wiped off their tears when they saw her coming.

    This convergence only happens whenever there’s a calamity in town, and Teal immediately figured it out when she couldn’t find her parents in the ranch.

    Her mum and dad’s rooms are empty.

    “Where are they? My parents?” She asked the converged townspeople.

    They stayed silent.

    “Where are my parents? They weren’t supposed to go deliver any painting today? Where are they!!”

    “The…the cliff… river” A woman stuttered.

    Teal’s arms dropped, eyes squeezing.

    “An accident…” Another woman added.

    “What!” The ball dropped from Rook.

    Teal dashed out of the house, the bandana in her hair falling off as she slammed out of the small gate, tearing into the streets.

    Her tears were already falling.

    Her head making straight noises.

    Madness threatening to enter her.

    As her foot slammed against the town road, she ran towards the cliff.

    Broken and tearful.

    “Mum … Dad.”

                     • Present Time •

    Teal is feeling it all-over again.

    The numbness. The fear. The panic.

    How would she find Usman whom she doesn’t even know if he exists?

    No lead. Nothing.

    And that’s the hardest part.

    If Usman left any clue, she’d be chasing it instead of standing here.

    Yulia, Kash, Jason and Xanthe came in, and she faced them with pained face.

    Merely seeing that look, Yulia knew her suspicions were right.

    Four got taken.

    Jason, Kash and Xanthe went inside to check the washroom.

    Yulia hugged Teal tight, and Teal finally let out her tears like a kid.

    “My husband… he’s… he’s.”

    “Shh,” Yulia hushed. “Four will be fine.”

    Meanwhile, outside the mansion, a black car is parked, and inside it, Mrs. Katerina sat poignantly.

    Quietly, she brought her phone to her ear, on to the President.

    “Saw Xanthe entering the moussaka mansion, send guards over to get him. And one more thing… Four might have been taken.” she reported.

    [Therapeia Mental Institute, Underground Annex]

    This area is like a duplicate of the upper annex.

    Same number of rooms, same number of lights, same settings.

    The five assistants are busy administering the needed dosages on the special mental patients since Empress fell back unconscious.

    Empress’s head is roundly bandaged, and she’s laying on a separate bed in a separate room.

    Sierra’s burnt body is laying on the bed beside her.

    Empress woke with a jerk, and the moment her fingers clicked on her belly, she opened her eyes.

    The assistants rushed to help her uo, but she stopped them and sat up by herself.

    She got down from the bed, staring deeply at Sierra’s body and laughing out suddenly.

    “She’s still so beautiful even when burnt, no one can ever beat her.” She slurred, touching her unrecognizable burnt face.

    “Burnt and still pretty… you’re one of a kind, sweetie.” She laughed again, the sound horrifying.

    “I’m gonna need a wig and makeup kit for her. New dress and shoes too. I need to dress her up and make her look prettier before grave.” She said, stroking her burnt layers of skin.

    An assistant left to get it all done immediately.

    “And put me on a call to Kalynda, I should speak to her father and tell him his daughter is no more.” She muttered.

    Another assistant left to get that done.

    In the opposite room, Number 44 sat on her bed, her wrists chained to the metals on the wall, and her eyes completely droopy and lifeless as she stared at Empress.

    Empress faced her, smiling that sick, haunting smile again.

    “Don’t worry, 44. Everyone already thinks you’re dead. And there’s no way you’re leaving this place cos now I’ve just been empowered.” She said, cracking her neck.

    She put on her glasses.

    “You shouldn’t have killed my daughter, Yulia.”

    “We got the closer pictures of the intruders from the footage. They’re not clear, but you might recognize them.” The most trusted assistant said from the last room.

    Empress smirked.

    [Military Base, 11PM ~ Level 3 Prison]

    Located in the underground slum of the base, the only sound here is the creaking of insects as they sojourned the cold grounds.

    The coldest place in this base is here.

    The most pathetic place is here.

    The most inhumane place is here.

    Small bits of sugar cubes, rotten meat slabs, and sweets were gummed to the grounds and walls, and those layers are enough to attract insects, ants and bugs.

    There are houseflies buzzing, venomous ants and spiders, bugs and crickets. All categories of crawling soldiers.

    There are small open windows, but not big enough for an escape. Only big enough for an head to go through.

    There’s only a thorny metal bedstand without a bed on top, and the roof is almost touching the ground.

    It’s small, and took torturous. Enough to run anyone insane. One would feel the wall closing in mentally.

    Axel sat n+kedly on the empty bedstand since it’s the only available place. The thorns already digged into his arse, and his d+ck is dragging on the icy metals.

    He’s still crying, and he’s raising his hand to his face and body every minute to kill bugs and insects as they crawled and bit him.

    And worse is, he’s still cuffed, so it’s hard to target and kill them.

    His skin is nothing to talk about right now, and he has barely spent five hours. He shoved a finger into his nose to drag out a bug that entered.

    Immediately he brought it out, another one bit him by the side, and he slapped his palm on his tummy, leaving fingerprints.

    An insect stung his arse, and his palm flew to his arse to kill it with a harder slap which sent signals to his skull.

    He rubbed his back on the wall when he felt some ants over there, but that wall is full of them too, so he only got more attacks by them.

    “F+ck off! Y’all! F+ck off!!!” He jumped around the room, his chain cuffs dragging after him with with a mockery chase.

    His head turned cold when he felt them there—so many of them. He quickly shoved his hands in his air, almost pulling it out of his scalp as he tried to get them off, but it’s futile.

    The worse came when one of them bit him on the d+ck, and he had to start flicking his d+ck, crying and swinging it to get the ant away.

    He was still in the middle of the endless torture when he heard dull creaks outside the door.

    Someone’s coming.

    And only two people have the keys to this hell.

    Yulia, or Four.

    Must be one of them. Did Four finally decide to kill him?

    He held his stinging d+ck tight, holding his breaths too as the small thin door clicked open.

    A shadow entered, and though he can’t make out the face, he knows it’s not Four or Yulia.

    Both of them are taller than this person, and this person is holding a chain breaker tool.

    “Who are you?” Axel asked with shaky breaths as the person walked cautiously to him.

    No response.

    “Who’re…you?” Axel asked again, but he was replied with the weighty fall of his chains from his wrists.

    The person actually cut it.

    “Who’re…you?” Axel asked, breathlessly for the third time.

    A flashlight came on from the person.

    He raised it up, slowly.

    Very slow, till the bright ray of light hit his face.

    Axel gasped, his eyes glazed over with shock.

    “Theo?”

    “Usman’s smartest man. That’s me.” Theo smiled eerily, the type that belongs to a psycho.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 81&82

    Twisted Empire – Episode 81&82

     

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 81&82

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    [Military Base, T&F Suite]

    She carried her full br+àsts, guiding the two babies into his warm sweet mouth, and he latched his tongue to them, drawing from the puckered n+pples and sucking their fullness.

    He’s got a lactation kink at this point cos he’s sickly wishing there was milk in them. He’d never let go of her br+àsts all night.

    He can’t even explain the deep sensuality of having them on his tongue, but it being unexplainable is the actual thrill, and the way she’s bouncing on his covk.

    She rode like he’s her hellhound, and he responded like he’s everything she’s thinking.

    The moment he let go of her br+àsts and got a hold of her butt, she threw her head back. 

    He lifted her ass all the way to the tip of his co+k, then he dropped her down, shoving it back into her.

    “Geez! . . . Eros!” She cried out, her pristine skin slapping his own with stinging bangs, and her juices leaking all the way to her thighs.

    He did the near-pull out again and slammed her back down on his d+ck, hitting the deepest part of her which caused her knees to buckle, her stomach clenching greedily around him, and her br+asts bouncing wildly in a swirling dance for him.

    “F. .u. .c. .”

    She couldn’t finish the moan when he slapped her arse with his belt, the sound whistling and sending wicked stings to her crying c+nt. 

    Her p+xxy is choking him. 

    The feeling so new and raw and boundless. He was floating with her, touring the dark skies.

    “Swoosh…slap”

    “Swoosh…slap”

    His belt on her arse again, twice, thrice…fourth time, fifth… sixth.

    “Eros. . .ahh!!” Her cries muffled as he her orgasm chased the sting of the belt, making her belly convulse to a knot. It’s coming with the maddest hotness she has ever experienced, and her head stung, too, sweat glittering on her skin as she rode faster, faster…

    Like an addict. Like she’s never gonna leave this d+ck tonight.

    “Ahh! I’m. . .I’m coming. . .baby”

    That new nickname fingered his head.

    ‘baby’

    He crashed his lips madly on hers, eating her whimpers, devouring her m+ans and gobbling up her cries voraciously in one gulp.

    Like she’s his first and last supper, like she’s his card to hell and at the same time his ticket to paradise.

    Teal didn’t stay idle either. The harder he kissed her like a madman, the harder she rode, chasing the orgasm with desperacy.

    She grinded herself on it, rolled and circled her arse on it, smacked his skin. Four’s shiny muscles clenched, and the belt dropped from his hand.

    The moment he slammed into her again, she shattered on his co+k, bathing it with her juices.

    He made sure she came first, and her head fell on his shoulder tiredly, her arms wrapping around him.

    She wasn’t prepared for when he stood with her, walked few steps into the bedroom. She thought he was gonna enter the bathroom, but he dropped her face-first in bed.

    Before he could look back, he was already behind her, spreading her @rse. He used her release as lube to coat her hole.

    “Eros…” She whispered breathlessly, looking back over her shoulder.

    “Time to chase my release, Asteri. I need you to scream, and let walls remember who you belong to.” He growled.

    Teal went still, her b🍒bs meeting with the pillow as he pushed himself into her @rsehole.

    All. The. Way.

    Everything went in, and her pleasure tears stained the corner of her beautiful eyes. He brought his right hand to her front, inserting two fingers into her cl-ît.

    “You tell me if it’s too much…” He whispered, going still behind her.

    “I want everything you have to give. Every single pound.” She whispered back.

    That opened the gateway.

    He began moving the fingers in the front and and his co+k in her @rse, fingering and f+ckin her at a time.

    She bit into the pillow, m+aning out her guts as she received the double.

    “Yeah. . . yes!. . . Oh gawd! Baby!”

    He powered mercilessly into her, the double penetration wrecking her, ruining her and condemning her to the base of his hell. 

    He grew inside her, and as she felt every sweet pound of the swell, she bit into the pillow again, catching the fabric between her teeth.

    The rushed onslaught of emotions.

    The overstimulation of her body.

    Her complete attunement to his sickest ways…

    They acted as her inbuilt viagra. She shattered for the second time, wetting his fingers so much.

    “. . .Ohhh!. . .” She moaned into the walls as he groaned deeply into her hot ears. The smell of their hot s+x intoxicated them both and placed them on high pedestals.

    Four shattered with her, deliriously. 

    His warmness filled her insides, reaching every hidden and unhidden part, and the rest of the c+m? 

    He pulled out and pumped it warmly on her round arse cheeks.

    [Therapeia Mental Institute]

    Hera is already seated too, right in front of Empress who looks obviously displeased.

    The Marquis is just one chair away from the two of them.

    “Why did you bring her here?” Empress faced him.

    “You’re telling me I can’t visit you with your daughter?”

    “Of course she’d be unhappy, I’m not Sierra, her biological daughter and her favorite. She lives for her, and  I bet if Sierra told her to kill me, she’d do it.” Hera smirked.

    “If that’s true, then you should be dead by now!” Empress slammed her palms on the table.

    “I promised her I’d kill you the moment you returned and curled all-over Four! I wanted to kill you on that wedding day so if I really don’t care about you, you’d be dead, but I couldn’t! No matter how much I hate seeing you around or how much I hate your late mother, you’re still my step-daughter!” 

    “Is that why you came to my Welcome Back Soiree without talking to me? Even when I was in Mauritius, you never called! Listen I know you’re probably trying to manipulate the General’s seat for Sierra in the future, but that’s impossible with me here. Four is on it, and he’d sit on that throne till death! You might not know but I’m doing everything to earn his forgiveness, so don’t try me.” Hera huffed, breathing heavily.

    “Oh wow, so this visit is to threaten me?.” Empress laughed.

    “I hate threats, you shouldn’t have done it. So far Sierra is Pedro’s daughter, she deserves that seat as much as Four and Axel. Equal rights.”

    “Tell me, how many men are you in a relationship with? Apart from the dead General and my dad, who else? I’m sure there are more cos you’re a whore anyways.” Hera laughed.

    Empress nearly curled her stethoscope on her neck, but The Marquis pulled Hera out of the way.

    “Get out, you both!” Empress pointed straight at the door.

    “Can you train Hera?” He asked, and now it’s Empress’s turn to laugh.

    “Train her? Sierra went through hell during her training period. If you sight any scar on her body, it’s definitely from me. Several broken ribs and bones which I set back, and you’re telling me to train a lady who has a weak heart?” 

    “My weak heart only affects me emotionally, not physically, so thwart that excuse and try me, stepmother.” Hera snickered.

    “Call me when you make up your mind, Emily. I’ll be waiting for the ring.” The Marquis took Hera’s hand.

    He head for the door with her.

    “And tell Sierra to stop lusting shamelessly after her half-brother! It’s irritating.” Hera said by the door and waved tauntingly before finally leaving with her father.

    Empress slammed her palms on the table again and again, her anger heating the room.

    [Ambrose Ranch, Kalynda]

    Uncle Dave sat at the small dinning, eating dinner and watching the braised ribs on fire at the same time. The dinning is opposite the kitchen.

    “The hell is Paul still doing in town?” He muttered, taking his mobile, but Paul came in at the same time.

    “Speak of the devil,” Dave dropped his mobile, going back to his food.

    “I went to UNN College,” Paul tiredly settled in front of Dave.

    “Rue and Vaughn’s alma mater?” Dave dropped his fork.

    “You could have told me and we’d have gone together!” 

    “So I tried to find things out at the bursary since it’s the only place I had access to, but the bursary barely know anything. All they know is that Rue and Vaughn were rusticated from the school on the day of their project submission cos they stole another person’s report.” Paul said.

    “Yeah, that’s the story we all know. Isn’t that why they were banned from medical line?” Dave said.

    “Do you know the person I was told they stole from?” Paul smirked.

    “Who?”

    “Spyros motherf+ckin Dimitris, our nation’s president.” Paul said.

    “What! No!” Dave stood.

    “Can we not start arguing about it for now? Maybe you can follow me for further findings tomorrow, but now? I need food.” Paul sighed.

    “I’ll get you some,” Dave walked to the kitchen.

    “What about the divers you promised to call?” Paul asked, tapping his fingers on the table.

    “They’re ready, we’ll go underwater tomorrow to search for their skeletons again.” Dave replied.

    “Good.” Paul nodded.

    [President’s Mansion]

    The mansion looks dead as the few lights that shone on it came from rooms. Every other light is off.

    Xanthe sat alone in the circus, and there’s only one bulb on in that place. He just needs this amount placidness tonight after the yells he did earlier.

    He’s holding his cup of coffee, sipping  to keep himself warm from the punch of the rainfall.

    He’s looking at the gemstones bracelet on his wrist, given to him by Gem—his dead ex.

    He lowered his cup and began running his fingers on the stones,slowly.

    He was crying before he knew it.

    “The thing is,… I like someone else now, but she definitely can’t be mine, and it hurts to even tell you this, but I don’t have anyone else to talk to. No friends, nothing. Earlier at the hall when I saw Four kissing her, I cried when I got back to my car.” He sniffled, talking as if Gem is here.

    “I miss mother, too. I just wanna be loved again, but it’s hard.” He wiped his tears.

    “Xanthe?” Mrs. Katerina entered the circus wearing a blue nightgown.

    Xanthe looked up.

    Katerina sometimes spends the night in this mansion when whenever she has too many things to do for the President. She has a room at the east wing.

    “Tears?” She sat beside him.

    “I just miss everyone, late mother and Gem, and maybe Teal, too.” He muttered.

    Mrs. Katerina touched his arm.

    “I know how it feels to feel unloved, I understand you, but get up. You have me here.” She consoled.

    He smiled slightly.

    “You’re still owing me the secrets yunno? I’m sure something huge happened between dad and Teal’s parents, and everyone keeps saying they’re keeping it from me for my own good, but heck… it’s only making me more curious.” 

    “It’s really for your own good,” Katerina nodded.

    “Dad is an evil man, righ.” Xanthe asked.

    Mrs. Katerina couldn’t answer, and, his phone lit up with a weird text from a strange line.

    • At the mouth of your estate, come on out, Xanthe Dimitris.

    As strange as it looks, he couldn’t help but feed his curiosity again.

    He stood to his feet.

    “It’s late,” Mrs. Katerina stood too.

    “Not too late,” he replied as he walked to the exit.

    “Take guards with you then,” Mrs. Katerina rushed after him, but he was already out of the place.

    “I’m not taking guards, they suffocate me.” He replied, disappearing into the main exit which leads to the park.

    Mrs. Katerina called for two guards, and they ran to her.

    “Follow him closely. Watch who he’s going to meet and protect him at the same time. If he gets hurt, I’ll kill you both.” She said.

    The guards ran off.

    [President’s Bedroom]

    President Spyros sat on the edge of the king-sized bed, his private phone in hand.

    He stared at the screen with great anticipation. He’s actually dialling one of usman’s numerous lines. Usman has been calling to threaten him even before Four arrived at the base, just that the numbers are always nonexistent—like now.

    It’s saying the line does not exist, but Spyros kept dialling.

    Seems it’s the the surest bet to clip Four’s wings at this rate.

    Usman is the only person.

    He has to negotiate with him. He doesn’t mind using the lives of citizens. He’d gladly give him those lives so far he clears Four for him.

    He dialled the line again…for the twentieth time?

    It still doesn’t exist, so he was about to just crash out when it buzzed with an incoming call.

    His eyes widened when he saw the caller ID.

    It’s the same line that doesn’t exist.

    Usman!

    Xanthe’s face frowned when he arrived at the entrance of the presidential estate.

    He got down from his car, and his frown deepened when he saw a guy leaning on a bike, throwing groundnuts in his mouth.

    “Care for groundnuts? It’s freshly fried,” He pointed the groundnuts paper at him.

    “Who are you? Why did you call me? How did you get my number? I remember seeing you at the platform earlier when I was exiting.” Xanthe said, his frown still etched.

    “Jason, I’m a biker, and I work for Four.” The guy smiled.

    “Four? Like Four DeVille from the base?” Xanthe blinked.

    “One and only,” Jason smiled again.

    Xanthe looked at him, head to the toe like a surveyor.

    “You don’t have to compliment me, I know I look good.” Jason chuckled.

    Xanthe rolled eyes.

    “And about how I got your line, I won’t tell you. And the reason I called you is…I once tried to sweettalk your father’s secretary, but she was too hard to enter. She punched me.” 

    “Good for you,” Xanthe inserted his hands in his pockets.

    “That’s because I was trying to find out their college life saga.” Jason straightened.

    “College life?” Xanthe came closer with interested wide eyes. “What do you know? Tell me!”

    “Oh…” Jason smiled. “I see you’re interested too.”

    “Tell me what you know!” Xanthe demanded.

    “Chill, brat. It doesn’t work that way. You’ll tell me what you know, and I’ll tell you what I’ve got, too. But before then, you’re going on a journey with me.” Jason heaved.

    “Why would I go on a journey with you?” Xanthe glared.

    “Cos you’re always in your father’s mansion, you need this outing. Here, get on the bike.” Jason gave him the second helmet.

    “You’re not gonna sell me or something.” Xanthe said as he took it.

    “I’d rather f+ck than sell you.” Jason winked, and Xanthe’s eyes widened. 

    Jason laughed.

    “Calm down,I’m not gay. Just joking.”

    Xanthe climbed with him, and Jason screeched the bike out to the wet streets. It’s currently dewing.

    “Where is the location?” Xanthe asked behind.

    “Therapeia Mental Institute.” Jason replied.

    “Why?”

    “I got a order slip to check the whereabouts of General Pedro’s car on the morning of the day he killed people, and when I got the footage, it turned out that he went to the institute that morning, obviously to see Empress, so I gotta enter her office to see what really happened.” Jason said.

    “I knew it,” Xanthe muttered, tightening his arms around Jason as he cornered roughly into the institute street.

    Jason stopped the bike in front of the institute, and the moment they got down, he wore face cap, and handed Xanthe a black nose mask.

    “You’re the patient I brought, get into character.” He tipped.

    Xanthe took the mask and put it on, following him into the institute as if he has been practicing this night since he was born.

    It’s his first rodeo, so he wants to make it fun.

    “I’ve got an appointment with the chief.” Jason said.

    The doormen gave them entry slips which they submitted at the main entrance.

    But they only submitted and didn’t go straight. If they do, they’d meet the reception and the nurses there would surely detect that they have no appointments.

    Jason led him to the left curve which brought them down the lined offices of the assistants.

    There are cameras everywhere, so Jason didn’t look up, keeping his face away from the lenses. Thanks to the nose mask, Xavier is covered.

    They entered the first assistant office they saw, and luckily for them, they met two assistants in there.

    “You can’t be in here, this place isn’t for patients…” the men stood , but they fell as fast as they stood when Jason slammed his punch to their faces.

    They passed out to the chairs.

    Jason took their white coats. He wore one and gave Xanthe the other one, then he took off his cap and wore a nose mask too.

    They both left the office, pretending to be assistants and professionally striding down the hall.

    Jason’s got electronic skills like Four, so it wasn’t hard to locate the power room of the main building.

    They entered, and the tech man inside was just about to leave, so they met by the door.

    “None of the cameras are malfunctioning.” He said, thinking they’re real assistants.

    “Sorry,” Xanthe muttered, suddenly punching him hard in the face.

    Blood rolled out of his nose, then he thudded on the ground heavily.

    “Good, I’m impressed.” Jason smiled from under his mask, entering the room.

    Xanthe stayed by the door, watching the hall as Jason rummaged through the systems.

    He easily found the one connected to the Chief’s office, then he clicked the footage of the day Pedro came here.

    He inserted his flashdrive, copying the footage into it.

    When it hit 50 percent, he looked back at Xanthe at the door, and Xanthe gave him a thumbs up that no one’s coming.

    Jason returned to the screen. It’s in 80 percent right now, pretty fast.

    But the moment it hit 90, a loud alarm blared throughout the institute.

    CODE RED! INTRUDERS AT THE DOWN FLOOR!

    “Damnit” Jason muttered.

    It’s in 95 right now.

    “We’re gonna get caught.” Xanthe said from the door. “They’re coming! Many of them!”

    Jason removed the flashdrive immediately it hit 100, then he pulled Xanthe to the window, shattering the glass with his body.

    A glass piece pierced his arm, and Xanthe gasped, but he didn’t have time to scream before Jason pulled him down the sill, jumping with him.

    They landed on the far ground, both sustaining injuries.

    The guards are still searching inside, so the vicinity is free, and that bought them time to run.

    THEY ESCAPED, OUTSIDE!!

    The alarm blared in the institute again, and Jason ran faster, pulling Xanthe all the way.

    Xanthe suddenly looked back when they ran past the annex garden…

    “Dude!” Jason pulled him again.

    “I feel like I heard the voice of Gem.” Xanthe muttered.

    “Your dead girl? Screw it!” Jason dragged him to the gate.

    He shot the doormen in non-vital places and dashed out, getting Xanthe on the bike with him.

    The coats they wore blew with the air as Jason drove down the road.

    The guards ran out of the institute, but they were already far gone.

    [Next Morning, Base ~ T&F Suite]

    Teal woke up sore, tired, but cooked for. She could smell veggies in the air as she stirred in bed, cradling herself under the duvet, but Four isn’t here anymore. It’s just her.

    Last night after f+ckin her sore, he mixed her a warm bath and washed her up. He even washed her hair.

    He blow-dried it before wearing her his boxers and shirt, then he had tucked her to bed.

    Four might look like a total ruthless sadist, but at least he knows how to clean her up after intimacy, and also…he makes sure she cûms first during s+x. He puts her pleasure before his own, and while that might look small, she likes it.

    The fact that inside his indecipherable personality, he still cares for her in his own twisted way.

    She pulled her lids apart, opening her eyes to get off the bed.

    As expected, she could still feel him. In her arse and p+xxy, in her br+àsts and mouth. Everywhere

    He’s gone when she arrived at the dinning, but his smell and the smell of his breakfast lingered.

    He left a note, too. She picked up the small note and read…

    “Needed to resume office early. Eat, and come to me. In an hour after you see this.”

    She smiled, taking her seat. “Fuckin caveman, who still writes notes these days when he could have texted.”

    She admired his handwriting for a while more before dropping the note, then she opened the dishes.

    “He didn’t cook all these, did he? Nah, probably from the kitchen.” She muttered, taking the first mouthful.

    “Hmm,” she moaned as she chewed, feeling the deliciousness as it refreshed her hungry buds.

    The base finally felt the new air today. Everyone is organized. Initially, there would be armies wearing muftis around right now, but every f+ckin person is dressed neatly and in uniform.

    There’s an assembly in some minutes where everyone including the new recruits would be meeting the General officially.

    Right now, the Specialists—Rook, Allegra and Paine are checking the new recruits in, using the official list.

    Theo and Brent stood behind them, watching the process, and just as expected, Paine is madly strict.

    “Males with earrings, you better take them off before getting here, or I’ll rip it off with your ears. Females, too. I’ll seriously kill you when you arrive here.” He said, not smiling as the words left him.

    “Everything he said,” Rook added. He flipped close the bag he just checked, giving it back to the owner.

    “Next!”

    Theo and Brent chuckled behind them, liking this view a lot.

    Allegra is just there like she’s not there. She’s not saying anything at all as she checked bags. Behind her, there’s Stormy who’s standing on the same spot as Theo and Brent, and she looks composed, but it’s all a facade.

    By the hallway, April and Shannon are striding, both heading towards the assembly already.

    Morgan joined them, and this time, they didn’t chase her, they just ignored her.

    April walked past the checkpoint, Allegra pretended not to see her.

    “Allegra Dumber?” April sneered.

    “It’s Dunbar, not Dumber.” Allegra corrected.

    April picked the bag Allegra is currently checking. She slapped Allegra with the flat metal hook, and Allegra fell on the chair behind her, her cheek bleeding.

    The new recruits were wide-eyed, and the rest at the back.

    Shannon is smiling, and Morgan couldn’t help but smile too.

    Stormy backed out, quickly.

    April yanked Allegra’s hair, forcing her to look up. Allegra couldn’t bark like she does, she just sat there.

    “I’ll call you whatever the f+ck I want, and where the hell is your salutation?” April sneered.

    Allegra bit deeply into her mouth flesh, and immediately she stood, she saluted, pushing her chest out.

    “Ma!”

    April smiled, so full of vigour. “Yeah, bîtch. That’s how it’s done.”

    Axel set out of his suite with Cassie, and the plan is to go to Yulia’s suite and confront her before the assembly.

    He needs to have something in hand to tackle Four with before he’d go to that assembly. Otherwise, things would go really bad.

    Cassie had no choice but follow, and her mind is in great turbulence currently. The property agent is still not picking her calls.

    Axel’s steps suddenly slowed, and her steps slowed too. She looked ahead to see Kash coming that direction, and her chest squeezed when she saw his new uniform…his demureness 

    Axel’s fists folded, but the moment Kash got to him, he saluted without being told. He did it with so much rage and hate on his chest.

    “Sir!” He voiced.

    “To the podium, assembly is starting” Kash said without emotions.

    “But—”

    “I won’t repeat myself.” Kash said.

    Cassie rushed off, running back to the suite.

    Axel made his way to the field, and Kash followed with a scowl.

    [Podium, 10 Minutes Later]

    Everywhere’s calm, and everyone’s in line according to ranks.

    The new recruits in muftis are at the end of the space. They’re gonna go for their IQ exams after this assembly.

    Followed by the Privates. then the Specialists, and the Sergeants.

    On top of the podium, Major Sergeant Sierra stood, looking blank.

    Master Sergeant Kash, too. 

    They’re the only two with rights to stay up.

    The gate to the podium steps opened, letting Four inside.

    Teal’s right beside him, and Yulia is behind them. She’s like a godmother to this base now, wearing a flowing gown, a black round hairpin, and the madly tall heels. Gloves intact.

    The calm remained in place till they got up. Both the Master and Major Sergeant bowed.

    Four gave Sierra a knowing stare before facing the audience, but the moment he wanted to start speaking, his phone did a buzz.

    He pulled it out, wanting to switch it off, but it’s Jason.

    • Your suspicions were right, it’s Empress. Watch the video.

    He instinctively clicked the video that followed, and when it played, his hands went tight around the phone.

    His head tightened around the components, the sound tickling his brain.

    Axel.

    Axel is there in the video. 

    Axel made the deal with Empress?

    His head howls continued, but he stood there, composed like he saw nothing.

    Teal is close to him, so she was lucky to see his phone screen. She watched the video with him.

    Yulia came close too, and the moment she saw what’s playing on the screen, she stilled, eyes going slightly wide.

    What the f+ck?

    Kash and Sierra watched confusedly, and the armies on the field wondered what’s going on.

    Four switched the formation.

    He decided to go for Empress herself first. He’s gonna start from the foundation.

    He’s gonna kill that one thing she cherishes most, right in front of her.

    Four gave Teal a gaze. “Take over the assembly, and remember…no softness, no mercy.” He said.

    “Trust me to always do too much.” She replied with a void face, knowing something huge is about to occur.

    Yulia is still standing there, robotically. She looks frozen.

    So when Empress said she was gonna bate Pedro away from her, she was referring to death.

    She held the pillar beside her as rage settled in her bones, grazing her ribs.

    “Take me to see your mother,” Four told Sierra.

    “Why so sudden, sir?” Sierra asked.

    Four didn’t answer, so she led the way downstairs confusedly.

    Yulia followed her, and Four followed them.

    He dialled Jason’s line.

    “My General.” Jason sounded.

    “Get me a truckload of meat,or fish. Anyone. Just get me a truckload, gasoline and shackles within an hour. Meet me at the institute street entrance.” Four ordered.

    “On it.” 

    Four left the base with Yulia and Sierra in the same car, and they’re all quiet throughout.

    Sierra couldn’t stop thinking about why they’re suddenly going to see her other, and that includes Yulia?

    She’s sitting at the backseat, so she texted Empress.

    Sierra: I’m coming with mother and son. I have no idea what’s going on.

    She clicked SEND, but immediately she looked up, Yulia’s ghastly blow met her throat from the passenger seat in the front.

    Before Sierra could gather enough strength to retaliate, Yulia landed another blow below her nose.

    Sierra passed out.

    Four cut the long drive down to an hour, taking the restricted route which is only open to high military personnels.

    Getting to the entrance of the institute street, they met Jason waiting with the truck containing a mixture of fish and chicken.

    No words were exchanged, they only exchanged cars.

    Yulia and Four dragged Sierra out of their car, bounded her tightly with the shackles and wet her with gasoline before tossing her into the truck.

    They drove the truck into the institute street, and Jason left with the car.

    [Therapeia Mental Institute]

    Empress has been engrossed with catching the two intruders since daybreak.

    She wasn’t in last night, so she’s just getting the news this morning.

    Every guard on duty are on their knees, and they all have bleeding wounds on their faces.

    She thrashed them with a golf stick actually.

    She’s with the tech guy, trying to just get a glimpse at the intruders, but they’re both wearing masks…it was hard.

    She slammed the table habitually, and one of the doormen rushed in.

    “Chief… outside. They’re outside.” He reported fearfully.

    “Who are they?” Empress queried.

    [Outside]

    Yulia and Four arrived one minute ago, and Sierra woke up when they tossed her out of the truck to the middle lawn of the institute.

    She smells like gasoline, and the shackles ate her skin for food as she pulled at them.

    Four is holding the remaining end of the chain, so even if she wants to break free, she can’t.

    Yulia is still in the truck—on the driver’s seat.

    “What do you both think you’re doing? Let go of me! Get the shackles off my skin!!” Sierra barked.

    She could feel fear clawing under her skin, flipping her heart apart and eating her mind just the way the chains are eating her skin.

    Four lit up a cigar in his stainless, took a drag before giving her a stare.

    “When you tried to kill Teal, twice in Boma… I left you alive, not because I’m headless, but because I was busy weighing the most befitting death for you.” He spoke softly.

    The kind of softness that instilled fear than his harshness.

    “I wouldn’t have tried to kill her if she didn’t act bossy like a whore!! She made me fall on my knees! Me? Sierra DeVille? I’ve never been on my knees before but she made me!! And you had the guts to choose her over me!!! When you locked yourself in your room like a ghost for years! I communicated with you the most! I never let you feel lonely!! I showed you more affection than your mama did, and then you suddenly belong to her? If I can’t drag her to hell! Then I’ll drag hell to her! She’d be the reason for your fall! She’s your doom, you just don’t know yet! She’s everything unfortunate!!!” 

    Sierra was panting  as she screamed, and Four’s face went tied together. 

    It wasn’t a smirk, it’s darker than it.

    “Sierra!!” Empress bolted fast out of the building, and when she saw what’s going on…

    The cigar in Four’s hand.

    The smell of gasoline.

    Her eyes widened.

    “Release the dogs!!!” She yelled.

    Her assistants pressed the buttons, letting the annex dogs out of their cages.

    They began coming for mother and son, but with a smirk, Yulia turned the truck around, opening the backspace.

    Loads of fishes and raw uncooked chicken poured out. The moment the dogs perceived the smell, they changed direction to the truck, going for the food.

    “No….” Sierra muttered hopelessly.

    “No….” Empress and the guards increased their running speeds.

    But….

    Four flicked his zippo open and threw it on Sierra.

    Fire cracked, lighting her up and taking over every part of her body..

    “Sierra!!!!!!!!” Empress bled blood as she screamed like a madwoman,eyes popped and almost flying off.

    Four’s face stayed that shade of dark, and Yulia finally came out of the truck.

    Unexpectedly, she climbed it. 

    She stayed on top of the truck, getting her phone and clicking camera.

    She began recording Sierra’s burning, then she turned her phone screen to the sky as if Pedro is watching.

    “Ed, this is live from earth. Look how she’s burning brightly like you. She’s a real daddy’s girl.”

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 81&82

    Twisted Empire – Episode 81&82

     

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 81&82

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    [Military Base, T&F Suite]

    She carried her full br+àsts, guiding the two babies into his warm sweet mouth, and he latched his tongue to them, drawing from the puckered n+pples and sucking their fullness.

    He’s got a lactation kink at this point cos he’s sickly wishing there was milk in them. He’d never let go of her br+àsts all night.

    He can’t even explain the deep sensuality of having them on his tongue, but it being unexplainable is the actual thrill, and the way she’s bouncing on his covk.

    She rode like he’s her hellhound, and he responded like he’s everything she’s thinking.

    The moment he let go of her br+àsts and got a hold of her butt, she threw her head back. 

    He lifted her ass all the way to the tip of his co+k, then he dropped her down, shoving it back into her.

    “Geez! . . . Eros!” She cried out, her pristine skin slapping his own with stinging bangs, and her juices leaking all the way to her thighs.

    He did the near-pull out again and slammed her back down on his d+ck, hitting the deepest part of her which caused her knees to buckle, her stomach clenching greedily around him, and her br+asts bouncing wildly in a swirling dance for him.

    “F. .u. .c. .”

    She couldn’t finish the moan when he slapped her arse with his belt, the sound whistling and sending wicked stings to her crying c+nt. 

    Her p+xxy is choking him. 

    The feeling so new and raw and boundless. He was floating with her, touring the dark skies.

    “Swoosh…slap”

    “Swoosh…slap”

    His belt on her arse again, twice, thrice…fourth time, fifth… sixth.

    “Eros. . .ahh!!” Her cries muffled as he her orgasm chased the sting of the belt, making her belly convulse to a knot. It’s coming with the maddest hotness she has ever experienced, and her head stung, too, sweat glittering on her skin as she rode faster, faster…

    Like an addict. Like she’s never gonna leave this d+ck tonight.

    “Ahh! I’m. . .I’m coming. . .baby”

    That new nickname fingered his head.

    ‘baby’

    He crashed his lips madly on hers, eating her whimpers, devouring her m+ans and gobbling up her cries voraciously in one gulp.

    Like she’s his first and last supper, like she’s his card to hell and at the same time his ticket to paradise.

    Teal didn’t stay idle either. The harder he kissed her like a madman, the harder she rode, chasing the orgasm with desperacy.

    She grinded herself on it, rolled and circled her arse on it, smacked his skin. Four’s shiny muscles clenched, and the belt dropped from his hand.

    The moment he slammed into her again, she shattered on his co+k, bathing it with her juices.

    He made sure she came first, and her head fell on his shoulder tiredly, her arms wrapping around him.

    She wasn’t prepared for when he stood with her, walked few steps into the bedroom. She thought he was gonna enter the bathroom, but he dropped her face-first in bed.

    Before he could look back, he was already behind her, spreading her @rse. He used her release as lube to coat her hole.

    “Eros…” She whispered breathlessly, looking back over her shoulder.

    “Time to chase my release, Asteri. I need you to scream, and let walls remember who you belong to.” He growled.

    Teal went still, her b🍒bs meeting with the pillow as he pushed himself into her @rsehole.

    All. The. Way.

    Everything went in, and her pleasure tears stained the corner of her beautiful eyes. He brought his right hand to her front, inserting two fingers into her cl-ît.

    “You tell me if it’s too much…” He whispered, going still behind her.

    “I want everything you have to give. Every single pound.” She whispered back.

    That opened the gateway.

    He began moving the fingers in the front and and his co+k in her @rse, fingering and f+ckin her at a time.

    She bit into the pillow, m+aning out her guts as she received the double.

    “Yeah. . . yes!. . . Oh gawd! Baby!”

    He powered mercilessly into her, the double penetration wrecking her, ruining her and condemning her to the base of his hell. 

    He grew inside her, and as she felt every sweet pound of the swell, she bit into the pillow again, catching the fabric between her teeth.

    The rushed onslaught of emotions.

    The overstimulation of her body.

    Her complete attunement to his sickest ways…

    They acted as her inbuilt viagra. She shattered for the second time, wetting his fingers so much.

    “. . .Ohhh!. . .” She moaned into the walls as he groaned deeply into her hot ears. The smell of their hot s+x intoxicated them both and placed them on high pedestals.

    Four shattered with her, deliriously. 

    His warmness filled her insides, reaching every hidden and unhidden part, and the rest of the c+m? 

    He pulled out and pumped it warmly on her round arse cheeks.

    [Therapeia Mental Institute]

    Hera is already seated too, right in front of Empress who looks obviously displeased.

    The Marquis is just one chair away from the two of them.

    “Why did you bring her here?” Empress faced him.

    “You’re telling me I can’t visit you with your daughter?”

    “Of course she’d be unhappy, I’m not Sierra, her biological daughter and her favorite. She lives for her, and  I bet if Sierra told her to kill me, she’d do it.” Hera smirked.

    “If that’s true, then you should be dead by now!” Empress slammed her palms on the table.

    “I promised her I’d kill you the moment you returned and curled all-over Four! I wanted to kill you on that wedding day so if I really don’t care about you, you’d be dead, but I couldn’t! No matter how much I hate seeing you around or how much I hate your late mother, you’re still my step-daughter!” 

    “Is that why you came to my Welcome Back Soiree without talking to me? Even when I was in Mauritius, you never called! Listen I know you’re probably trying to manipulate the General’s seat for Sierra in the future, but that’s impossible with me here. Four is on it, and he’d sit on that throne till death! You might not know but I’m doing everything to earn his forgiveness, so don’t try me.” Hera huffed, breathing heavily.

    “Oh wow, so this visit is to threaten me?.” Empress laughed.

    “I hate threats, you shouldn’t have done it. So far Sierra is Pedro’s daughter, she deserves that seat as much as Four and Axel. Equal rights.”

    “Tell me, how many men are you in a relationship with? Apart from the dead General and my dad, who else? I’m sure there are more cos you’re a whore anyways.” Hera laughed.

    Empress nearly curled her stethoscope on her neck, but The Marquis pulled Hera out of the way.

    “Get out, you both!” Empress pointed straight at the door.

    “Can you train Hera?” He asked, and now it’s Empress’s turn to laugh.

    “Train her? Sierra went through hell during her training period. If you sight any scar on her body, it’s definitely from me. Several broken ribs and bones which I set back, and you’re telling me to train a lady who has a weak heart?” 

    “My weak heart only affects me emotionally, not physically, so thwart that excuse and try me, stepmother.” Hera snickered.

    “Call me when you make up your mind, Emily. I’ll be waiting for the ring.” The Marquis took Hera’s hand.

    He head for the door with her.

    “And tell Sierra to stop lusting shamelessly after her half-brother! It’s irritating.” Hera said by the door and waved tauntingly before finally leaving with her father.

    Empress slammed her palms on the table again and again, her anger heating the room.

    [Ambrose Ranch, Kalynda]

    Uncle Dave sat at the small dinning, eating dinner and watching the braised ribs on fire at the same time. The dinning is opposite the kitchen.

    “The hell is Paul still doing in town?” He muttered, taking his mobile, but Paul came in at the same time.

    “Speak of the devil,” Dave dropped his mobile, going back to his food.

    “I went to UNN College,” Paul tiredly settled in front of Dave.

    “Rue and Vaughn’s alma mater?” Dave dropped his fork.

    “You could have told me and we’d have gone together!” 

    “So I tried to find things out at the bursary since it’s the only place I had access to, but the bursary barely know anything. All they know is that Rue and Vaughn were rusticated from the school on the day of their project submission cos they stole another person’s report.” Paul said.

    “Yeah, that’s the story we all know. Isn’t that why they were banned from medical line?” Dave said.

    “Do you know the person I was told they stole from?” Paul smirked.

    “Who?”

    “Spyros motherf+ckin Dimitris, our nation’s president.” Paul said.

    “What! No!” Dave stood.

    “Can we not start arguing about it for now? Maybe you can follow me for further findings tomorrow, but now? I need food.” Paul sighed.

    “I’ll get you some,” Dave walked to the kitchen.

    “What about the divers you promised to call?” Paul asked, tapping his fingers on the table.

    “They’re ready, we’ll go underwater tomorrow to search for their skeletons again.” Dave replied.

    “Good.” Paul nodded.

    [President’s Mansion]

    The mansion looks dead as the few lights that shone on it came from rooms. Every other light is off.

    Xanthe sat alone in the circus, and there’s only one bulb on in that place. He just needs this amount placidness tonight after the yells he did earlier.

    He’s holding his cup of coffee, sipping  to keep himself warm from the punch of the rainfall.

    He’s looking at the gemstones bracelet on his wrist, given to him by Gem—his dead ex.

    He lowered his cup and began running his fingers on the stones,slowly.

    He was crying before he knew it.

    “The thing is,… I like someone else now, but she definitely can’t be mine, and it hurts to even tell you this, but I don’t have anyone else to talk to. No friends, nothing. Earlier at the hall when I saw Four kissing her, I cried when I got back to my car.” He sniffled, talking as if Gem is here.

    “I miss mother, too. I just wanna be loved again, but it’s hard.” He wiped his tears.

    “Xanthe?” Mrs. Katerina entered the circus wearing a blue nightgown.

    Xanthe looked up.

    Katerina sometimes spends the night in this mansion when whenever she has too many things to do for the President. She has a room at the east wing.

    “Tears?” She sat beside him.

    “I just miss everyone, late mother and Gem, and maybe Teal, too.” He muttered.

    Mrs. Katerina touched his arm.

    “I know how it feels to feel unloved, I understand you, but get up. You have me here.” She consoled.

    He smiled slightly.

    “You’re still owing me the secrets yunno? I’m sure something huge happened between dad and Teal’s parents, and everyone keeps saying they’re keeping it from me for my own good, but heck… it’s only making me more curious.” 

    “It’s really for your own good,” Katerina nodded.

    “Dad is an evil man, righ.” Xanthe asked.

    Mrs. Katerina couldn’t answer, and, his phone lit up with a weird text from a strange line.

    • At the mouth of your estate, come on out, Xanthe Dimitris.

    As strange as it looks, he couldn’t help but feed his curiosity again.

    He stood to his feet.

    “It’s late,” Mrs. Katerina stood too.

    “Not too late,” he replied as he walked to the exit.

    “Take guards with you then,” Mrs. Katerina rushed after him, but he was already out of the place.

    “I’m not taking guards, they suffocate me.” He replied, disappearing into the main exit which leads to the park.

    Mrs. Katerina called for two guards, and they ran to her.

    “Follow him closely. Watch who he’s going to meet and protect him at the same time. If he gets hurt, I’ll kill you both.” She said.

    The guards ran off.

    [President’s Bedroom]

    President Spyros sat on the edge of the king-sized bed, his private phone in hand.

    He stared at the screen with great anticipation. He’s actually dialling one of usman’s numerous lines. Usman has been calling to threaten him even before Four arrived at the base, just that the numbers are always nonexistent—like now.

    It’s saying the line does not exist, but Spyros kept dialling.

    Seems it’s the the surest bet to clip Four’s wings at this rate.

    Usman is the only person.

    He has to negotiate with him. He doesn’t mind using the lives of citizens. He’d gladly give him those lives so far he clears Four for him.

    He dialled the line again…for the twentieth time?

    It still doesn’t exist, so he was about to just crash out when it buzzed with an incoming call.

    His eyes widened when he saw the caller ID.

    It’s the same line that doesn’t exist.

    Usman!

    Xanthe’s face frowned when he arrived at the entrance of the presidential estate.

    He got down from his car, and his frown deepened when he saw a guy leaning on a bike, throwing groundnuts in his mouth.

    “Care for groundnuts? It’s freshly fried,” He pointed the groundnuts paper at him.

    “Who are you? Why did you call me? How did you get my number? I remember seeing you at the platform earlier when I was exiting.” Xanthe said, his frown still etched.

    “Jason, I’m a biker, and I work for Four.” The guy smiled.

    “Four? Like Four DeVille from the base?” Xanthe blinked.

    “One and only,” Jason smiled again.

    Xanthe looked at him, head to the toe like a surveyor.

    “You don’t have to compliment me, I know I look good.” Jason chuckled.

    Xanthe rolled eyes.

    “And about how I got your line, I won’t tell you. And the reason I called you is…I once tried to sweettalk your father’s secretary, but she was too hard to enter. She punched me.” 

    “Good for you,” Xanthe inserted his hands in his pockets.

    “That’s because I was trying to find out their college life saga.” Jason straightened.

    “College life?” Xanthe came closer with interested wide eyes. “What do you know? Tell me!”

    “Oh…” Jason smiled. “I see you’re interested too.”

    “Tell me what you know!” Xanthe demanded.

    “Chill, brat. It doesn’t work that way. You’ll tell me what you know, and I’ll tell you what I’ve got, too. But before then, you’re going on a journey with me.” Jason heaved.

    “Why would I go on a journey with you?” Xanthe glared.

    “Cos you’re always in your father’s mansion, you need this outing. Here, get on the bike.” Jason gave him the second helmet.

    “You’re not gonna sell me or something.” Xanthe said as he took it.

    “I’d rather f+ck than sell you.” Jason winked, and Xanthe’s eyes widened. 

    Jason laughed.

    “Calm down,I’m not gay. Just joking.”

    Xanthe climbed with him, and Jason screeched the bike out to the wet streets. It’s currently dewing.

    “Where is the location?” Xanthe asked behind.

    “Therapeia Mental Institute.” Jason replied.

    “Why?”

    “I got a order slip to check the whereabouts of General Pedro’s car on the morning of the day he killed people, and when I got the footage, it turned out that he went to the institute that morning, obviously to see Empress, so I gotta enter her office to see what really happened.” Jason said.

    “I knew it,” Xanthe muttered, tightening his arms around Jason as he cornered roughly into the institute street.

    Jason stopped the bike in front of the institute, and the moment they got down, he wore face cap, and handed Xanthe a black nose mask.

    “You’re the patient I brought, get into character.” He tipped.

    Xanthe took the mask and put it on, following him into the institute as if he has been practicing this night since he was born.

    It’s his first rodeo, so he wants to make it fun.

    “I’ve got an appointment with the chief.” Jason said.

    The doormen gave them entry slips which they submitted at the main entrance.

    But they only submitted and didn’t go straight. If they do, they’d meet the reception and the nurses there would surely detect that they have no appointments.

    Jason led him to the left curve which brought them down the lined offices of the assistants.

    There are cameras everywhere, so Jason didn’t look up, keeping his face away from the lenses. Thanks to the nose mask, Xavier is covered.

    They entered the first assistant office they saw, and luckily for them, they met two assistants in there.

    “You can’t be in here, this place isn’t for patients…” the men stood , but they fell as fast as they stood when Jason slammed his punch to their faces.

    They passed out to the chairs.

    Jason took their white coats. He wore one and gave Xanthe the other one, then he took off his cap and wore a nose mask too.

    They both left the office, pretending to be assistants and professionally striding down the hall.

    Jason’s got electronic skills like Four, so it wasn’t hard to locate the power room of the main building.

    They entered, and the tech man inside was just about to leave, so they met by the door.

    “None of the cameras are malfunctioning.” He said, thinking they’re real assistants.

    “Sorry,” Xanthe muttered, suddenly punching him hard in the face.

    Blood rolled out of his nose, then he thudded on the ground heavily.

    “Good, I’m impressed.” Jason smiled from under his mask, entering the room.

    Xanthe stayed by the door, watching the hall as Jason rummaged through the systems.

    He easily found the one connected to the Chief’s office, then he clicked the footage of the day Pedro came here.

    He inserted his flashdrive, copying the footage into it.

    When it hit 50 percent, he looked back at Xanthe at the door, and Xanthe gave him a thumbs up that no one’s coming.

    Jason returned to the screen. It’s in 80 percent right now, pretty fast.

    But the moment it hit 90, a loud alarm blared throughout the institute.

    CODE RED! INTRUDERS AT THE DOWN FLOOR!

    “Damnit” Jason muttered.

    It’s in 95 right now.

    “We’re gonna get caught.” Xanthe said from the door. “They’re coming! Many of them!”

    Jason removed the flashdrive immediately it hit 100, then he pulled Xanthe to the window, shattering the glass with his body.

    A glass piece pierced his arm, and Xanthe gasped, but he didn’t have time to scream before Jason pulled him down the sill, jumping with him.

    They landed on the far ground, both sustaining injuries.

    The guards are still searching inside, so the vicinity is free, and that bought them time to run.

    THEY ESCAPED, OUTSIDE!!

    The alarm blared in the institute again, and Jason ran faster, pulling Xanthe all the way.

    Xanthe suddenly looked back when they ran past the annex garden…

    “Dude!” Jason pulled him again.

    “I feel like I heard the voice of Gem.” Xanthe muttered.

    “Your dead girl? Screw it!” Jason dragged him to the gate.

    He shot the doormen in non-vital places and dashed out, getting Xanthe on the bike with him.

    The coats they wore blew with the air as Jason drove down the road.

    The guards ran out of the institute, but they were already far gone.

    [Next Morning, Base ~ T&F Suite]

    Teal woke up sore, tired, but cooked for. She could smell veggies in the air as she stirred in bed, cradling herself under the duvet, but Four isn’t here anymore. It’s just her.

    Last night after f+ckin her sore, he mixed her a warm bath and washed her up. He even washed her hair.

    He blow-dried it before wearing her his boxers and shirt, then he had tucked her to bed.

    Four might look like a total ruthless sadist, but at least he knows how to clean her up after intimacy, and also…he makes sure she cûms first during s+x. He puts her pleasure before his own, and while that might look small, she likes it.

    The fact that inside his indecipherable personality, he still cares for her in his own twisted way.

    She pulled her lids apart, opening her eyes to get off the bed.

    As expected, she could still feel him. In her arse and p+xxy, in her br+àsts and mouth. Everywhere

    He’s gone when she arrived at the dinning, but his smell and the smell of his breakfast lingered.

    He left a note, too. She picked up the small note and read…

    “Needed to resume office early. Eat, and come to me. In an hour after you see this.”

    She smiled, taking her seat. “Fuckin caveman, who still writes notes these days when he could have texted.”

    She admired his handwriting for a while more before dropping the note, then she opened the dishes.

    “He didn’t cook all these, did he? Nah, probably from the kitchen.” She muttered, taking the first mouthful.

    “Hmm,” she moaned as she chewed, feeling the deliciousness as it refreshed her hungry buds.

    The base finally felt the new air today. Everyone is organized. Initially, there would be armies wearing muftis around right now, but every f+ckin person is dressed neatly and in uniform.

    There’s an assembly in some minutes where everyone including the new recruits would be meeting the General officially.

    Right now, the Specialists—Rook, Allegra and Paine are checking the new recruits in, using the official list.

    Theo and Brent stood behind them, watching the process, and just as expected, Paine is madly strict.

    “Males with earrings, you better take them off before getting here, or I’ll rip it off with your ears. Females, too. I’ll seriously kill you when you arrive here.” He said, not smiling as the words left him.

    “Everything he said,” Rook added. He flipped close the bag he just checked, giving it back to the owner.

    “Next!”

    Theo and Brent chuckled behind them, liking this view a lot.

    Allegra is just there like she’s not there. She’s not saying anything at all as she checked bags. Behind her, there’s Stormy who’s standing on the same spot as Theo and Brent, and she looks composed, but it’s all a facade.

    By the hallway, April and Shannon are striding, both heading towards the assembly already.

    Morgan joined them, and this time, they didn’t chase her, they just ignored her.

    April walked past the checkpoint, Allegra pretended not to see her.

    “Allegra Dumber?” April sneered.

    “It’s Dunbar, not Dumber.” Allegra corrected.

    April picked the bag Allegra is currently checking. She slapped Allegra with the flat metal hook, and Allegra fell on the chair behind her, her cheek bleeding.

    The new recruits were wide-eyed, and the rest at the back.

    Shannon is smiling, and Morgan couldn’t help but smile too.

    Stormy backed out, quickly.

    April yanked Allegra’s hair, forcing her to look up. Allegra couldn’t bark like she does, she just sat there.

    “I’ll call you whatever the f+ck I want, and where the hell is your salutation?” April sneered.

    Allegra bit deeply into her mouth flesh, and immediately she stood, she saluted, pushing her chest out.

    “Ma!”

    April smiled, so full of vigour. “Yeah, bîtch. That’s how it’s done.”

    Axel set out of his suite with Cassie, and the plan is to go to Yulia’s suite and confront her before the assembly.

    He needs to have something in hand to tackle Four with before he’d go to that assembly. Otherwise, things would go really bad.

    Cassie had no choice but follow, and her mind is in great turbulence currently. The property agent is still not picking her calls.

    Axel’s steps suddenly slowed, and her steps slowed too. She looked ahead to see Kash coming that direction, and her chest squeezed when she saw his new uniform…his demureness 

    Axel’s fists folded, but the moment Kash got to him, he saluted without being told. He did it with so much rage and hate on his chest.

    “Sir!” He voiced.

    “To the podium, assembly is starting” Kash said without emotions.

    “But—”

    “I won’t repeat myself.” Kash said.

    Cassie rushed off, running back to the suite.

    Axel made his way to the field, and Kash followed with a scowl.

    [Podium, 10 Minutes Later]

    Everywhere’s calm, and everyone’s in line according to ranks.

    The new recruits in muftis are at the end of the space. They’re gonna go for their IQ exams after this assembly.

    Followed by the Privates. then the Specialists, and the Sergeants.

    On top of the podium, Major Sergeant Sierra stood, looking blank.

    Master Sergeant Kash, too. 

    They’re the only two with rights to stay up.

    The gate to the podium steps opened, letting Four inside.

    Teal’s right beside him, and Yulia is behind them. She’s like a godmother to this base now, wearing a flowing gown, a black round hairpin, and the madly tall heels. Gloves intact.

    The calm remained in place till they got up. Both the Master and Major Sergeant bowed.

    Four gave Sierra a knowing stare before facing the audience, but the moment he wanted to start speaking, his phone did a buzz.

    He pulled it out, wanting to switch it off, but it’s Jason.

    • Your suspicions were right, it’s Empress. Watch the video.

    He instinctively clicked the video that followed, and when it played, his hands went tight around the phone.

    His head tightened around the components, the sound tickling his brain.

    Axel.

    Axel is there in the video. 

    Axel made the deal with Empress?

    His head howls continued, but he stood there, composed like he saw nothing.

    Teal is close to him, so she was lucky to see his phone screen. She watched the video with him.

    Yulia came close too, and the moment she saw what’s playing on the screen, she stilled, eyes going slightly wide.

    What the f+ck?

    Kash and Sierra watched confusedly, and the armies on the field wondered what’s going on.

    Four switched the formation.

    He decided to go for Empress herself first. He’s gonna start from the foundation.

    He’s gonna kill that one thing she cherishes most, right in front of her.

    Four gave Teal a gaze. “Take over the assembly, and remember…no softness, no mercy.” He said.

    “Trust me to always do too much.” She replied with a void face, knowing something huge is about to occur.

    Yulia is still standing there, robotically. She looks frozen.

    So when Empress said she was gonna bate Pedro away from her, she was referring to death.

    She held the pillar beside her as rage settled in her bones, grazing her ribs.

    “Take me to see your mother,” Four told Sierra.

    “Why so sudden, sir?” Sierra asked.

    Four didn’t answer, so she led the way downstairs confusedly.

    Yulia followed her, and Four followed them.

    He dialled Jason’s line.

    “My General.” Jason sounded.

    “Get me a truckload of meat,or fish. Anyone. Just get me a truckload, gasoline and shackles within an hour. Meet me at the institute street entrance.” Four ordered.

    “On it.” 

    Four left the base with Yulia and Sierra in the same car, and they’re all quiet throughout.

    Sierra couldn’t stop thinking about why they’re suddenly going to see her other, and that includes Yulia?

    She’s sitting at the backseat, so she texted Empress.

    Sierra: I’m coming with mother and son. I have no idea what’s going on.

    She clicked SEND, but immediately she looked up, Yulia’s ghastly blow met her throat from the passenger seat in the front.

    Before Sierra could gather enough strength to retaliate, Yulia landed another blow below her nose.

    Sierra passed out.

    Four cut the long drive down to an hour, taking the restricted route which is only open to high military personnels.

    Getting to the entrance of the institute street, they met Jason waiting with the truck containing a mixture of fish and chicken.

    No words were exchanged, they only exchanged cars.

    Yulia and Four dragged Sierra out of their car, bounded her tightly with the shackles and wet her with gasoline before tossing her into the truck.

    They drove the truck into the institute street, and Jason left with the car.

    [Therapeia Mental Institute]

    Empress has been engrossed with catching the two intruders since daybreak.

    She wasn’t in last night, so she’s just getting the news this morning.

    Every guard on duty are on their knees, and they all have bleeding wounds on their faces.

    She thrashed them with a golf stick actually.

    She’s with the tech guy, trying to just get a glimpse at the intruders, but they’re both wearing masks…it was hard.

    She slammed the table habitually, and one of the doormen rushed in.

    “Chief… outside. They’re outside.” He reported fearfully.

    “Who are they?” Empress queried.

    [Outside]

    Yulia and Four arrived one minute ago, and Sierra woke up when they tossed her out of the truck to the middle lawn of the institute.

    She smells like gasoline, and the shackles ate her skin for food as she pulled at them.

    Four is holding the remaining end of the chain, so even if she wants to break free, she can’t.

    Yulia is still in the truck—on the driver’s seat.

    “What do you both think you’re doing? Let go of me! Get the shackles off my skin!!” Sierra barked.

    She could feel fear clawing under her skin, flipping her heart apart and eating her mind just the way the chains are eating her skin.

    Four lit up a cigar in his stainless, took a drag before giving her a stare.

    “When you tried to kill Teal, twice in Boma… I left you alive, not because I’m headless, but because I was busy weighing the most befitting death for you.” He spoke softly.

    The kind of softness that instilled fear than his harshness.

    “I wouldn’t have tried to kill her if she didn’t act bossy like a whore!! She made me fall on my knees! Me? Sierra DeVille? I’ve never been on my knees before but she made me!! And you had the guts to choose her over me!!! When you locked yourself in your room like a ghost for years! I communicated with you the most! I never let you feel lonely!! I showed you more affection than your mama did, and then you suddenly belong to her? If I can’t drag her to hell! Then I’ll drag hell to her! She’d be the reason for your fall! She’s your doom, you just don’t know yet! She’s everything unfortunate!!!” 

    Sierra was panting  as she screamed, and Four’s face went tied together. 

    It wasn’t a smirk, it’s darker than it.

    “Sierra!!” Empress bolted fast out of the building, and when she saw what’s going on…

    The cigar in Four’s hand.

    The smell of gasoline.

    Her eyes widened.

    “Release the dogs!!!” She yelled.

    Her assistants pressed the buttons, letting the annex dogs out of their cages.

    They began coming for mother and son, but with a smirk, Yulia turned the truck around, opening the backspace.

    Loads of fishes and raw uncooked chicken poured out. The moment the dogs perceived the smell, they changed direction to the truck, going for the food.

    “No….” Sierra muttered hopelessly.

    “No….” Empress and the guards increased their running speeds.

    But….

    Four flicked his zippo open and threw it on Sierra.

    Fire cracked, lighting her up and taking over every part of her body..

    “Sierra!!!!!!!!” Empress bled blood as she screamed like a madwoman,eyes popped and almost flying off.

    Four’s face stayed that shade of dark, and Yulia finally came out of the truck.

    Unexpectedly, she climbed it. 

    She stayed on top of the truck, getting her phone and clicking camera.

    She began recording Sierra’s burning, then she turned her phone screen to the sky as if Pedro is watching.

    “Ed, this is live from earth. Look how she’s burning brightly like you. She’s a real daddy’s girl.”

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 73&74

    Twisted Empire – Episode 73&74

     

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 73&74

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    Teal’s stomach clenched hard as malevolent butterflies flapped through it from his crude barbaric words, and the friction that followed on her cl+ît.

    She let go of his c+k already, and now she’s staring at it.

    She knew he was huge, right from the time she held him thinking it was a gun, but seeing it for the first time actually feels more intimidating than she had expected.

    He’s not just veiny, but mighty, and as she took another long look at his shaft with broken, berated breaths, she felt her chest tightening on nothing, and her impatient core got sinfully wetter.

    Four raised two hands to her chest, cupping the puckering br+sts and giving her n+ppl€$ wicked twists.

    She bit her lip hard, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

    The pleasure kicked in the moment his hands touched those b👀bie$.

    His twists on her n+pl€$ only got more wicked, and she doesn’t dislike the way her body reacts to it.

    The way her body loves it—his harshness.

    She can’t get enough, and that look in his eyes as he watched her m+an, she could watch it all night.

    She likes when he pays attention to details like this—details about her.

    Her juices coated her inner th!ghs generously, wrenching reckless sensations out over there.

    She’s madly soaked, and aching.

    “F+…k” she made an unintelligible sound when he did the n+pl€ twist again, making her body overstimulated than it was.

    The fresh scent of the new mansion wafted, and her n+pl€$ turned red in his long hands.

    She loves when he plays with her br+sts, just that she’s getting impatient and her stomach is clenching on nothing.

    “Anyone ever touched your aching br+sts this sensually?” His voice came with a low ripple.

    “What if there’s someone? You’d find him and kill him?” She answered, and his hands went down between her legs slap her p+××¥ face.

    “Geez…ahh!” She grinded herself against his hand for more friction, but she met emptiness cos his hands were already gone.

    “That’s what you get when you talk like that. Anyone ever touched my br+sts this way? Hmm?” He traced his fingers up her belly, and she hollowed as her head bounced back again, her legs already shivering.

    “No…one.” She m+@ned.

    “Good,” he kissed her neck…”And I’m the only one who can elicit these dirty, sinful m+@ns from you… just the way you have the witchy ability to turn me on every damn time…” 

    “Yes…” She m+ned again.

    His hands got replaced by his hot tongue when he arrived at her throat.

    He kissed up to her chin, below her lips, but he didn’t reach her lips before pulling away, the heat rolling off them so tensive.

    He looked down at her wet p+xx¥, smirking sickly before flicking her cl+t apart.

    “Hmm…all drippy and ready for me.”

    “Same with you,… you’re rock-hard.” She grinded against his hand again, and he withdrew it intentionally.

    “Eros stop… just…

    Her voice broke as her ears exploded in flakes.

    The hunger inside her own words scared her, but she doesn’t care. At this point…

    She doesn’t. 

    She just needs something. Anything at all to fill the void.

    “Just what?”Four’s tempting voice hit her anticipating skin as he bent over to kiss her br+sts.

    “I have no patience left,,”

    “Me neither,” he murmured into her ear before lifting her from the glass table.

    She didn’t have time to look around the house, measure the wall lengths and calculate the footings.

    No time to take note of the furnishings, railings, floorings or ceilings, cos in the next one minute, they’re already in the master bedroom upstairs, and her body hit the soft mattress roughly.

    Her legs spread readily in bed, she opened them wide.

    Four palmed her hips, his massive body hovering above her as he rubbed his d+k head on her slick entrance.

    She sucked in a sharp breath when he dragged it all the way over her folds and against her cl+!t before going back again.

    He did it a few times…

    Up.

    Down.

    Rub.

    Up.

    Down.

    “F+k ff+k. . .” Her m0@ns shattered uncontrollably as her head did a dizzy mixture of sensations, unable to take the torture anymore.

    “Eros. . .”

    “Impatient, Asteri?” 

    “Stop torturing us. . .f+k—ahhhh

    Her words were abruptly cut short when he sheathed himself inside her in one savage go, his groin slapping against her @rse with the force of it.

    Her eyes turned, and she choked on the air as it’s wiped out of her lungs. Her fingers turned white and clammy as she tangled them on the bedspread, and the galaxy rallied across her vision.

    He’s so f+king huge she could feel him everywhere inside her, all around her, on top of her.

    He’s not even moving, but the feel of him inside pushes her over the edge over and over again…

    Then he started moving, slowly at first, but it’s so deep she could feel her walls expanding around him.

    “You’re so tight, Teal,” he strained hoarsely. “So f+kin perfect.”

    It feels so good—insanely good.

    The feeling is rawly new, but the freeness it’s digging inside her head is liberating. Like she’s flying in an air balloon with him.

    Their eyes hooked, and she caught that soft look again, photographing it inside her memory 

    Her heartbeats roared in her head as he upped his speed, hitting a secret part inside her that she didn’t know existed. 

    “Ahhh. . . . Eros . . .” Her br+sts did s+duct!v£ bounces on her chest, and they’re starting to ache again…

    “You feel that? Asteri?” The heat of his voice bloodied her.

    “Yes. . .yes. . .I never. . .never. . .ahh. .” She trailed off as he hit that spot again then pulled her legs further apart to reach it fully.

    “You never what?”

    “Never. . .felt this way before. . .” She m0@ned.

    And it’s not because of the sharp pang of pleasure that comes with each of his thrusts, or how he takes complete hold of her.

    It’s about how a ruthless man like him is able to elicit such strong emotions from her. How he hasn’t only entered her body but is also forcing entry into her soul.

    “And you’ll never feel this with anyone else. From now on, note that I’ll kill any man who as much as looks at you. I hate eyes on what’s mine.” He rasped, voice deep.

    “Goes both ways, don’t dare look at any other woman or I’ll kill you.” She yanked his hair, and her legs went around his waist as his thrusts turned unyielding and unforgiving.

    He rammed inside her with a renewed force which rattled the bed and rearranged her insides.

    He hit that spot again, and she screamed a voice she never knew she possessed. It’s so long and raw, like standing at the peak of a mountain and screaming her lungs out to her heart’s content.

    And just like that… she’s free. 

    Four powered inside her over and over, never slowing down.

    Just like he promised, he f+ked her so hard.

    Submerging waves were triggered, transporting her to an alternate space.

    She couldn’t fight it if she wanted to, she she doesn’t even want to, cos now she feels wild and free like she has never felt all her entire life. He drove her insane as if the world doesn’t exist beyond that bed.

    “Eros. . .Eros. . .” She chanted, and his handsome face drove into hers …

    “Moan it again,my name.”

    “Eros. . .” She managed a whisper as her eyes clashed with his. They’re dark, but with sparkles of lust which mirrors hers.

    It’s so strong that she tasted it in the small space between them. 

    “You’ll never say anyone’s name in that tone again. . .” His raw possessiveness registered for a second before he rubbed her cl-!t, and she fell apart.

    This time, he used her hair to drag her face close and clashed his mouth on her aching lips, plunging his tongue inside. 

    He twirled it against hers with the same rhythm he’s f+kin her.

    She’s delirious, the triple stimulation undid her.

    She has no idea if she’d get back from this one, but she fell anyways.

    It’s as delicious as much as it’s dangerous.

    Her eyes drooped when he scooped her up into his arms, his tongue at the back of her throat and his c+vk ramming into her with the harshness of a daredevil.

    He pounded her like his biggest feat, so deep and merciless.

    He went rigid and grunted in her mouth as his warmth filled her insides and then trickled down her thighs when he pulled out of her.

    Their lips separated, swollen and wet as their eyes mirrored again. Their lust still stayed dissatisfied behind their lids. She can’t even feel her legs. 

    Is it still part of her body? 

    She feels like a jellyfish in the arms of this man, and the reality that she just lost her v+rgin!ty in the most unexpected way ever hit her.

    He took it all.

    Her fingers traced the scar on his back, and he went still on top of her as she caressed it, tracing the slits.

    “How did you get it? Why is it this big?” She whispered.

    Four brushed her hair away from her eyes and nuzzled his nose close to her hair, sniffling her in.

    “I’m not talking about a ugly scar after I just finished f+kin your pretty c+nt.”

    “Then when are you gonna talk about it? Don’t keep secrets from me.” She touched his jawline with a dominating trace.

    “Soon enough,” he tilted up.

    “Would you like to shower first?” 

    “Why?” She breathed.

    “Cos I’m f+kin you again.” He tirelessly declared.

    Goosebumps erupted on Teal’s skin, and he smirked devilishly.

    [Aphrodite Hall, Third Floor]

    Axel and Cassie are already walking down the aisle. 

    Their wedding was the last to start, and it’s the only one with zero obstacles as that third floor is the last floor, and it’s disconnected from the other floors.

    There are several armies from the base who attended in their uniforms just to get Axel’s favor as the incoming General.

    Cassie is the happiest woman on earth, and her smile is contagious.

    Her wedding with Kash was tasteless with the cheap ring and venue, but this? It’s top tier.

    She definitely can’t wait to get to be addressed as Mrs. DeVille.

    Allegra is in the crowd too, and she has an amused look on her seat as she watched the weird show.

    Cassie and Axel?

    She wouldn’t have guessed it, but she should have noticed it from when she met Cassie by the front door of Axel’s suite the other time.

    Now everything just dawned, but she feels nothing. She has Quentin now anyways.

    Last time she checked, Axel hates Kash to the core, so doing this with his ex-wife only means he’s spiting Kash, and this fool Cassie knows nothing.

    Plus Axel is a chronic abuser, so Cassie is gonna cry blood later, and she can’t wait for the blood flow.

    She stood from her seat and began clapping loudly.

    “Happy Married life Axel and Cassie DeVille!!!”

    The armies diverted their attention to her, and she smiled large, her applause continuing.

    Cassie glared at her beside Axel, then she held Axel tighter till they got to the front where they took vows and exchanged rings.

    Allegra left the hall first, but the new couple departed before the rest of the armies began departing too.

    They left for the dressing room, and Cassie kept admiring the ring in her finger greedily. It’s a big diamond stone and it’s heavily expensive.

    “Thanks for making one of my lifelong dreams come true.” She faced Axel who smiled at her.

    “Now you know the difference between a wedding, had the nonsense you dud with Kash.

    “Of course,” she nodded, hugging him.

    “But why did your mum not come?” She said.

    “You’re aware he only sees Four, right?” He replied, and she pulled away from him slowly.

    “I’m sure she regrets giving birth to another child after Four, I’m just a spare and if I die, she’s probably do thanksgiving and then go ahead to replicate Four’s lookalike on a petri dish.” He said.

    “Sorry you have to go through this pain of betrayal from your pen mother. Just know that I’m always here for you.” She assured.

    “And you’re becoming the General on new year’s day, so you should be happy. Once that happens, you can chase your foolish mum and brother out of the base…” She suggested.

    “That’s for sure,” he laughed.

    “And what are you gonna do to April? She didn’t sabotage the mission like you asked. Skye died so maybe she should follow.” She said.

    “Oh… Cassie. You’re brilliant. I should have fucked you earlier.” Axel laughed again.

    An army suddenly rushed into the room uninvited, and Cassie nearly shoved her nails into his eyes, but the news he brought stopped her.

    “Incoming General, the first and second wedding didn’t take place, both scattered.” He reported.

    “I never expected Four’s wedding to go through, is the Marquis insane to think he can actually trap him with her daughter? That bastard has never listened to anyone right from time.” Axel shrugged.

    “But the second wedding…Teal has no right to turn down the President’s son, so what happened?” Cassie asked.

    “Teal disappeared from the wedding hall and was replaced with Paine disguised in a wedding dress. It was a strange biker who replaced Four. Both Four and Teal are nowhere to be found.” The army explained.

    “That b+st@rd brother of mine has never been fascinated about p+xx¥, I wonder what’s in Teal’s.” Axel grumbled.

    “There’s more,” the army furthered.

    “More?” Cassie and Axel chorused.

    “The biker who represented Four played a video featuring you and Hera during your elementary school period. You both were f+kin in a toilet.” The army reported.

    Axel’s arms dropped, and Cassie slapped her palm over her mouth.

    “What!”

    “Yes, the Marquis got totally disgraced in front of his guests, and Hera fainted. She was taken away on a stretcher.” 

    “You f+ked Hera?” Cassie faced Axel.

    Axel didn’t reply, he just dipped his fingers into his mouth.

    So this is it. The reason Four suddenly changed to him. The reason for his switch.

    He saw them in the toilet that day, and he has been keeping quiet since then? That devil.

    Four has to leave the base as fast as possible. Immediately he becomes General, he has to make Four leave the base that same day.

    “You f+ked Hera in elementary? Meaning you both were like 10 or 11 year olds back then.” Cassie’s question broke into his mind again, and he faced her.

    “You’re not denying it? Seriously? That’s insane and actually—”

    “Shut up, Cassie. You’re not in any place to judge me. You’re the same person who let go of your husband to marry me!” Axel slammed her shut, and she gulped as he left the room.

    The army left with him, and Cassie sat on a chair, rubbing her own chest.

    “He’s just angry for now, he’ll calm down soon.” She consoled herself, smiling.

    “Yeah, the wedding preparations were stressful so his crankiness is understandable.”

    [President’s Mansion]

    The moment Xanthe got back, he guy himself an extra large bowl of ice cream, and he didn’t even bother entering his room.

    He stayed in the living room, eating as President Spyros crashed out in the presence of Mrs. Katerina, the maids and butlers lining on the staircase.

    “There were important people who look up to me in the country! There were billionaires who take me as their role model! There were people!!! And he chose to disgrace me there? He choose the hard way? Me?” President Spyros took off his suit, throwing it off.

    Mrs. Katerina quickly picked it, then she stepped away and bowed without saying a thing.

    Xanthe just continued eating his cream, looking unconcerned about the whole crash.

    “Don’t wait for another minute,” Spyros faced Mrs. Katerina. “Get me the military General nomination documents, I’m rewriting the statement.”

    “It’s impossible right now, sir.” Mrs. Katerina looked up.

    “What do you mean impossible?”

    “You clearly told me three days ago that the date and decision is unchangeable. You stamped the documents and I sent them to the decision makers office headed by the Head of security, and they know you never twist words, so If you’re gonna change it you’ll have to call a meeting and a poll would be pushed out for votes. People in the Security Section like him, so there’s no point cos he’d surely win.” Mrs. Katerina explained.

    President Spyros left the room, and Mrs. Katerina took a deep breath before sitting beside Xanthe.

    “You’re probably the happiest right now.” 

    “You can say that again,” he nodded.

    “But don’t get too happy, this won’t end well. Mr. President is darker than you think, and Four’s life would be in danger in the future no matter how strong he is.” Mrs. Katerina said.

    Xanthe dropped his ice cream bowl and faced her, “What do you mean?”

    “Trust me, you don’t wanna get involved in this dark case.” Mrs. Katerina stood.

    “Was dad in love with late Rue Ambrose?” Xanthe asked, standing up  too.

    Mrs. Katerina looked back quickly, eyes wide.

    “What are you talking about? There was no such thing! He was and is still in love with your late mother!”

    “Then explain the pictures of Rue Ambrose in the hidden room!” Xanthe yelled.

    “He’s her fan!” Mrs. Katerina spat, the argument getting louder.

    “Explain the ones in the other hidden room then. Pictures of Vaughn with knives stuck in his eyes in each frame!” Xanthe yelled.

    Mrs. Katerina went silent as if compelled, and Xanthe scoffed.

    “You wanna be a mother figure to me? Then try and tell the truth without gatekeeping anything, but if you keep this act up, I’ll find out everything by myself even if it means cooperating with Four!” 

    He left her there, and Mrs. Katerina rushed off too, going in search of the president.

    Meanwhile, President Spyros is at the circus, pacing around in just his dress shirt.

    His palms are fisted, and he sat when it got to a point, but a minute later, he spranged back to his feet.

    He leaned his palms on the wall, remembering the past.

            • UNN College, Years Ago •

    Medical practical class ended minutes ago, and the students are currently pouring out of the LH, chatting about the just-concluded class.

    UNN isn’t like the normal colleges, it’s an ivy league college with unmatched records of successful graduates, so only the crazily rich gets the opportunity to attend, but there’s a yearly scholarship program for middle-class people, and they take in five students yearly.

    Rue and Vaughn got admitted with scholarship, not only because they’re brilliant but also because they’re friends with Spyros and Katerina.

    Spyros and Katerina are one of the richest students in the institution, especially Spyros, so being friends with the two since highschool gave them unlimited opportunities.

    Even during highschool, Vaughn and Rue still attended the best highschool with scholarship, thanks to Spyros.

    They all decided to study medicine together in college too, and the 4 are like the aces of their faculty.

    They’re part of the people who just came out of the medical class, and they’re chatting closely as they walked the hallway.

    Vaughn’s hand is held by Rue since he’s blind, and he’s just following her lead with his black shades in his eyes.

    “Who do you think is gonna have the best project work among us?” Katerina posed the question.

    “Vaughn!” Rue and Spyros chorused.

    “Now, guys. Don’t flatter me.” Vaughn replied with a big smile.

    “What do you mean don’t flatter you? I wish I had your kinda brain, my life would be rosy. How are you blind and still the most brilliant medical student? Tell me, you’re not really blind, are you?” Spyros said.

    “Don’t just start,” Vaughn replied, and Spyros laughed with Katerina.

    “Should we go eat at a restaurant first?” Rue asked.

    “Veggies.” Spyros suggested.

    “You and your love for veggies, urg! I hate it!” Rue said. She’s a short woman but very beautiful with her curly hair and round face.

    Spyros was staring very much at her as she spoke.

    “Everyone will eat what they want, and that’s settled.” Katerina cut in.

    “I need to go pee, first.” Vaughn took his hand from Rue.

    “You can’t go alone.” Rue blinked.

    “I only have to take twenty steps to get to the closest male restroom so calm down. I should be doing things on my own at times. Blindness isn’t weakness.” Vaughn said.

    “Fine, if you don’t return in five minutes, I’ll come for you.” Rue checked her wristwatch, and Vaughn left, holding the walls till he disappeared down the hall.

    “I forgot my anatomy handout in the lecture hall, geez!” Katerina complained, rushing back into the class for it.

    Now it’s just Rue and Spyros in the hallway, and Spyros smiled.

    “I’ve warned you severally, Spyros. Don’t flash me that smile. I and Vaughn started dating from highschool and you’re aware, so I don’t understand your sudden interest in me.” Rue said.

    “Vaughn is blind, we can even f+k in front of him without his knowledge. He’s as good as dead.” Spyros chuckled, and his face was kissed by Rue’s palm.

    She slapped him hard, his books fell.

    “Rue?” He held his face.

    “Never…talk about Vaughn like that anymore. Ever!” She spat.

                     • Present Time •

    President Spyros sighed, sitting down again.

    Mrs. Katerina entered the circus with the intention of telling him that Xanthe has found out about his obsession with Rue, but she changed her mind in the last minute.

    She just stood in front of the man, and he looked at her questioningly.

    “Are you ok sir?” She spoke.

    “Prepare the swearing in ceremony at the outdoor platform as planned.” Spyros replied, his unseen intentions so dark.

    “Yes sir.” Mrs. Katrina replied.

    [Zeus Hospital]

    Just like the President, the Marquis is restless, and he can’t even put his butt on a chair to rest.

    Hera is in bed, and though she’s conscious, she’s still in tears, and her eye sockets are swollen red. Her wedding dress is still on, and the front is damp with her waterworks.

    There are guards at standby on each corner of the room, silently guarding.

    “How dare you, Here! How dare you disgrace me that way! There were countless royals and zillionaires who look up to me and bow to me everytime we cross paths, but then you chose that venue to drag me down?”

    “Father, I swear it was a mistake! I didn’t knowingly do that with Axel but he sugarcoated his words and tripped me!” Hera got down from the bed quickly.

    “You were 11, Hera! He was 10! How could you both? How could you both!! You were kids!!!” The old man grabbed her shoulders, shaking her.

    “You were minors, how could you!”

    “I swear I wasn’t thinking! I wanted to have s+x with Eros but he kept declining, saying we were too young. Then I talked to another boy and he blinded him and tattooed me! After that, he became even more strict with me, and the way I had no boy to satisfy my cravings made me grow desperate. Axel came to me and said he’d make me feel exactly what Eros would make me feel since they’re brothers, and agre—

    The old man pushed her away before she could land, and she fell back to the bed.

    “You had no boy to satisfy your cravings? You were already getting s+xu@l cravings at the age of 11? Hera!!”

    “Father I’m so sorry.” She quickly went on her knees, rubbing her palms together.

    “Please forgive me! I’m so sorry I was thoughtless. Please I can’t lose Eros this way. It was a mistake and I’m willing to do anything to get him back! Please help me father!!”

    She crawled to him, held his legs and began crying on his skin.

    Before he could reply, Lady Yulia entered the ward with poised stance, her small black bag looking poised in her hand. She’s wearing a black flowing gown too, black shoes and the hat.

    She has been dressing all black since Pedro’s death.

    “You and your daughter,” she faced the Marquis, her voice stinging.

    “Never get your faces in front of my son ever again! Or I’ll make you lose everything you have in this upcoming blood spill, including your position as the Marquis, and your lives!” She threatened.

    “Your son defiled my daughter at such a young age, you shouldn’t even be able to talk!” The Marquis claimed.

    “They defiled each other, they used each other. They dirtied each other!” Lady Yulia yelled.

    “Woman!!” The Marquis yelled.

    “Old man!!!” She yelled back, coming closer. She’s naturally tall, but with her heels? She’s looking at the bald middle of the man’s head.

    “You’re lucky I’m the one who came to you, cos if it was Giant spider himself, you’d be dead by now for trying to sign him off to your whoring daughter!” 

    She grinned evilly.

    “But he has no time to spare you, cos he’s currently with the woman he actually cares about, the only daughter-in-law I’ll ever take!”

    Hera cried harder.

    “Yulia—” The Marquis gritted.

    “You can take Axel and kill him. Roast him, burn him, fry or barbeque him. I don’t care! But you will stay away from my first son!”

    A dry smile followed…

    “We’ll see at the swearing in ceremony.”

    Then she walked out of the ward.

    The Marquis stood there, looking spelled.

    “No dad! It can’t be over! Dad…” Hera kept crying at his feet.

    He faced his head guard.

    “Call the President.” He ordered.

    [A High-end Restaurant]

    The armies got free outing cards today since it’s the base triple wedding, so after they left the ruined wedding, most of them didn’t go back to the base immediately.

    They’re free to be out before 12am and It’s 10pm right now.

    They still have an hour to ball.

    Rook and the others came here for a meal, and they’ve been chatting over their plates of food ever since.

    “I should have noticed when she asked for an height mate.” Shannon said after lowering her cup of lemonade from her lips.

    “But Paine? How did they convince this bastard?” Rook laughed.

    “I got a call from Snowman and I couldn’t turn him down cos I’m not ready to die, so just shut up.” Paine replied, putting fire on a cigar.

    “You need to see the laughter I rolled into when I saw him in that white dress. And the lashes.” Brent grinned.

    “I said stop…” Paine glared, smoking, but Brent’s laughter just got louder with Shannon.

    Theo is on that same table, but he’s silent, and Rook sat as far from him as possible.

    April snatched the cigar from Paine tossing it away…

    “No smoking, you didn’t read the notice board outside?” She rolled eyes.

    “Obediently boring.” Paine scoffed.

    “So you’re returning to detention when we get to base?” Shannon asked Rook.

    “Of course, I was allowed to attend the wedding only because Battery is my bestie.” Rook shrugged.

    He saw Theo staring at him, but he gave zero f+ks about his eyes.

    “The wedding that exploded,” April said, and they all bursted into laughter again.

    “I heard only the third floor wedding went well. So Cassie went from Norris to Graham and now DeVille? She’s unbelievably stupid.” Brent said.

    “You can say that again, I’m so ashamed” Shannon covered her face with her palms.

    “And the s+x video? S+x in elementary school? That’s crazy work, Axel and Hera should just get married. Hera would look good as the second wife.” April said..

    “You just said my mind,” Rook supported.

    “I have something interesting about Cassie and everyone of you, but I’ll only release it when the time is right. Maybe after the swearing in ceremony. I’m still waiting to see if it’d really be Axel.” Paine said.

    Everyone turned to him.

    “Something interesting about everyone?” Rook and Brent chorused.

    “Wait for the future.” Paine sighed.

    “Theo you’ve not been talking.” April nudged him.

    “I’m fine,” he replied, his fingers curled into balls on his laps under the table.

    “You don’t look fine, you look like you cried.” April observed.

    Rook instantly looked at him. Truly, there are faint streaks.

    “I’m really fine,” Theo stood.

    “I’ll be outside”

    He left the restaurant, and Rook immediately stood too.

    “Need to go attend to that baby, else he might start crying outside again.” He said.

    “Go, go.” Shannon patted him.

    Paine picked another cigar stick to smoke after Rook left, but it was snatched by Brent this time.

    “April said you can’t smoke, you bastard.” He glared.

    Paine made to snatch it back from him, but another person joined their table.

    They moved their necks at the same time, beholding Sergeant Kash who’s smiling brightly.

    “Sergeant Kash!” They chorused.

    [Four’s Private Mansion, 12am]

    The smell of s+x still lingered thickly in the air, and the entrance of the mansion is still layered with shredded wedding dress and suit, p+nt!es and boxers.

    They were too tired after the second and third round of deep s+x which lasted longer at each round.

    Four and Teal lay tangled around each in bed, their eyes are closed under the small dull lights.

    They’re still n+k€d under the duvet, and their skins are exchanging sweet heats.

    They slept off an hour ago, but Four is not sleeping. His eyes are just closed, and he’s listening to the sound of her fast heartbeats as she dozed.

    She gets fast heartbeats whenever she’s asleep, and he likes the sound of it as she lay on his chest, deeply asleep.

    It’s the first time in his life he’d ever allow a woman in his arms. First time he’d pick something peculiar to like about a woman. First time he’d f+k someone.

    Yes, that was his first, and there’ll still be more and more to come cos this woman in his arms might be a hardhead, but she’s addictive, and she has no idea.

    His chin did the jutt as he peered down to look at her through his thick lashes. Only half her eyes are closed as usual, and a small smile pulled his lips, so small but beautiful.

    His decision today would only make things messy, he knows that … But he did it with readiness for any outcome that might pop out.

    So far he’s alive, this woman remains protected. Not because she’s a woman, but because she’s his woman.

    It’s only the start of the fight between him, Usman, The Marquis, The President, whoever killed his father and whoever gave him this ugly scar.

    There’s a lot to fight for, but in all, this woman in his arms remains unscathed. Even if she’s gonna get hurt, he’d be the one to hurt her by himself. Make her bleed any colour he likes.

    She stirred in his arms, and her eyes opened more, her thin lips grazing his chest.

    “You good, Asteri?” He whispered, stroking her br+@sts.

    She nodded once, snuggling closer into his skin.

    Their phones rang at the same time beside the pillows.

    Four stretched his hand to take the two, handing her her one phone.

    Jason Biker is the one calling Four, but ‘Uncle Paul’ flashed brightly on Teal’s screen.

    They picked at the same time.

    “I’m busy with my wife, keep whatever it is till tomorrow.” Four told Jason.

    “I’m busy with my husband, and I’ll be busy forever.” Teal told the uncle.

    They both hung up at the same time.

    TBC

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 63&64

    Twisted Empire – Episode 63&64

      

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 63&64

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    “Damn you, minx!!!!” Sierra yelled, her voice heavy with shock as she dashed to the edge of the cliff.

    She peered down to see water glancing below the cliff.

    There are small bubbles on the surface, indicating that Teal fell inside.

    She shifted back from the edge, taking a look at the atmosphere.

    It’s currently snowing. 

    The mild snowfall began this morning, and now it’s starting to get heavier.

    There’s no way Teal would survive the fall with the cut on her leg and the raining snowflakes.

    The snow would freeze the water, and her bleeding leg would slow down her swimming pace, trapping her in the water till she dies.

    Teal won’t make it. She wouldn’t dare.

    “You better not come back.” Sierra took two more steps back before going down the slope.

    She took off her boot and pulled off her socks, then she wiped Teal’s blood that’s on the leaves with it.

    If anyone would trace Teal at all, then they won’t be able to find her without the blood trail.

    The wiping took long minutes, but she did it cleanly and meticulously.

    She dug a shallow hole and buried the bloody socks, then she left the forest through a different route.

    [Village]

    It was Anassa who caught Hera.

    She’s none of Four’s business—what he said.

    Four already left for the forest, and Kash returned to his own station.

    Anassa took Hera into the last room in the court—the one with the leaking roof.

    She lay her in bed and felt her temperature. She’s burning up real bad.

    The woman got a wet towel and began wiping Hera’s skin with it, trying to cool her temperature first.

    The bodyguard who came with Hera stayed behind Anassa, looking collected.

    By the time Anassa finished the wiping, Hera’s temperature already dropped, and her paleness reduced.

    She still looks sick, but better than before.

    “Who’s she? Why does it seem like none of the merchants like her?” Anassa faced the bodyguard.

    “Merchants?” 

    “Aren’t they salt merchants?” Anassa blinked, and the man scoffed.

    “Lies, you probably didn’t suspect anything since they’re wearing muftis. They’re a military squad called Maelstorm from the Greece core base. They go on missions to save lives.” 

    “Military squad? Missions to save?” Anassa jumped up, her stare unwavering as the shockwave crashed over her.

    “They were created to fight against Usman. The fact that they’re here only means this village is Usman’s next stop.” The bodyguard further explained.

    “What!! Usman?” 

    [Outside]

    A snowstorm is unavoidable, cos the wind is gradually intensifying and dropping in temperature. The snowfall is becoming heavier and denser.

    Paine could feel flu overwhelming his system, so he went inside his court to get a pullover.

    While coming back outside, he passed by the courtyard and saw Skye coming out of the kitchen.

    “Why were you in the kitchen, Specialist Skye?” He smiled like a fox.

    “Went to drink some water, obviously,” Skye replied gruffly.

    “Water in this madly cold weather? Snowstorm is preparing to happen, and you’re drinking water?” Paine smiled again, his intentionality persistent.

    “What are you trying to say?” Skye glared, and Paine raised his hands.

    “Nothing at all, you’ll live long,” He left Skye and returned to his station.

    As soon as he got there , Kash returned.

    “Master hasn’t returned?” He asked, looking crazily bothered.

    “No sir, I haven’t seen him” Paine quipped.

    “He hasn’t?” Yulia’s voice lended in as she joined them.

    “No, ma’am.” Paine offered.

    “I’ll get into the forest.” Yulia moved, suddenly panicking.

    “I’m following you, ma’am,” Kash added.

    “Stay here, and control the others.” Yulia replied, moving again.

    “Ma’am, it’s—

    “Sergeant Kash!” Yulia glared, and he quickly composed.

    “Yes ma’am,” 

    “Follow me, Paine.” Yulia ordered, and Paine moved with her.

    Together, they ran down the village slope, and Anassa came out of the courtyard.

    She looks so scared as she meandered to Kash with slow, deliberate steps.

    “Anassa?” Kash faced her, sharply.

    “Is it true? Are y’all really armies from the military?” Her voice was a little above a dead whisper.

    Kash appeared mute for a minute, but when he saw Hera’s bodyguard behind, he immediately understood where it came from.

    He’d have beat the man up if Anassa wasn’t here.

    He was still glaring at him when Anassa suddenly went on her knees.

    “Madam!” Kash went on a knee with her, and tears rolled out of her eyes.

    “Please… please protect my people. We’re too peaceful to die in the hands of a devil. I promised to protect them, but with this evil man around, I dunno,” She shook her head, holding Kash’s shirt pleadingly.

    “Even if it costs our lives, we’ll protect everyone as much as we can .” Kash assured.

    She gasped again, quickly looking up as her nails dug into his skin.

    “Vonn! What if he already killed Vonn!” her tears flooded her face.

    “Vonn is gonna be fine so far Private Teal is with him.” Sergeant Kash further assured, but that didn’t stop her caterwauls.

    Skye and April are in the same station, and when he returned to the spot, he found April restless.

    She ran to meet him halfway.

    “How’s it?” She asked breathlessly.

    “The Vonn guy and Private Teal went to the plantation for onions, and they’re not back for over an hour. Snowman went to check on them, but for twenty minutes he’s not back yet too. Lady Yulia and Paine have also gone to check. Then, the Hera lady came.” Skye explained.

    “What! What if Usman is taking us one by one?” April terrifically said.

    “Are you real? Even if that bastard kidnaps everyone, that wouldn’t include the Snowman I know.” Skye sat on a plank.

    “I’m just being edgy, don’t judge.” April dragged a palm down her face and sat with him, suddenly grabbing his knee.

    Skye faced her.

    “Did you drop the knot in the food yourself then?” She asked.

    “Yeah,” he nodded, and, her eyes stretched.

    “What! Why? Things are already going wrong even without Usman! Why must you still add the knot?” 

    Skye just stood and went to the other side, leaving her there.

    April wiped the little tear that tore out of her eye corners.

    [Forest]

    The snowstorm has started, and the falling clusters of snowflakes is enough to blind any eyes.

    Four didn’t care, though. 

    He didn’t even raise his hand to shield his eyes from the flakes.

    His eyes is blurred with the thorny sensations, but his strides are calculated as he searched the forest for any sign of her—just her.

    He wouldn’t care about anyone else, he entered this forest for her.

    And that’s why he ignored Vonn’s arrowed body when he saw it lying inside the onion plantation some minutes ago.

    He didn’t even try to check if he’s still breathing or not, he had walked past the body and continued his search, down the slope.

    The green leaves are all blanketed with snowflakes. His hair is also sprinkled with flakes. Chills is beginning to seep into his body, but he has never been the type to stay off evil.

    He embraces it.

    Being a man who lived half of his life inside his room, cold is not his friend—he’s highly susceptible to it, and that’s why he’s already freezing from the inside, but he filed through stunts and twigs nevertheless.

    He’s not finding any trace or trail.

    “Teal!!” Her name rolled off his tongue with profound resonance, echoing though the dense first as he spun away to another area.

    It can’t be Usman at work, Usman isn’t this obvious. 

    Also, the arrow he saw in Vonn’s body didn’t seem like Usman’s style.

    It was the same arrow Sierra used on Teal, so it’s not unrecognizable.

    Sierra did this.

    Another wave of snowstorm hit his face, and this time, he wiped his face with his palm, shaking away the ones that hung on his lashes.

    While wiping, he saw something beside a thick stunt, and he crouched to pick it up.

    It’s Teal’s whistle.

    It must have fallen from her when she was running, but then his eyes spasmed when he saw blood on the whistle.

    Teal’s blood?

    How the f+ck is Teal wounded by that wench when Teal isn’t a simpleton?

    He lowered the whistle and looked around.

    From where he’s standing, there are three ways.

    The first one leads to the exit route of the forest.

    Second one leads to a swamp, and the third one leads to the end of the slope.

    Logically, he took the third one, and at the end of the slope, he met a cliff.

    At the cliff edge, there’s a clotted drop of blood, covered by flakes.

    He scooped some with his finger, confirming that it’s really blood.

    He didn’t have a second thought before shifting, then he did a wild run forward, jumping off the cliff.

    It seemed easy till he landed inside the water, and he froze, remembering the scar on his back.

    That motherf+ckin thing is an enemy to cold liquid, and it instantly began swelling, reacting by bleeding through his skin pores.

    The water is damn cold, and it felt like his heart was squeezing, trying to burst itself out of his chest.

    He ignored everything. The pains. The agony. The sting.

    He began swimming around the water, following wherever the waves showed him as he searched for her.

    Yulia and Paine arrived at the onion plantation easily, and they found Vonn laying on the ground, his blood pooled around him from the arrow wound.

    “Shit,” Paine muttered.

    “Hold him down,” Yulia told him.

    Paine knelt, holding Vonn’s unconscious body to the ground.

    Yulia felt his pulse, making sure he’s still breathing faintly, then at a go, she removed the arrow.

    Vonn made some inaudible noises, and blood poured from his back again, following the arrow out.

    Yulia tore his shirt away to view the wound better.

    The arrow is the exact one Sierra once attacked Teal with, and she could remember her uncles brought perilla leaves as the antidote.

    Since this place is a wide plantation, so she rushed down the slope for any sign of the plant.

    She didn’t go far before locating perilla down the acre.

    She plucked them and came back to the suffering guy.

    She placed the leaves on his wound, then she took off her jacket, tore it and tied the wound with it.

    “Take him back to the village, tell Anassa to allow the leaves colour to melt with the wound and leave him to rest. No noise.” She instructed.

    “Yes ma’am.” Paine carried Vonn in his back, racing out of the plantation.

    Yulia went down, neither going right nor left till she arrived at another part of the forest entirely.

    The snowstorm worsened things for Teal.

    After she was able to drag herself out of the water, she was entirely weak cos of the blood she lost, and the long period she spent trying to swim her way out of the water.

    Limbs. Bones. Flesh.

    Everywhere seems brutally beaten, and she’s barely functioning as she dragged herself to sit beside a tree.

    She has to be as far away as possible from the the river to combat the cold she’s currently dealing with.

    She’s like a polar bear who can survive in the coldest conditions, but the wound on her leg fucked her up.

    The frozen river water penetrated into her through the wound, so much that she now finds it hard to lift a finger.

    She rested the back of her head on the tree, legs stretched out. The bleeding persisted, she could feel the way blood is trickling out of her leg.

    She peered her tired eyes open, her pale lips parting slightly as she managed to look around for any medicinal plant.

    Luckily, she saw oregano not far from her.

    She dragged herself there with a crawl, plucking some of the leaves

    She shoved it into it to her mouth, chewed it to grind, then she spit it out and poured it on her wound.

    She removed the long hairband in her hair and tied it gently around her leg with the grinded leaves.

    At least, that’d stop the bleeding for a moment.

    This part of the forest is deep, so for the awareness of wild animals, she got her gun out of her pocket and held it tight, shivering as she leaned back against the tree.

    She only needs to rest for a while and gather energy before searching for a way out of this trap.

    She was even unaware of how deep her tiredness is, cos a minute after she rested back on the tree, she slept off, deeply.

    Yulia appeared from the side, and her eyes widened lightly when she saw her.

    “Teal!” 

    She did a small run to her and bent beside her. Teal’s eyes opened.

    “Ma’am,” she whispered.

    Yulia hugged her tightly, stroking her loose hair.

    “Thanks for staying safe, thank you…I love you so much.” Lady Yulia said emotionally, and Teal smiled, hugging her back.

    “Thanks for finding me,”

    Yulia pulled back and checked her leg, shaking her head when she saw how large the wound is, and the colour around it.

    “We need to leave, I think your wound got infected by tetanus.” She said.

    “Tetanus?” Teal muttered.

    “I was an animal doctor before marrying Pedro and joining the military, so I know few things about wounds.” Yulia pulled her up, carrying her in her arms.

    “I can manage to walk!” Teal quickly shook her head.

    “Giant spider wouldn’t let you walk with a wound to your leg, so chill.” Yulia smiled.

    It’s useless arguing with this woman, so Teal just stayed in her arms, and Yulia carried her out.

    Some minutes after they left, Four was pushed out of the river by the waves, and his groan thickened the air as he struggled to stand to his feet.

    Teal isn’t in the water, and that made him think she got eaten by a whale or something.

    A whale that he’s gonna kill and parboil with Cassie.

    But is his parboil plan still gonna materialize with the searing pains he’s feeling right now?

    It’s like his organs has been replaced with dry ice, and he’s freezing from the inside. Also, his scar is still bleeding to the shore. His shirt has a mixture of water and his blood.

    He began dragging himself far from the water, unable to stand to his feet as the snowstorm mocked him by becoming even harsher.

    Limb to limb, breaths to breaths. He’s weaker than weak.

    This is why this scar must not be known to any eyes apart from him. 

    It’s a mark of weakness.

    Mark of shame.

    No one else is allowed to know about it, but then he’s losing it already—his consciousness.

    He halted when he saw footprints, and he extended an hand to measure the width and length.

    He groaned out again, recognizing the footprints as Teal’s, judging by her boot build.

    This means she made it out of the water, and she’s probably fine.

    But he still has to find her and make sure, so he dragged himself again.

    The third groan filtered out of him. Shaky. Breathy. Weak.

    The scar bled more, and the dark vein stretched on his neck.

    “F+ck..hh!!” He groaned, holding his head and going down completely on the snow.

    His head felt noisily empty, like someone is drumming inside the hollow. That black vein on his neck seemed to be supplying spice to his skull, so it stings over there, and he groaned out again.

    He reached for his pocket to take out the big dipper painting, but unfortunately, he didn’t take it along.

    He left it at the base, a mistake he immediately hates himself for.

    His hands went limp slowly, and his head joined the limpness as his chest went completely null, body numb.

    He finally lost consciousness.

    [Athens, Military Base Cantonment~Gym]

    Allegra wore just her leggings and black bra, hair in a bun and sweat on her skin as she swung her fist around in circles, chasing Quentin with the it.

    The guy just ran around, escaping from the hits, to which she laughed out.

    “I know you can actually fight, stop painting yourself as weak.” She told him, swinging another punch which he escaped like the initials.

    “I’m just a guy trying to live simply. As the son of a richarse family, you don’t expect me to wake up and start training everyday when I’m not enlisting in the military.” He said, sitting on the lever pull.

    “Why didn’t you enlist like your girlfriend Morgan?” Allegra asked.

    “Stop calling her my girlfriend.” Quentin replied flat, and she smiled with a nod.

    “Seriously?”

    “I mean it. I’m gonna break up with her once she arrives from this mission, but in my mind, we’re already over.” He shrugged.

    Allegra’s happiness showed in her eyes as she talked…

    “Why don’t you let me do the breakup instead? I love brutality,” 

    “No objections,” Quentin agreed.

    “Really? She might really die, you know I’m not nice with words,” She sat with him.

    “I don’t really care,” He faced her, and she gave him a wink.

    “So what if I tell you to show me your shaved D?”

    Quentin stood, without arguing.

    She undid his belt, and since they’re the only ones in there, he took off his p+nts, bunching it down his ankles.

    His d+ck dangled on her face.

    “Can you play with yourself? I’d like to watch.” Allegra requested, adjusting herself on her chair.

    Once again, Quentin didn’t argue, he began stroking himself, and in return, Allegra began stroking herself too, through her underwear.

    [Zeus Hospital]

    “Christmas is just three days away, I wish dad would wake up before then,” Cassie said desperately as she entered the private ward with the doctor in charge.

    “It’s not that predictable. All we can do is wait, Mrs. Graham.” The doctor told her, and Cassie nodded as they both watched her father in bed.

    Wired differently with tubes and machines which were passed intravenously into him.

    He looks fine, though. And by the looks of it, he looks like he’s really gonna wake up soon.

    That fleeting moment, Cassie wished she had met Axel before Kash.

    It that had been the case, maybe her father wouldn’t even have landed in coma. She’d have finished schooling and get a good job. Shannon would be college school by now instead of mingling with the barracks riffraffs.

    “Mrs. Graham?” The doctor called when he noticed she has spaced out.

    “Cassie. Just call me Cassie from now on.” She corrected, and the doctor blinked in surprise.

    He left her in the ward, and she sat beside the coma man, pulling out a book to read to him.

    [Presidential Office]

    “General Pedro is on his way to see you, sir.” Mrs, Katerina reported, entering the main office with a white file to her arm.

    “You arranged the meeting?” President Spyros asked behind his desk, looking up from his documents pile.

    “He insisted on seeing you after getting the call about the change. The meeting was inevitable.” Mrs. Katerina dropped the file and sat across the President at the wide lounge.

    Her cleavage is slightly open.

    “It’s three days to Christmas, tell me the central amusement park for kids already got reconstructed.” President Spyros said, opening the file.

    “Finished project since last month, I submitted the summary with the end of the month files, but you probably had a lot to look at.” Mrs. Katerina replied.

    “Why are you here though?” President Spyros relaxed.

    “I still stand on my suggestion that you should destroy the room containing Rue’s pictures in the mansion, sir. Xanthe can be very inquisitive, and once he gets too invested, he might find out you were once in love and are still in love with Rue! If that happens, then your secret becomes unsafe. Yesterday, I met a biker at the exclusive store who—”

    The ring from the desk telephone interrupted her, and President Spyros picked the call with a heave, getting informed of Pedro’s arrival.

    Shortly, General Pedro came in.

    Mrs. Katerina left the office, excusing the two.

    “Have your seat, Pedro.” President Spyros gestured as he left his desk to meet Pedro at the lounge.

    “I decline, sir. I purposely came to notify the office that i’m against the new decree. Axel becoming the Master Sergeant and the squad leader is like throwing the base to the wolves,” General Pedro said, voice hard as stone.

    “Are you going against me, Pedro? You became the General only because I said so, and now you’re rebelling?” President Spyros smirked down, his facial expressions screaming wickedness.

    “If standing with the truth means rebelling, then so be it. I will not do your will if it’d put the citizens in danger. Peace out.” Pedro declared and walked out of the office.

    President Spyros folded his arms behind himself, and Mrs. Katerina came back in.

    “I knew he’d stick out,” she said.

    “He has no idea,” President Spyros smiled, no niceness nor softness as he walked back to his seat.

    [The Marquis Mansion]

    The old man sat in his chamber, his nails getting cut by careful maids.

    The maids are shaking, cos each one of them have a gun pointed to their heads by guards.

    Any slight mistake in the cutting, they get killed.

    The Marquis eyes are closed, but he opened up when another guard entered the chamber, leaning down to whisper something into his ear.

    “Boma? My daughter went to Boma?”

    “According to the road cameras, she went with a taxi man, to a horse shed they rented a horse to take on the journey. The driver went with her as her bodyguard.” The guard reported.

    “Go to Boma. Find my daughter. Bring her back home.” The Marquis ordered.

    “The driver?” The bodyguard asked.

    “Kill him.” The Marquis replied.

    [Therapeia Mental Institute]

    General Pedro came here immediately he left the Presidential office.

    The last time he came here, Sierra was still a kid, so he doesn’t even remember the year anymore, and there’s no feeling of familiarity with the building which is just as ominous as the owner.

    Since he knows her office, he went there straight, meeting Empress beside the wall. She’s setting a table, different from her own desk.

    On the table, there’s a small brazier, and smokes is pouring out of the brazier holes in lazy swirls.

    There are two cups of wine on the table, too, and she’s smiling brightly as she set them.

    “I’m not here to drink with you, Empress. Say whatever you wanna say I don’t have all day.” Pedro said.

    The smile on her face wiped off as she looked up, striding to him.

    “I already told you you can’t use that tough tone for me. I’m not Yulia.”

    “Of course you’re not him. At least she’s beautiful.” Pedro replied, and Empress angrily threw an hand forward, but before it could reach Pedro’s face, he batted it away.

    Empress lurched sideways, the cup of wine fell from her and crashed.

    “Pedro!!” She shouted shockingly.

    “Stop being like this. You’re not a god, and no one’s gonna worship at your feet. The only rope holding us together is my daughter. You can go slap your lover if your hand feels idle, but don’t you ever raise your hands at me, and don’t you ever call me for a drink again. I’m Pedro DeVille, legal husband of Yulia DeVille. Stay away.” He warned, leaving the office very fast.

    Empress leaned on the table, breathing in and out as the shock refused to leave her.

    Pedro loves Yulia, not her.

    So she has been deluding?

    Axel came out of the attached washroom, leaning on the wall with an irritated look.

    “The plan was to make him drink the spiked wine, render him powerless and make him watch as I take you, but you actually ruined it and now he’s gone? What the hell is up with you!” He ranted.

    “He can only be pained if he’s in love with me. Pedro doesn’t love me! You heard what he said!” Empress flipped the table to the wall angrily.

    “So what? My wait is just a waste?” Axel smirked.

    Empress rushed to her desk.

    “Talk to me!!” Axel shouted at her, but she ignored his voice and uncapped am injection, stabbing herself with it on the thigh.

    She released the shot into her system, then she threw another injection at Axel. He caught it.

    “What for?”

    “Inject yourself with it, it’d detoxify the power of the smokes,” Empress explained.

    Axel’s eyes went to the smoky brazier on the ground, then he looked at Empress again.

    “Explain,”

    “He might not have drank the wine, but the brazier smokes was my plan B. He definitely inhaled some, and in some minutes when the smokes starts working in his system, you’d love the outcome.” Empress replied.

    “I better love it,” Axel snickered, stabbing the injection into himself.

    [Boma, 6PM]

    Sergeant Kash had to come to the forest with a search team when Four still didn’t show up in the village.

    He came with Rook and Theo, and they were almost late cos if they came a minute later, Four would have probably landed in a more critical state.

    They found him not far from the river, and his whole body is already covered by the snowflakes.

    Only his head is out, and his skin is completely blue like he’s dead.

    They jointly dug the snow away from his body, and the amount of frostbites on his skin is insane.

    He looks really really dead.

    Sergeant Kash carried him on his back, and the race back to the village started. 

    The coldness of Four’s skin on his back even scared him, but it’s expected since he was literally buried in snowflakes.

    When he arrived at the village with him, the shocked looks on the faces of everyone was expected.

    Four isn’t the type to go down easily, so what’s going on?

    Teal received him into his court together with Yulia.

    She’s still limping on her wounded leg though, but she can’t just sit uselessly around when he’s in this state cos of her.

    Anassa helped them with the handmade bathtub, and warm herbal water was poured into it.

    Other herbs like aloe Vera, frankincense and witch hazel were emptied into the tub water.

    Yulia and Anassa left the room, and Teal was tasked with taking off his clothes which she did fast.

    She yanked away his bloody shirt and trousers, leaving him in only his boxers before dipping him completely in the tub.

    His head hung back on the tub wall though, so only his body is in the tub, and steam rose from the water as she scooped some on her palm, pouring on his neck to moisten that place too.

    She only poured the water twice before the dark vein disappeared from his neck, and she sighed, shifting to the edge of the tub to sit.

    He definitely entered the river, but why is he like this? How did he end up buried in snowflakes to the point of getting this madly frostbitten?

    Why would he even risk it if he’s susceptible to cold?

    She doesn’t want to start feeling special cos of this, but then…

    Is there any other reason why he did it for her?

    Her hahd and reached for his face, and she moved some wet hair strands away from his eyes, touching his lashes in the process.

    Her fingers lingered there for long before moving to his thick eyebrows, and she caressed it before she knew it, rubbing her thumb back and forth on the thickness.

    He stayed still. He remained unconscious, but his frostbites are starting to go down.

    She was still touching his brows when her eyes went down his body, the eight correct packs making her blink unintentionally, and his pointed Adam’s apple.

    She did a slight gulp, taking his hand away from his skin before more wild thoughts would come.

    Then she remembered the scar she felt on his lower back.

    This is a perfect opportunity to finally check it out, but just as she’s about to slide her arm to his back, she heard a commotion outside.

    “You’re not allowed to go in, Major.” April’s voice said.

    “Get away from the door! I’m going in! So far my brother is in there!!” 

    That voice is Sierra’s, definitely.

    The same lady who caused all of these.

    Teal balanced Four’s head well on the tub edge, then she stepped out of it and walked to the door, opening it.

    Sierra’s eyes stretched wide as she’s not expecting to see her. Isn’t she supposed to be dead in the river?

    Before Teal could even tackle Sierra, Sergeant Kash appeared.

    “Stars…there are stars in the sky.” He said breathlessly.

    “What’s going on?” Teal asked in confusion, peeking at the sky to see stars for real.

    “Usman… tonight. Definitely. Master said under the stars.” Sergeant Kash said, and Teal nearly gasped.

    “Then listen to the order, everyone! My brother is unconscious, so I’m taking the charge.” Sierra claimed.

    Teal just ignored her, smirked and walked back inside.

    Sierra and the Privates outside counted the minutes with their held breaths till Teal came out three minutes later.

    She’s wearing Four’s uniform, including the cap!

    The trousers is longer than her legs, so she folded it neatly at the ends so it’d fit.

    She’s with his gun, too.

    “You have no right to wear that! You’re not him!” Sierra came close with a yell.

    “Rule 25, code 8 in the rulebook. A higher up in the base can be replaced by his trained wife in time of adversities. The wife has every right to act in his place.” Teal read with bright red eyes.

    Yulia and Anassa entered the crowd of Privates at this point.

    “Even with that uniform…” Sierra came closer again with a snicker. “You’re still not in charge tonight. I’ll lead the squad to war, I am the Major!”

    “Rule 18, code 8. A squad leader is a boss to everyone in his squad. Even if the General or Major is in the squad, they’re under the leader during a mission, and they’re bound to follow the squad leader’s rules and commands!!” Teal yelled back, grabbing Sierra brutally by the neck.

    Silence.

    Silence filled the courtyard from the others, but Rook and Yulia are smiling.

    Sierra couldn’t lift a finger as Teal dashed her body to the courtyard pillar. Her skin peeled under her mufti.

    “Now tell me, who’s in charge here?” Teal questioned, chin rising and eyes merciless as f+ck, fingers digging into Sierra’s skin.

    “Me.” Sierra replied, and the loud echo of a deafening hit bounced in the courtyard as.

    Teal has slapped Sierra!

    The slap shook off Sierra’s fake teeth, and she went down on the courtyard concrete, landing on her two knees.

    The silence in the courtyard got worse, and everyone has their breaths cut off.

    Like everyone has been waiting eternally for this, but they still can’t handle the shock.

    Sierra’s mouth was draining bitter blood from the middle as she looked up at Teal, slowly from her knees.

    “Who’s in charge here?” Teal repeated the question, voice icy. Authoritative. Highly poisonous.

    Sierra gritted her stinging jaws before speaking…

    “It’s you.” 

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 51&52

    Twisted Empire – Episode 51&52

      

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 51&52

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    Silence.

    Dead silence filled the church, and Teal’s bargain dangled in the air as she kept the knife to her throat. Her blood stained the sharp blade.

    The priest took another step away, and in the process, he stepped on the shards of tray glasses on the ground.

    General Pedro’s right hand went in his pocket, and his confusion got replaced with satisfaction.

    “Not everyone will bend to you and your son, Yulia.” He spoke.

    “Oh darling, we’re not mad. We just know what we want, and we go for it even if it hurts people.” Yulia replied straight beside him.

    “That’s the actual definition of madness! Listen to yourself, Yulia!” General Pedro snarled.

    “Are you flirting with me?” Yulia muttered, and Pedro felt like exploding immediately.

    The Uncles kept up their silence, awaiting the next scene of this madness film, and it came shortly.

    Four suddenly chuckled, the sound haunting and ghostly. The chuckle graduated into a low grin, so disturbingly grim.

    The hand he pointed forward for the knife went down, and Teal swallowed as her blood began lining down her neck in multiple rivulets.

    “You think I care about your life enough to use it as a bargain?” His words came, greased with enough sadism to make her gulp again as his chuckle disappeared, leaving nothing but darkness on his face.

    “You’re not very smart, are you?” He thinned his eyes, sighing out. “Kill yourself.”

    Teal’s hand paused on the knife.

    She didn’t lower it, but she reduced the tightness on her skin. Her breaths warmed up, and that sweat from her forehead fell on her cleavage.

    “Slit your neck, and I’ll watch your blood flood this church as a red sacrifice, what do you think?” He continued his words of insanity, and Teal went rigid.

    “Your son is deranged.” General Pedro muttered in shock as he witnessed the profanity.

    “Our son.” Lady Yulia corrected.

    Suddenly, Four left the alter and began walking to the uncles with mechanically fast, heavy steps.

    “Stop!!” Teal yelled from the alter, taking the knife away from her neck.

    He didn’t stop. 

    She even doubts if he actually heard her cos his steps turned faster.

    “Stop! Eros!!” She yelled, louder.

    He didn’t. He continued. Faster.

    But it’s obvious his target is Uncle Paul—the one who shot at him at the taverna.

    Paul stood there, awaiting his fate, but a step before Four could get to him, Teal threw her knife at his back.

    Four’s sharp instincts alerted him, and he moved out of the way before the knife could stab his back. 

    The knife rammed into Uncle Paul’s chest instead, and Teal gasped from where she stood, eyes nearly falling off.

    “Uncle P!!”

    “Four! It’s hightime you put an end to this, or I’ll order a prison arrest! Stop it!!” General Pedro yelled.

    “I didn’t throw the knife,” Four faced the man. “She did.”

    “And I’m somehow at fault too? Do I have to shoot him in the skull so the fault can balance completely on me?” 

    He grabbed Uncle Paul by the hair, bringing his head down to the row table and smashing it heartlessly to the oak wook.

    Blood broke, showering Uncle Paul’s face, down to his chest which is still stuck with the knife.

    “What do you think you’re doing!!” Uncle Dave quickly stepped in, holding Paul who’s about to pass out.

    Teal finally arrived, covering the two uncles from Four.

    “I won’t marry you, unless you kill me and marry my dead body.” She said, and his chuckle returned with a smirk to crown it.

    “Sounds great, at least you’d be pliant and mute if you’re dead. I told you you look better when mute.”

    “W-hat!” Teal’s throat clogged as his crazed words came out so easily.

    She knows he’s crazy, but it’s the first time she’s witnessing this level from him, and she’d have been scared if there aren’t people inside this church with her.

    She noticed the veins on his neck are popping again, and they’re all faintly black.

    “It’s time to stop, Giant spider.” Yulia said.

    “You joined the opposition today?” Four faced her.

    “I had to, you’re on the brim already, and if you lose it totally, it’s not a good sign.” 

    She leaned into his ear to whisper. “Your neck, the black veins.” 

    Four sighed softly, and without giving anyone another glance, he began walking out of the church.

    Yulia looked at Teal, smiling slightly.

    “Take care of your uncles, I’ll send you a car to take you back to the base whenever you’re ready.”

    “No. I’ll come by myself.” Teal said.

    “Then you have to return tomorrow morning, unfailingly.” Lady Yulia enforced before following her son.

    “I’m so sorry, Private Teal.” General Pedro spoke.

    “Your son should have remained in his room, sir. His coming out was a mistake.” Teal replied angrily.

    Using her knife, she tore away the crawling part of the wedding dress to free her legs, then she flung the heels away from her feet.

    She hung Uncle Paul’s arm on her neck, and Uncle Dave supported her from the other side.

    They jointly took him out of the church, leaving General Pedro in the church with just the priest who’s still standing on the alter.

    The church currently looks like a preluding war rendezvous with faint splashes of blood on the alter pewline. Shredded wedding dress and broken tray shards with ring boxes here and there.

    Pedro looked at the priest, took a slight bow to the alter before leaving the church too.

    [Local Healthcare]

    Teal insisted on treating Uncle Paul by herself, so the doctors gave her a kit when they arrived at the ward, and she got to work immediately.

    Luckily, she always has her knife antidote everywhere she goes—a small bottle of gunpowder, crushed with black healing candy.

    She applied it on the wound and added medical ointments too before starting to wrap it.

    “Why didn’t you dodge it?” She asked, “You could have dodged my knife.” 

    “I had to take the knife so he’d think i feel guilty about the assassination attempt.” Uncle Paul replied.

    “So you don’t?” Teal pulled back a little to view his face.

    “The only guilt I feel right now is sending you to that base.” He said.

    “You were only following my late parents orders.” She replied, returning to the wrapping.

    “Are you really gonna go back to the base tomorrow?” Uncle Dave asked behind her.

    She finished wrapping the bandage before looking at him.

    “Of course, if I’m gonna investigate Four, then I have to. Also, I wanna be a part of people who’d end Usman.” 

    “That’s true—the investigation part. But be careful, he looks insane.” Uncle Paul asserted.

    “I’m not scared, you know I rarely feel that.” Teal replied, and someone entered the ward.

    A short man in suit with well-styled hair. He took a respectful bow.

    “From the president.” He said.

    “Oh…” Uncle Paul sounded as the man pointed an invite forward.

    “The president invites Miss Teal to the mansion tonight, for dinner.”

    “Another dinner?” Teal scoffed, taking the invite.

    “Please, honour the invitation.” The man took another bow and left.

    “How did he even know we’re in this healthcare?” Uncle Dave said.

    “He’s the President, of course he has eyes everywhere.” Uncle Paul replied, laying back on the bed with bandaged head and chest.

    “Are you gonna go?” Uncle Dave asked, and Teal opened the invite.

    “You said he knows something, so I gotta go.”

    “Meaning you’ll return to Athens today, I’ll book you a flight.” Uncle Dave took his phone.

    “I better get a dress.” She said.

    [Therapeia Mental Institute]

    Empress is in her office, just getting back after doing her ward rounds.

    She took off her coat, hung it and was about to sit down when Axel came in, knocking excluded.

    “You’re a persistent one.” Empress said, taking her seat as he walked in fully with a smile larger than yesterday’s.

    “You’re cool, i bet that’s why father was drawn to you. Honestly, I wish you gave birth to me instead of Yulia. Yulia is a pain.” He sat in front of her.

    “Did Yulia send you here?” Empress reclined, giving him a keen look.

    “Yulia and I aren’t friends. She’s my mother, but it ends there, you know what I’m saying? She’s only a mother and a friend to Four.” He explained.

    “And you’re here to complain to me?” 

    “Nah, I’m here to make a friend. Geez, don’t be a bore.” Axel frowned.

    “And what can you do for me In return?” Empress asked.

    “F+ck you and impregnate you, make you birth a baby sis for Sierra? You’re not too old to enter the OB-GYN ward, are you?” He reclined too.

    “You’re just as vain as your mother.” Empress said with no expression.

    “And I’m a good f+ck too, just like her.” He grinned.

    “Kill your mother, then I can consider being your friend.” Empress said suddenly, and he leaned his elbows on the desk, frowning again.

    “I’m sorry, what?”

    “If you kill Yulia, I’ll be a mother and a friend to you, and maybe you can bed me.” Empress replied as blankly as the first time.

    “You’re a bî+ch.” Axel fingered his hair.

    “Chief doctor?” Someone called from the door.

    Empress went there to open up.

    It’s one of the assistants, and she’s holding a white invite card.

    ‘Hera’s Returning Soiree’ was written in gold in front of the card.

    “Hera? The Marquis daughter?” Empress said as she took the card.

    “Yes, I managed to get you the invite.” The assistant replied, and Empress went back inside, dropping the card on the table in front of Axel.

    “Give it to Sierra, she’s free to go. I have no plans to attend public gatherings anytime soon.” She said.

    Axel picked the card, and an interested shine covered his eyes as he read it.

    “Hera? You mean Four’s childhood girlfriend? She promised she’d come back to Greece only if Four came out of his room, and now she’s returning to the country? Well, things just got a lot more interesting.” He laughed.

    Empress’s eyes rolled, obviously not comfortable with this news.

    [Military Base, Male Barracks]

    “MAELSTROM SQUAD MEMBERS! ASSEMBLE AT THE TRAINING GROUND FOR CONTINUAL TRAININGS TOMORROW MORNING AS EARLY AS 6, UNDER MASTER SERGEANT’S SUPERVISION!”

    As the announcement blared throughout the barracks, Brent went down on his knees in the middle of his room, arms curled.

    “No!! No! Not Snowman! Can’t Sergeant Kash handle all the trainings? Last time with Snowman, he set the building on fire when we were inside just for escapism trainings!!” He yelled, falling to the bare ground and rolling around, not minding the stares from other guys.

    Rook laughed from his bunk, dropping the uncapped bottle of water with him.

    “You didn’t even enter the building back then you racoon.” He said.

    “Of course I didn’t, but you and Teal entered and I was having hypertension when I was waiting outside!!” Brent yelled again.

    Rook’s laughter continued. “Please just shut up”

    Theo entered the room, and Rook immediately got down from his bunk.

    “I’ll be back shortly.” He said.

    “But the dinner bell will soon come.” Brent replied from the ground.

    “I’ll be back before it comes.” Theo assured, leaving the room.

    He left the barracks completely, going to the training ground which is emptily silent.

    He faced the range and unlocked one of the training rifles. He unlocked clay pigeons too, and immediately they flew out, he shot, blasting away all five moulds.

    He hasn’t lowered his arm when calm arms wrapped on him from behind, and he paused.

    His eyes shifted slightly cos he recognized that feel.

    He loaded his rifle again, ignoring the arms. He released clay pigeons and shot down another five…

    “I’m sorry.” The gentle voice came as the arms around him tightened so fuckin much.

    “I’m very sorry, Rook.”

    Rook dropped the rifle, unbuckled the arms from his chest before facing him.

    Theo’s eyes are teary, but the tears aren’t falling. They just gathered below his eyeballs.

    “I’m not used to getting attention, and it’s  is maiming me. I can’t control my push-off appetite after that trauma.” He said hopelessly.

    “What trauma?” Rook asked, squeezing his brows.

    “Can we not talk about it right now? Please.” Theo shook his head.

    “No we should. You can’t keep pushing me away and leave me in the dark about what actually causes it every darn time.” Rook’s voice rose.

    Theo threw his arms on him, hugging him tight as his tears finally fell, rolling down his cheeks.

    “Please don’t make me talk about it, yet. And next time if I try the pushing away stuff, you can just give me a knock in the head to remind me I’m an idiot.” He said, and Rook couldn’t help his bright smile after those words.

    “A knock on the head? No, I’d love to knock your arse instead.” He said, hugging him too tight then darting his lips to his neck to kiss it.

    “I care about you, so try not to do the pushing.” He said.

    “I won’t” Theo nodded, smiling as his tears dampened Rook’s shirt.

    Rook kissed his neck, again.

    [Field]

    “Are we really gonna do this?” April said, arms crossed as she stood in front of Skye who also looks perturbed.

    “I can’t risk you getting ratted out to Lady Yulia. That woman is evil and I don’t wanna imagine what she’s gonna do to you.” Skye replied.

    “So we’re gonna ruin the upcoming just like that? For self gain? That’s selfish.” April shook her head.

    They haven’t been able to sleep since Allegra and Axel threatened them with the video. Their days and nights has turned acidic.

    “April.” Skye held her face, and she shook her head.

    “Snowman has always treated me well, treated us well. You’d have died in the pavilion if he didn’t save you!” She broke free.

    “But our lives are on the line here!” Skye snapped.

    “Lady Yulia wouldn’t kill me for abortion, she wouldn’t kill you for abetting it too. Worse she can do is take us to the level 2 prison or level 3.” April said, and Skye became wide-eyed.

    “Are you serious? Level 2 prison is hell! We were both guards over there before becoming Specialists. Level 3 prison is death!” He said, holding her arms.

    April sat on the bare ground, and Skye sat with her.

    “Think about it, April.” He persuaded.

    From a distant hallway, Paine watched the two blankly, enjoying their dilemma.

    “Cassie’s next, I need to gather more evidence for that though.” He nodded, going down the hall.

    On that same hall, Morgan and Stormy walked past each other, ignoring each other’s existence completely.

    Stormy looks bitter, and Morgan looks mad, but Morgan stopped at a point and looked back.

    Stormy was already gone, so she hissed.

    “Is she expecting me to beg first or what?”

    She brought a two-way pager out of her pocket, checking for any voice message from Quentin, but there’s none.

    “Why isn’t he texting?” She muttered, pressing the record button.

    “Hey babe! How’re you doing? Text back as soon as you listen to this.” She said and pressed ‘send’ as she left the hall.

    [Sergeant Kash’s Suite]

    Shannon is in.

    She’s eating at the dinning, and Cassie sat in front of her, watching her with a large beam of smile.

    “You look different.” Shannon commented.

    “Of course.” Cassie smiled wider.

    “Are you indulging in something I dunno about?” Shannon dropped her fork curiously.

    “Dad is gonna wake up soon, the doctors confirmed it.” Cassie broke the news, and Shannon gasped, standing.

    “Wait…what! OMG!” She covered her mouth.

    Cassie grinned happily.

    “I dunno how else to thank Sergeant Kash, he’s the reason dad stayed alive till now.” Shannon gushed.

    ‘It’s not him, dummy’ Cassie said inwardly but smiled outside.

    Her phone rang on the table. 

    Shannon saw ‘Axel’ on the caller ID before Cassie took the phone.

    “Sergeant Axel? When did he start calling you?” Shannon frowned.

    “It’s not Sergeant Axel, It’s a doctor from the hospital.” Cassie lied, entering the bedroom with her phone.

    Shannon resumed eating.

    “A doctor named Axel?” She wondered aloud.

    [Allegra’s Unit]

    “Snowman has a childhood girlfriend?” Allegra said surprisingly, blinking as she talked.

    She’s sitting in bed, and Sierra is standing in front of her, holding the invite she got from Axel.

    “They started dating when they turned 10” Sierra replied, fanning herself with the card.

    “Wait… they’re still together?” Allegra came down from the bed.

    “They never ended it, they were pretty much into each other and maybe still they are.” Sierra replied.

    “Then why is he so pinned with that bî+ch Teal?” Allegra asked.

    “His father got two wives, what were you expecting?” Sierra rolled eyes.

    “To my best of knowledge, General Pedro didn’t marry your mum, he only impregnated her so we can’t totally call her a ex-wife. The only person he took to the alter and married is Lady Yulia.” Allegra replied.

    The look she received from Sierra afterwards was destructive.

    “Are you trying to mock me?” Sierra sneered.

    Allegra climbed the bed back, folding her pierced lips into her mouth.

    “So are you going to the Soiree?” She asked.

    “Of course I am, I’d love to see how Hera turned out within the several years she spent outside this country. I’ll ruin her if she’s still into him.” Sierra smirked.

    “But she’s the Marquis daughter, be careful.” Allegra repair.

    “I’ve never cared about statuses.” Sierra shrugged, and Allegra sighed, picking her phone when it buzzed.

    It’s a text, and as she read the text, she smiled.

    “Who have you been texting?” Sierra asked curiously.

    “Just some guy.” Allegra replied, waving her off.

    [Base HackLord Matrix]

    The HackLord—Fez, is a middle-aged man who was bought for millions by Lady Yulia from a tech auction in the underworld.

    He was brought to this base and stationed here to work and hide from his enemies at the same time.

    He’s mad good, and there’s no existing unhackable location for him, but the only obstacle he has ever met in his hacking journey is this damn Usman. It’s the same thing he’s tackling right now.

    Four and Sergeant Kash are behind him in front of over thirty systems, and as his fingers danced on the keys, their eyes roamed the screens.

    They’re trying to find Usman’s next target location, but this has to be the hardest task ever, cos it’s not even on the map of Greece, but it’s surely inside Greece.

    It’s gotta be one of the jungles or sylvan depths of the country.

    “We barely have three days left, are you sure we’re gonna find the town at this rate?” Sergeant Kash said suddenly. He sounds greatly disturbed.

    “Keep quiet, Graham.” Four replied, tracing the screens with his  sharp eyes without missing a line.

    “You defeated him in the last mission, so you should have known this one would be twisted and mad hard. Usman hates defeat.” The HackLord replied, pressing five keys with his five fingers at a time, but ERROR appeared on the screens, ringing repeatedly around the Matrix.

    “Shit.” Four muttered, and his earbud came on in his ears suddenly.

    The voice of his biker spoke…

    “She went to the healthcare with her uncles, received a dinner invite from the president. She left Symi and flew back to Athens. She’s currently on her way to the president’s mansion for dinner. Should I follow her up?”

    Four stayed still.

    Shadows fell across his eyes as his lids drooped. 

    He then picked his phone and connected to the voice sieve.

    “Let her be, it’s over.” he muttered, returning the phone.

    The phone’s shrill ring pierced the silence Instantly, and he pulled it out again with a dissatisfied groan. 

    It’s Hera calling, he understood what it means.

    “Time for the Soiree, will be back at 9.” He told Kash.

    “I’ll handle things here.” Kash assured, and with a single nod, Four left the Crypt.

    Kash’s phone rang almost immediately too, and he stepped back from the HackLord to pick.

    It’s a doctor from the hospital.

    “Hello?” 

    “Mr. Graham? Your wife’s father might be waking up soon. His heart rate and pulse improved during the past few days.” The doctor reported, and Kash smiled brightly.

    “For real?”

    “Thanks to the raise in your bills, we sped up the treatments. Keep it up, Mr. Graham.” The doctor hung up.

    Kash’s smile dropped, and he kept staring at the phone screen.

    “Raise in my bills?” He muttered, getting greatly confused.

    [International Airport]

    Four’s earbuds stayed in his ears even when he’s not listening to music—he’s not a fan of music, but at least the soundless buds helps block out some of the noise.

    Airports can be annoying with the buzzers and stuff.

    He wore black shades too, and his cashmere cost is tied at the back, his steps are light and at ease as he strolled towards one of the entrances.

    He halted when someone came out, and he smiled lightly, his eyes thinning.

    It’s a beautiful tall lady, her curly hair is caramel brown, and her lips are temptingly full. She’s curvy, too.

    Hera Lazarou, the Marquis daughter.

    “Eros!!” She screamed, leaving her bag behind as she broke into a mad run immediately.

    She jumped into his arms, squealing as she poured affectionate kisses on his face like a kid.

    Four held her thighs so she won’t fall, and her arms went around his neck to wrap.

    “Gawd…I can’t believe I saw you outside again, and I didn’t regret falling in love with your tallness. I missed it, and you…” She gushed, throwing her legs.

    “You’re still so kiddy.” He replied softly, his eyes showing how delighted he is to see her.

    “And you’re still measuring your words, silent devil.” She replied, her heels poking his back.

    Four dropped her, but she took his hand immediately.

    The maids from her father’s mansion came from the waiting car, getting her bags as she made her way to the exit with Four.

    “I miss Greece, geez! Especially the food, the crab soaked in lemon!” she flipped her hair.

    “It’s the main food at your Welcoming Soiree. The Marquis made sure of it.” Four replied, and she jumped happily on a feet.

    “Seriously? And oh I miss your zither playing skills too.” She held his arm with her second hand.

    “Will be playing tonight.” He replied, and she smiled prettily.

    The waiting guards opened the car door for them, letting them in.

    Minutes later, the car ate into the tar.

    [President’s Mansion]

    Teal didn’t wanna come empty-handed, so she bought pecan pie, and though her dress is a bit too tight on the hips, and she’s feeling greatly uncomfortable, she still managed.

    President Spyros took the pecan pie delightfully.

    He handed it to the maids immediately Teal was ushered into the mansion by the guards.

    He looks like he’s going somewhere cos he’s dressed in a fresh suit, and  it’s already past 6pm.

    “After I sent you the dinner invite earlier, another invite came for me from the Marquis, and I can’t turn it down. Her daughter is back, and I must honour her Welcoming Soiree.” He explained.

    He’s walking to the lounge with Teal already.

    “The Marquis? The oldest retired man in this city? The first army to be employed.” Teal replied.

    “Yes he is, and I won’t be a president today if not for his support.” President Spyros nodded.

    “So…the dinner is cancelled sir?” Teal blinked.

    “Not entirely, you’ll be going with I and Xanthe to the Soiree. Hera likes art, so I was thinking you could draw her.” President Spyros said.

    “Me? To the Marquis mansion?” Teal said surprisingly.

    “I’ll go tell Xanthe to get fast with his dress up. Please feel at home.” The man smiled, going inside and leaving her at the lounge.

    Teal’s need to pee beat her need to sit, and there’s no butler around to ask the way to the nearest restroom, so she helped herself.

    She went down the opposite lane and bypassed the staircase.

    She went up a fight of stairs at a point, coming out to another staircase which led down.

    The need to pee grew higher, and her bladder began screaming, so she rushed down that staircase and opened the first door she saw, hoping it’d be a restroom, but she was so shocked at what she met that her pee diffused.

    Inside the room, there are several framed picture of Rue on the wall.

    Rue—her late mum.

    The four walls of the room are filled with her pictures, and there’s no single space left out.

    “Mum?” She muttered, feeling chills at the back of her neck and at the core of her mind and even her feet.

    She felt trapped in a cage immediately, and the sudden slamming of her chest worsened things as she stood in the middle of the room and turned around.

    The pictures seemed like they’re smiling at her, waving at her, motioning at her, and she could imagine the pictures speaking.

    “You grew so well…my baby. Why not come join me up here where I can take care of you more.”

    Immediately she imagined that, she screamed out, and the pictures seemed to be reaching for her now.

    She walked backwards with rough steps. Her ankle sprained in the process, but before she could hit the wall, she was pulled out of the room, and she gasped.

    The door of the room closed, and she gasped again when she saw Xanthe. He’s the one who pulled her out.

    “Teal!” He said loudly.

    “What was that room? Why is my late mum’s pictures in it from the beginning to the end?” She asked.

    “Rue Ambrose was a famous painter with her husband.” President Spyros replied, coming down the stairs.

    Teal faced the man whose eyes held nothing but unfathomable intents.

    “She was my muse before her death, and I even bought one of her paintings at the phantom museum last month. I adore her, so I made that room to worship her soul after her death.” He explained.

    “You were a fan of my mother?” Teal frowned, and the man smiled.

    “Of course.”

    “But still… That room is…” Teal said suspiciously.

    “It’s nothing, young lady. Die-hard fans like me are dedicated.” President Spyros smiled again.

    By now, Teal has calmed.

    “We should go now.” President Spyros concluded, leading the way upstairs.

    Xanthe pulled Teal back.

    “You’re going with us to the Soiree? Why are you even here in the first place? You shouldn’t be!” He said.

    “Your father is being strange and acting like he knows things…

    “Things like Four might be involved in your parents death?” Xanthe cut her off, and she paused.

    “You knew?”

    “I was secretly listening when dad was discussing with your uncles at the circus. I like you a lot, and when my dad uses dubious means to try and get something, I’m against it especially if it’s you. Dad is gonna tell any lie to get you for me, I don’t understand his obsession with getting us married.” Xanthe explained.

    Teal was wordless at the end, just staring at him.

    “Young Master, time to depart.” A butler announced on the staircase.

    “Let’s go.” Xanthe motioned at the stairs, and with a long breath, Teal led the way up, her palms watering in her white gloves.

    [Marquis Mansion]

    The mansion sat in the middle of rocks like a hideaway, and the landscape is surprisingly smooth.

    The old Marquis loves his personal solitude space, reason for this choice of location.

    Maple trees surrounds the inner mansion, and birds choose the trees as their habitats, so the only melody is the song of the birds and the light whistles from the wave of the trees.

    The mansion is alive, but the noise is minimal despite the guests inside.

    The healing sound of a playing zither soaked into the night air, and it’s so good that it was the first thing that caught Teal’s attention when she entered the compound with Xanthe.

    President Spyros had to go meet the Marquis first, so it’s just him and her, and she noticed he’s trying so hard to keep a space between them as they walked.

    They both picked glasses of wine from a tray, clinked before sipping at the same time.

    “Who’s playing that zither? It’s so good.” She said, trying to make out where the sound is coming from, but it sounds distant.

    “It’s coming from the middle of the compound, and I have to admit it’s good too.” Xanthe nodded.

    “I know, right?” Teal supported, and Xanthe smiled.

    “You’re always not shy to appreciate what you like. You were ogling at the orchids too when you came to my birthday.” He said.

    “I just love art, don’t judge me.” She replied, and they laughed.

    But then Teal blinked when she saw General Pedro and Lady Yulia entering through the west door.

    “Don’t be shocked, The old Marquis is respected by everyone so they must be here.” Xanthe said, dropping his cup of wine.

    “I’m visiting the washroom, my palms feels sticky.” He said.

    “Don’t take long.” She replied.

    He nodded as he left through the west door.

    Instantly, Teal saw Sierra coming in with a goth-looking woman, and if the rumour she has been hearing is true, then the woman is Empress, Sierra’s mum.

    Sierra and her mum are here too?

    This old Marquis of a man might even be really mighty  cos she’s also seeing Commissioners, The Earl, The Count and so many royals.

    Teal shook her head and turned around to another angle, but a kid ran into her.

    She steadied herself very fast, but the kid couldn’t do the same as she received a bigger force from Teal’s body. 

    Teal caught her quickly before she could fall, and in the process, she lost her footings.

    She held the kid to herself, and they both fell on the ground at the end, the wine in her glass showered the two of them.

    Teal’s chest got saturated with the red wine, and her yellow dress got greatly stained plus her face.

    But the real problem is her butt. Looks like her tight dress material ripped over there, and if she stands, she’d be standing to disgrace cos her undies would show.

    The kid looks guilty as she stared up at Teal with her doe eyes.

    They’re both still sitting on the ground, and then Teal noticed the silence surrounding them. Even the zither has stopped playing now.

    She looked around and regretted it immediately.

    All eyes are on her like she’s a party pooper, and Sierra is chuckling mockingly beside her mother.

    “She’s so razz, I wonder who invited her here.” She muttered with hate.

    “The betrothed?” Empress asked, sipping slowly from her wine.

    “Obviously.” Sierra sighed.

    The dominating click of heels on the marble floor made the silence even thicker, and Teal didn’t understand the meaning till the owner of the heels appeared.

    A beautiful lady who looks sophisticated, and she’s not even wearing makeup but she’s attractive with her blue eyes and round cheeks.

    Hera.

    She’s hanging her arms on the arms of none other than Four.

    Four???

    Sierra dropped her cup. Her mouth hung open as she definitely got awestruck with Hera’s beauty.

    Teal couldn’t blink.

    Four looks like a husband beside Hera, and their heights even match cos of her heels, their aesthetics, too…

    He wore all-black to match with Hera’s black dress, and even from that distance, she could smell his scent.

    She looked at their interlocked arms, then back to Four’s face. 

    He looks neutral.

    “Why is she looking at you? Do you know her?” Hera asked him.

    “No.” He flatly replied without missing a beat, and Hera smiled.

    “Let’s go, father is waiting.” She said, rubbing his bulging bicep with her thumb before they proceeded inside, walking past Teal on the GROUND.

    TBC.

     Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 47&48

    Twisted Empire – Episode 47&48

      

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 47&48

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    [Daybreak, Healthcare]

    The more the day cracked, the more the shock washed off Sergeant Kash’s body, but despite that, he still wasn’t fully recovered by 7am.

    “You’re telling me you both planned this with the healthcare workers, medics and old doctors?” He asked, trying to get a better hang of it.

    He’s standing in front of the healthcare with Teal who smiled slightly, tying her hair in a messy ponytail and braiding it all the way down as she put her weight on the wall.

    “He knew there was only one poorly equipped healthcare in this island, so he called them last night and made arrangements before we came. We had to make things look real to lure the secretary inside” she explained with a a shrug, and Sergeant Kash sat on the available bench, trying to soak it in.

    And the fact that he choked Teal…

    His eyes suddenly went up to her neck, and when he saw his fingerprints, he stood with a gasp.

    “What?” She blinked.

    “I choked you, my fingerprints is there. I don’t think Master is gon take it lightly if he finds out” There’s fear in his voice as he spoke.

    “It’s nothing, he chokes me too” Teal shrugged.

    ‘And you like that’ her silly subconscious told her, and she cursed at that sick voice.

    “No that’s different, he’s your husband. I’d be angry if I found another man’s fingerprints on my wife” Kash insisted.

    “He wouldn’t kill you just because you choked me. Besides, our coupling is by words, you don’t see any ring on me” she replied.

    Sergeant Kash sighed, knowing she’s stubborn. He can only start hoping for Four not to get angry—and kill him.

    “So what’s gonna happen to the secretary?” He asked.

    Teal sat beside him on the bench.

    Probably dead” she replied.

    ‘He’s not who we thought he was. He might be involved in your parents death’ 

    Uncle Dave’s words stabbed Teal in the gut, and she swallowed imaginary blood.

    She has been trying to forget the words since she returned from her hometown, but she just can’t.

    “You ok?” Sergeant Kash asked her when he noticed she zoned out.

    “I’m fine” 

    “Where is he by the way?” Kash stood, looking impatient.

    “By the sea, fishing” she replied, and he frowned as another confusion set in.

    “Fishing?”

    [Seaside]

    The air is thorny and frigidly harsh, making the morning a overly cold one, coupled with the cloudy fog.

    Four stood at the shore of the freezing sea, holding a fishing hook suspended on a fishing line, tied to a rod.

    The cries of the secretary mixed with the angry crashes of the water currents, and Four looked back at him.

    He’s laying on the shore with holes in his eye sockets instead of eyes—his eyes are gone, and the two balls are in a flat kidney plate beside Four.

    The holes in his eyes are looking so obscure and macabre, belonging in a horror nightmare, and blood is gushing out of the holes like a colourful canvas sample.

    “Please spare me!! Please I promise to release everything I’ve made from working with the President! . . . I promise to give every penny to you! Spare me!!!” He begged and begged.

    Four squatted beside him, smiling like the architect and finisher of all the chaos in this world.

    “I killed people who didn’t deserve death. I killed saints and spilled the blood of saintesses. So who’re you to even beg for breaths? You’ll be greedy till the end, isn’t it?” He said, his chill voice rolling with the sea currents.

    The secretary went silent, but his lips are shaking, and his fingers are nearly crusting like ice beside him.

    He wants to continue talking, but he knows it’ll spell more doom which he’s not ready for.

    “Keep quiet, don’t provoke me to kill you quicker, and crueller” Four muttered, tapping his cheek twice before picking one of his eyeballs from the plate.

    He attached the eyeball to the fishing hook and suspended it in the sea.

    He counted the minutes with his head, and in exactly two, a fish ate the ball and got caught in the hook.

    He lifted the unlucky fish who’s twisting like salted worm, and he released it into the plate before picking the second eyeball.

    He caught a fish with it too, just like the first one, they’re both salmon fishes. He wrapped them up, and a delivery bike came riding to the shore. The rider is wearing a black helmet, so his face is unseen.

    Four handed him the packaged fishes, and the biker left, his bike tires leaving no trails on the sand.

    “How many people have you killed for the President?” Four asked the secretary who’s still laying still.

    His jaws loosened, and the hypothermic blue of his skin deepened.

    “4 people. First was his major opponent in the election when he was contesting for president. Second and third were Xanthe’s ex girlfriend and her father…I killed them cos the President didn’t like the lady. Fourth was the owner of a research company, and that happened even before he became President” he explained with painful sniffles.

    The fact that he’s not seeing anything as he talked is torture on it’s own.

    “I’d have been the fifth if you got me. Too bad, its not my time yet.” Four changed position, shifting back from him

    “Do you know where bullets hurt most?” He sighed wolfishly, pulling his gun from where the had kept it beside his hoops.

    The secretary began shaking again. The blood in his eye holes have stopped pouring now, and cold air is penetrating into his system through the holes. He looks miserable.

    “First place, the hip bone” Four said, firing bullets at his hip bones on both sides.

    “No!!!! Aurhhh!!! I begged you!!! Damnit!!!!” He howled like a baned wolf, his blood exploding from his shot hips to the sand, into the sea.

    “Second place, the knees” Four sighed boringly again, shooting his two knees.

    “Urggg!!! Please stop!!! Please stop!!!” Another cry bursted from his throat as his kneecaps ripped apart, cracking at the bullet impact and letting out cold blood too.

    “Ah… You enjoying the lessons?” Four angled his head sideways, pushing his rough hair away from his eyes.

    “I beg you … I beg you with your hidden soul! I beg you please spare me…spare me” the secretary sniffled, his body already going limp.

    “Tell that to someone who has a stupid soul, and the third place is the cranium, deep inside your brain” Four replied, firing three bullets into his head.

    His body went completely limp as his neck and mouth lost all strength.

    Life slipped out of him, and Four returned his gun to the hoop straps.

    With a simple boot push, the secretary’s lifeless body fell into the sea, getting carried away by the crashing currents.

    Four returned to the healthcare, and both Kash and Teal stood from where they sat.

    The first thing his eyes caught was the fingerprints on Teal’s neck, then the look of guilt on Kash’s face.

    He got it immediately.

    “What did you do to him?” Teal asked, but instead of answering, he took a wide step towards Kash.

    “He did it cos he was protective of you! Stop it!” Teal blocked him.

    “No one else touches your neck. Do I have to write it on your forehead with your blood?” Four glared.

    “I just said he did it cos he was overprotective of you!” Teal held his clenched arms.

    “Am I supposed to start caring? He should know to not touch or leave fingerprints on what I own” Four’s voice turned heavy.

    “It won’t happen again, Master. I’m sorry. I wasn’t carried along, so I got really paranoid and scared when I saw you laying on that bed. I’ll be more careful from now on” Kash spoke softly.

    Four’s chest still stayed inflated, but his eyes peeled away from Kash.

    “Return to the base” he said.

    “Now? What about you and Private Teal?” Kash replied surprisingly.

    “We came here for a night out, nothing is stopping that. We’ll return to Athens tomorrow” Four said.

    “I understand” Kash did a chest push.

    “Carry on with the additional trainings of the squad, next mission is in a week” Four got his phone.

    “You received usman’s texts?” Kash almost gasped.

    “Wait…he texts you?” Teal blinked rapidly.

    “Obviously” Four replied, showing Kash the text on his screen.

    “A stone town? We’re to locate the town ourselves this time? He’s insane, and I’m tired of having to admit that all the time” Kash muttered.

    “And don’t try to find out who shot me, he’s Teal’s Uncle” Four broke the news, and Teal gasped as her eyes met with Kash’s.

    “Why?” He asked slowly.

    “Following the President’s orders, just like the secretary” Four explained.

    “Damn… Not the President again”Kash muttered, the need to behead the President shadowed him.

    Two minutes later, he drove out of the healthcare with the Sergeants, then another car came for Teal and Four.

    Teal flung the door open and jumped inside. She was about to loop the seatbelt on herself when Four hopped in with her, taking it from her and looping it for her.

    “I’m no damsel in distress, stop playing hero” she muttered.

    “You’re whatever the f+ck I say you are, drop the attitude” he replied, and she rolled eyes.

    “You didn’t tell me Usman contacts you” she said.

    “So what if I told you? Your knowledge would have caught up with him somehow?” He gave her a stare, his eyes trailing her cleavage.

    “I’m a part of your squad, you should at least consider that” she flared.

    “Only Sergeant Kash and Blackie are aware. The squad members are in the dark about it. Are you asking for special treatment cos you’re my wife?” She saw him smirk.

    He’s enjoying this.

    “Is that bad?” She smirked back.

    “That’s two” he replied.

    “You…”

    “Me what?” He egged her on with an evil squint, and she stretched her hand to his chest to lodge a punch, but he caught the punch and dragged her to his laps with that hand.

    His hand went to her chest, pulling up her dress to cover her cleavage, then he deeply kissed the skin despite the blood gums.

    At this rate, she’d have to try and get used to his touchy-touchy and body gumming everytime.

    She could smell gin from him, meaning he drank when he was at the sea.

    How much he loves that drink.

    “Will you kill my uncles?” She asked suddenly, and he raised his head from her cleavage.

    “Depends on my mood” he muttered.

    “Uncle Paul didn’t succeed in killing you, so I think he’s worth to spare” she quickly said.

    Four brought an hand to the back of her neck stroking.

    “The secretary didn’t succeed in killing me too, but I gouged his eyes and planted seven bullets in his body before rolling him into the sea. I’ll decide the fate of your Uncle when I’m less busy” 

    “F+ck you” Teal muttered.

    “Of course I’ll f+ck your every hole and claim you properly like my wife, very soon. And that’s 3” he curtly replied.

    Teal went shut.

    [Presidential Office]

    President Spyros was getting highly impatient as the minutes whiled past, running too much.

    He’s currently in a Security council meeting with the heads of Security sectors, and he can’t concentrate as the meeting unfolded in the air-conditioned room.

    His mind is far away, hoping that his errand secretary is safe.

    His official secretary—Mrs. Katerina is right beside him in the room.

    “The face of the army who disposed the human bombs is Four DeVille, the General’s first son. I’m proposing a promotion. Maybe it’s finally time for General Pedro to step down for his son” the head of security (HOS) said, and that snapped President Spyros out of his daze so fast.

    “Make him the General cos he disposed bombs once? If that’s how leaders are chosen, then you won’t be here today.” He told the HOS.

    “There were 4 human bombs in that car, Mr. President sir, and he offloaded them smartly. If the explosion happened in the streets without the rocks to take the fall, then thousands would have died. If his promotion is undeserving for that brilliant performance, then it’s unfair” The HOS insisted.

    “I support the President.” Mrs. Katerina spoke, and all attention spammed to her.

    “Four DeVille is still new. He has only spent two months in the base according to the data we saw. We should give him more chances to prove himself worthy of the promotion” she continued.

    The room went silent, and that was when the President’s phone rang.

    It’s the headmaid at the mansion, so Mrs. Katerina cut the call, but the phone began ringing again.

    It’s Xanthe this time.

    President Spyros picked the call, and what he heard made him end the meeting right there.

    Together with Mrs. Katerina, he left the office, and the drive home was incredibly fast.

    He rushed into the mansion with Mrs. Katerina, and they met the maids and butlers panicking in the kitchen.

    “Dad!” Xanthe breathed in relief when he entered. His arm is still bandaged.

    There are two fishes on the cutting board, and inside the sliced stomach of the fishes, there are human eyes.

    Mrs. Katerina nearly vomited at the sight, she had to cover her mouth, and President Spyros held the cabinets as he stared at the eyes.

    The eyes of the errand secretary.

    “I needed my fish stew fresh, so I told the headmaid to visit the official store for fishes this morning. She came back with these. Human eyes inside the fishes” Xanthe spoke, looking traumatized.

    President Spyros didn’t reply—he couldn’t. 

    He knows where this came from.

    That insane bastard son of Pedro. He caught the errand secretary?

    How come? 

    Wasn’t he in a vegetative state?

    Shit.

    He left the kitchen silently, and Mrs. Katerina followed him.

    “Mr. President sir!”

    [Military Base, Noon]

    The training methods changed today.

    Kash chose not to use the training ground. He led the squad members to the forest surrounding the base property, and for the first time in months, the base dogs were released.

    Morgan and Stormy were released from the prison too since they’re a part of the squad anyways.

    The poison is still in their systems, and they’re to train like that, enter the forest with the crazy pains.

    They both kept their distance, especially Stormy.

    She has tears in her eyes as the pain on her chest is unbearable. She badly wants to faint right now.

    They’re all laying on their bellies on the forest ground, watching and waiting for the right time to attack.

    Kash deployed robotic scarecrows, and they’re to shoot on sight cos the crows are holding rifles too.

    Rook’s finger steadied under the trigger of his own riffle, and he peered at Theo who’s not very far from him under the bushes.

    He looked at his finger, and when he noticed it’s not shaking, he smiled and concentrated back on his target.

    His own scarecrow appeared some meters apart, so he rolled down that perimeter, releasing bullets into the space while chasing after the chunk of grass.

    Brent and Shannon followed behind him. They’re both with two dogs whose barking shook the trees and swayed their leaves as their foot pounded the snow.

    Paine emerged from another angle, and he’s with a dog too, backing a tree before swirling out, pouring bullets into his own crow.

    His dog followed the trail of the bullets and tore the crow to pieces, shredding grasses and shrubs.

    Paine wiped sweat from his head, then he sighed.

    “He’s good” Brent muttered beside Shannon.

    “Focus!” Shannon shouted as his crow aimed for him.

    Brent got grazed slightly on the arm, but he hid behind a tree before bursting out suddenly, shooting down his crow.

    Shannon gave him a thumbs up before resuming her chase.

    Rook stood from the shrubs suddenly, landing his boot on a tree bark before twisting back in a backflip, escaping a bullet. He went on his knees and shot, taking down his crow.

    Morgan and Stormy couldn’t even make it past the first perimeter, they fainted on the ground, and blood soaked their uniforms again from their poison-stabbed chest.

    As for Theo, he hasn’t moved from where he is.

    His hand is under the trigger, but he can’t shoot even as he stared at his own crow.

    He couldn’t stop the images of that night from sinking into his head.

    The way the terrorists forced his father to f+ck goa sis. The way his father was slamming into his sister with bloody tears in his eyes.

    The scene should be empowering him, but it’s doing the opposite. His fingers began shaking again, and the tremors made him colder than ice.

    He pulled the trigger stubbornly, but instead of hitting his own crow, he shot one of the dogs.

    “Theodore!!” Rook shouted, running to him already.

    “Theo!!” Shannon and Brent chorused, and when he saw what he has done, his eyes widened.

    “Stop on your meters, everyone!” Sergeant Kash communicated with everyone in the forest through the VAS, and everyone halted.

    “Theodore!” Rook held Theo when he arrived at his side, but Theo shook him off harshly.

    His body is still shaking.

    “Theodore” Rook repeated the call, but he remained frozen till Kash got to them.

    He picked up the wounded dog and covered the wound with a piece of clothe, then he carried it and faced Theo.

    “Report to the General’s office” he said, then he ran out of the forest with the dog to save it.

    “Theodore” Rook did the third call, holding him, bit Theodore shook him off again.

    “Don’t touch me” he muttered, walking away.

    Rook’s palms folded, and his rifle rope pulled on his neck.

    “What’s up with him?” Shannon muttered.

    “Hand tremor” Brent muttered.

    “What!” Shannon blinked.

    “Shh” Brent shushed.

    [Main Base]

    Skye and April came out of the communal dinning after having their fill of the breakfast, only for them to meet Axel and Allegra in front of the dinner, both looking like conquests.

    Allegra is backing the wall with crossed arms, and Axel is standing opposite her.

    “Follow up” he said, then he led the way with Allegra.

    Skye and April exchanged glances, but they followed them anyways…to the front of Axel’s Unit.

    “Sergeant Kash is busy training the squad in the forest, and that only means the next mission is close” Allegra said.

    “Meaning?” Skye grimaced.

    “You’ll ruin the next mission, and this time…make sure the casualties are more than the ones who’d survive” Axel replied.

    “Aren’t you ashamed at all?” April went closer.

    “What the hell is wrong with your head! I know you’re the one to sent Abbey to sabotage the last mission, and Snowman barely escaped the bomb blast! Abbey was electrocuted, all because of you, but now you’re plotting another? What’s your use in this base? You’re only familiar with how to envy your brother!” She yelled.

    Axel grabbed April hurtfully by the hair, but Skye stepped in, punching him away from her.

    He pulled April behind himself and faced him.

    “You will not touch my girlfriend that way, ever again!” He yelled loudly.

    Axel smiled, then Allegra played the video behind, coming forward and showing them the phone screen so they’d see and hear clearly.

    Both April and Skye froze with stretched eyes, beyond their lids.

    Skye tried to snatch the phone from Allegra, but she pulled back, laughing.

    At the same time, Axel received a text from Cassie, and he discreetly checked.

    Fool: Kash is busy in the forest, can I come over to your Unit?

    Axel scoffed, not bothering to reply before pushing the phone back into his pocket, then he faced the scene ahead of him.

    Skye and April are still shivering.

    “No” April shook her head fearfully.

    “You know what happens if the General or the great Lady Yulia, gets her hands on this video.” Allegra said.

    “So…what do you say, lovebirds?” Axel grinned.

    [A Superstore In The City]

    Yulia intentionally came to the store in her uniform, as if passing a message across which she’s really doing.

    The attendants flooded her with bows and at tension stands by the door, showering her with respect like they do anytime she visits this place.

    Yulia rarely visits the store since she’s not a fashion diva. She just wears anything she plucks from her wardrobe whenever ages not wearing her uniform, and she’s good with whatever it is.

    But these days, the constant need to shop for Teal kept gnawing at her, and she can’t help it.

    She’s the one who arranged the small bag Teal took on to Symi island, so she wants to prepare new fits pending when she’d return.

    She can’t always be wearing the boyish muftis or uniform everytime.

    Two attendants followed her behind, and as she checked out the dresses—casual and sexy, they picked them up.

    Everything was going well till another woman slipped out of a corner in the store, having the looks and features of a witch.

    It’s Empress, and she’s with Sierra.

    “Bad luck” Sierra rolled eyes.

    “Oh look, it’s the shameless sl+t who stole my leftovers” Empress sneered, the bun in her auburn hair causing her forehead to protrude.

    Her eyes are overweight with hate. Deep-seated hate for Yulia.

    “You’re the leftover here, darling. He left you for me, so do the maths. And I bet you aren’t with a man cos you’re way too ugly to look at, or cos you’re still obsessed with Ed, just the way your shameless daughter is obsessed with my son” Yulia said at a go.

    “Yes I love him! Die off if you’re not comfortable with it. We’re outside the base so watch how you speak to my mother or I’ll shred you!” Sierra cut in hotly, but Empress pulled her back.

    The woman was laughing loud, the sound echoing through the store walls as she walked to Yulia slowly, intentionally.

    She kept up the annoying laughter till she arrived, then she removed her glasses and laughed at Yulia’s face for one more second.

    “I’m powerful without Pedro, I stand on my own! I’m not like you who’d crumble without him, and that’s why you’re clinging tight to him like your life! I’ll tell you this…” She leaned into Yulia’s ear.

    “If my daughter wants something, she gets. If she says she wants your son, I don’t care about the half-siblings bond between them. She’d get him. I’ll also turn your second son against you too, and I’ll take Pedro away. It’s a promise” she whispered..

    “You’re barking too loud like the dogs in your annex” Yulia said.

    Empress began laughing again, loud like hard metal on a rock as she pulled Sierra.

    They left the store, her laughter echoing behind her.

    Yulia smirked loudly.

    [Symi Island]

    Thankfully, Four booked a cozy suite, so when Teal got back with him, she entered the bathroom immediately, drowning herself inside the bathtub soaked in sweet-smelling eucalyptus lather just like the one in his Unit at the base.

    The water calmed her nerves, putting out the fire and icing up the burns.

    Is he really gonna kill her uncles? They might have sinned by listening to the president, but they’re still her uncles—her family.

    He won’t be as cruel as that to her, right?

    What’s she even thinking about, of course he’s the ruthless number Four.

    He only sees her as a possession—a property, through and through.

    And his speciality is barging into her space, just like right now…

    Four entered the bathroom, and she quickly palmed some lather to her chest, covering her naked breasts with it.

    His presence flipped the bathroom like a cyclone, and his steps were darkly silent till he settled on the bathtub.

    The permanent smirk is on his face as he picked a brush, then he took her fingers into his warm ones, and began washing off the blood from her under-nails.

    He noticed them?

    She stayed still, watching as the brush peeled of the dried blood, whitening her nails again.

    There was deafening silence in the bathroom, except for the sound of the brush on her nails and the sound of her breathings.

    She felt the need to look at his face and see how he looks while washing her. Surprisingly, she met his eyes on her chest, and her eyes quickly snapped there to see that the lather she covered her bre+sts with have all disappeared.

    F+ck.

    She made to gather another lather, but he flipped her hands away fast.

    “Who said you could hide my bre+sts away from my eyes?” His taw voice followed, breaking the deafening silence.

    “They’re not yours” she replied, and he flipped her arms apart again when she tried covering.

    “That’s a lie, and that makes 4” 

    His long masculine fingers wrap around her taut nipple and twisted it. Gently at first then harshly with the intent to hurt.

    Teal’s fingers crumbled, and her walls collapsed. The bricks she has been shielding herself with. They fell.

    She inhaled through her nose and exhaled through her mouth to keep herself from feeling it, but it was pointless.

    Her n+pples sent a zap of pleasure to her core, so strong that her entire body felt it.

    Her n+pples are very sensitive—prone to easy stimulation.

    His fingers stimulated them in a maddening way, as if he has been touching them all his life.

    “These br+àsts, are they mine, Asteri?” He pinched both nipples, and she arched in the water, m0aning.

    “Mmm. . . .”

    “That’s not an answer”

    She shook her head.

    “Use your words” his voice is low and controlled with no room for disobedience.

    She didn’t speak, so he twisted that n+pple again, with more force as if he’s planning to break the skin.

    She released an anguished cry mixed with a moan. “I said not to lie to me”

    “Yes, yes. . .ahh. . .” She whimpered when she massaged the aching points of her n+pples with his finger pads, giving them little soothing before going back to torturing them.

    She’s so stimulated that she thought she’d 0rgasm with just n+pple play, and for some reason, she believes he’d be able to do it. Her core throbs with bursts of ar+usal that matches the rhythm of his fingers.

    Sometimes hard and fast, other times slow and agonizing, and she likes it—the pain.

    He suddenly released her left n+pple, and it ached, tingling with the loss of his fingers.

    Her thighs rubbed against each other underwater due to the unfathomable effect he’s having on her. Mortification ate deep into her insides.

    He traced his hands downward, into the water between her legs, and he cupped her most intimate part tightly.

    “Hmm. . . You’re soaked, Asteri” 

    “I’m not. . .ahhh. . .” Her voice ended in a whisper-moan when he shoved two fingers into her.

    “Don’t finish that lie” he whispered.

    “Mmm. . .” Her back arched down the tub wall at the sensations of him filling her up.

    He’s not just touching her intimately—he’s owning her, totally. Just like when he kissed her in the prison.

    “You’re so fuckin tight, Teal. Feel your c+nt tightening around my fingers?” 

    She wants to look away from the controlled lust shinning in his eyes, but she can’t, and it’s not only because of his command.

    Something in her unlocked when his fingers went inside her, it’s feral and harsh. Unforgiving and out of control.

    She’s falling into that web, sinking deep with each of his merciless pounds.

    The rhythm is overwhelming, but not messy. It’s measured, just like everything about Four.

    He twisted her n+pples over and over again as he powered into her puxxy, the heels of his palm slapping her cl+ît.

    “Do you hear your arousal, Asteri? Do you hear how much you crave this? How your body is coming undone?” 

    He rammed his fingers inside a few more times as if driving the point home.

    Her back pushed off the tub wall, meeting his fingers on her n+pples and inside her.

    He rubbed the heel os his fingers against her cl+ît while twisting his n+pples and curling his fingers inside her walls.

    The triple assault undid her.

    She cried out as she embraced the fall, letting her voice express the ecstasy hitting her from all possible angles.

    “Ahh. . .I’m. . . I’m. . .ahh!” Her mouth remained open as a halo submerged her and transported her in a surreal experience.

    It’s like she’s flying through the roof and watching herself tremble in Four’s hold.

    His fingers are inside her—all-over her, and she raised her hips so she can ride the waves…ride him.

    “Say you’re mine” his grunt suddenly came, crashing over her pleasure and interrupting her high.

    Her eyes cleared, clashing with the unfeeling gray in his eyes as his fingers went still.

    Her br+àsts did a light bounce, rippling through the water.

    “Say you’re mine, Teal.” He ordered, the authority and power wrapping around the words so lethal, so dangerous.

    His eyes twisted with dark sadism.

    But she wasn’t gonna give him a reason to mock her later. 

    She’s not gonna give him anything to hold on to.

    Despite the pleasure he’s able to give her body, she’d never tell him that.

    It’d give him the upper hand, and he’d will use that to her disadvantage.

    She’s not ready to be inside his dark sick cage.

    She wasn’t bluffing when she told him she was gonna end the bethrothal shit after Usman gets caught.

    Even if it means escaping far away from him. She’s only his wife on words. No ring nor wedding nor vows.

    Not like she wants them from him, but that’s just stating the obvious.

    She’s still Teal Ambrose, not DeVille.

    ‘He’s not who we thought he was, he might be involved in your parents death’ her Uncles words came knocking again, and she felt her throat closing.

    “Say it, Teal” his raspy voice broke into her thoughts.

    “No” she replied in one straight response, and she witnessed something destructive cross his eyes immediately. So dark that she felt in in her soul ruins.

    His fingers slipped out of her c+nt, and he left the bathroom.

    Teal cleaned up quickly, wrapped the towel over herself and left the bathroom.

    She could still feel his fingers down there—as if he’s still fingering her.

    And her n+pples are still insanely puckered.

    She’s still madly turned on, but it’ll be over if she sleeps, won’t it?

    But that changed when she can’t find him in the bedroom or lounge or kitchen.

    He’s nowhere.

    Did he get angry about her refusal and decided to go take it out on her uncles?

    He’d do it.

    It’s not something he can’t do. He’s wired differently like that.

    She needs to make a call, she needs to get out of this suite and get a phone to make a call to her uncles.

    She didn’t even bother to cream or dry her wet hair, she peeled of her towel and opened her small bag for a new clothe, but lo and behold, there’s no new clothe.

    It was Yulia who packed her bag, and there are only p+nts, br@s, s+xy thongs and lingeries. No single cloth. 

    Her mouth fell apart.

    “Lady Yulia!!”

    [Island Park]

    Four slammed the car door shut after he got in, and his phone is on to his ear as he spoke to the biker.

    “The president is amazed by the package, human eyes inside fishes is once in a lifetime experience” the biker said, a little grin latching his voice.

    “Get another car ready, I’m visiting the President tonight” Four replied, picking a cigar from his front drawer.

    He inserted it into a stainless, put fire on it and balanced it on his lips.

    “Sure, I’ll do that sir” the biker replied.

    “And…” Four puffed smokes sinfully before giving the second order as the lights from the island hit his devilishly handsome face.

    “Find a private jeweler who can make a bonded diamond ring. I’m talking about one she won’t be able to take off for life. Also, find a mad good designer to make a wedding dress”

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode 

  • Twisted Empire – Episode 37&38

    Twisted Empire – Episode 37&38

    TWISTED EMPIRE

    Twisted Empire – Episode 37&38

    (Her Blade, His Neck )

    ________________________

    All rights reserved.

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

    Copyright © 2025 

    by Naomi Cindy B.

    __________________________

    [Base Prison]

    The room smelled like bleach and rotten soil. Walls are decorated with thick cobwebs which extended to the roof. There are spiders spreading freely in the middle of every web.

    The ground is neither cemented nor concreted, so the loamy soil is in small scanty heaps, and a rusty dagger lay somewhere in the middle of shredded muslin clothes which has dried blood patches on them.

    In the shallow corner, there’s a small square bed with a beige spread, and on top of the bed, Teal sat.

    Her legs on the ground, and her palms on the bed surface as she stared into an empty space.

    Her cheek is still red with the fingerprints of the D-Sergeant who slapped her, but she doesn’t feel the sting.

    She shouldn’t be here. She doesn’t deserve to be here.

    Morgan is a bî+ch she hates the sight of, but still … She’d never go as far as editing a video of her and Quentin.

    Where is the time?

    That night when the video was posted, she was with Four. That was the night she went to s+duce him, so he’s probably the only one who can help now.

    No. He’s definitely the only one, but what was that indifference she felt from him earlier when he walked past her at the hallway?

    He’s always indifferent, but the ice surrounding him earlier was glacial.

    He doesn’t know about her date with Xanthe, does he?

    Right, Xanthe.

    She brought her pager out of her pocket and immediately gave up. It’s a one-way pager, meaning Xanthe is the only one who can send messages.

    She can’t.

    She flung the pager at the pile of bloody clothes and gripped the bedspread tight, imagining it as Morgan and the D-Sergeants.

    She felt her breaths boiling in her lungs, and she almost exploded with the the rise in her temperament.

    The promotion ceremony must still be ongoing right now, and the fact that she’s not there?

    It’s making her sick.

    The promotion ceremony ended faster than everyone expected.

    After the announcement of Four’s transfer to Indonesia, Four and Yulia left the hall at the same time, and their silence was deafening.

    Even till now. 

    General Pedro stood in the middle of the suite living room, and his uniform is half-gone cos he’s not wearing the shirt anymore, just the pants and a black shirt.

    He was restlessly pacing, wearing a confused look till Yulia came out of the bedroom.

    She’s holding a pack of cigarettes and a zippo, then a smile hung on her thin lips.

    “Yulia” Pedro took few steps to her, and she widened that smile.

    “Congratulations on chosing the first Maj Sergeant in your domain” she said, adjusting the sleeve of his shirt.

    “You’re not angry? Yulia. I know you better than anyone” Pedro replied, his eyes roaming hers as if he wants to pull what she’s thinking out of her skull which is impossible.

    In the masking aspect, Yulia has almost same abilities as Four.

    “Angry?” She blinked, putting fire on her cigar. “Why? Oh…cos you transferred Four to Indonesia?” She brought the stick to her lips, puffin before throwing her weight on a chair across him.

    “You said it was bilateral agreement, so I know it’s an order from him—The President” She leaned forward, pouring smokes out of her lips.

    “Why then should I be mad? You have no choice but listen to him. The President presides over the army anyways” she continued.

    Pedro stood there, watching her with sudden dumbness.

    Yulia slid a music disc into the CD player on the table.

    As the disc rolled, a dark piano tune began humming, filling the house with it’s unsettling harmony.

    She relaxed and snapped her eyes shut, enjoying the tunes with her smokes as company.

    Still in confusion, Pedro left the suite and went to his office, but as expected, Axel was waiting in front of the door.

    He ignored him and went in, dressing  in his uniform and taking his seat.

    Axel came in, his eyes and steps hurtful till he stopped at the back of the desk.

    “Why am I always the abandoned one? Why?” He asked.

    “Go back to your whoring business, Axel. I have nothing to tell you” Pedro flatly replied, and Axel laughed loud, the sound brooding and broken.

    “Am I only allowed to live under the shadows of Four and Sierra forever? I was thinking Four is the only one I need to be wary of, but I was wrong cos you even worship Sierra more than Four!” He snapped, tears pooling in his eyes for real.

    “Leave this office, Axel. The third warning won’t come. I’ll have to get you thrown out” Pedro replied, looking up to meet his teary eyes.

    “Tell me honestly…what does she have on you?” Axel muttered, his tears falling on the table.

    “I’m talking about Sierra’s mom! The self-acclaimed Empress! What does she have on you? Why do you always do her biddings cos? I know she’s behind this promotion. Are you her dog!!?” He yelled, and that was replied with a hit…

    From Pedro.

    Axel felt his teeth twist in his gum immediately Pedro’s palm met with his cheek, and his eyes widened.

    “You slapped me? Dad?”

    Pedro dialled his Sergeants on the telephone, and in just two seconds, they rushed in.

    “Take him” he ordered, and Axel was seized.

    “I was 10 when I started working for you in this base!! When is my work ever gonna be appraised! When am I even gonna matter!!” He yelled, not even struggling with the Sergeant’s as they dragged him.

    “You were 10 when you joined this base, but Sierra was 10 too, and she’s 4 years older than you, meaning she spent 4 years here before you arrived! She took trainings serious and was the best of her set! I offered her promotions and she has been declining for reasons I don’t know, and now that I suddenly decided to elevate her, I believe that shouldn’t be a problem but your brain will never tell you that! All you do is philander around with Allegra!” Pedro yelled.

    Suddenly, Axel broke free from the Sergeants and wiped his tears off with his sleeve.

    “Yeah, I have talent in philandering with women, and that’s why you should be careful, dad. I’ll meet Empress—your so-called first love. I’ll seduce, f+ck her like a whore that she is and send you the fuckin video” he promised, then he stormed out of the office.

    “Axel!!!” Pedro yelled after him, but the headache wasn’t over cos Sierra came in almost immediately.

    She’s already in her new uniform, her hair bound with a net under her cap.

    “Not you too. You should be celebrating your promotion. What are you doing here Sierra?” Pedro held his head.

    “Why would you transfer Four to Indonesia? Not even somewhere in this Greece, but another country entirely? What stupid bilateral agreement did the President make overnight! He’s the best army in this base so why the f+ck would he be transferred?” She questioned.

    “Watch your mouth, Sierra. You’re the Major Sergeant now, and you should act like it” Pedro replied.

    “My promotion means nothing without Four beside me! You can’t take him away from me! You can’t!” Sierra shouted dementedly.

    “What are you even talking about!” Pedro snarled.

    “This can only work with him beside me. Usman can only go down with the collaboration of Four and i. Four has always belonged by my side and you have no right to take him. He’s my strength, and I think you just made a mistake. Fluid it and rewrite it, or else I’ll rebel, and mum will support me as always” she threatened, then she stormed out just like Axel.

    Allegra was waiting outside for her, but she bypassed her as her fury is still eating her up.

    Allegra had to run after her.

    “Hey Major! You can’t stay mad like this all day, we should drink to it. Four is transferred? Even better, then Teal is dead meat in your hands” she said, and Sierra faced her sharply like a mutilation knife.

    “Don’t repeat that statement again, ever in your life. Four is like my other half, and I can’t function well without him, so just shut up. And Teal? I think it’s hightime I visit that wench” She said.

    Allegra blinked, once.

    [Master Sergeant’s Office]

    “You can reject the transfer, Master—No—you should definitely reject it. You can’t leave this country, Usman is going to kill everyone without you” Kash said pleadingly, sitting in front of Four whose poker face is angled on his phone screen.

    “Why should I refuse transfer cos of the citizens? Usman couldn’t kill everyone in this city when I haven’t gotten here, so nothing is gon change with my absence” he said with that bored dryness.

    “When you weren’t here, it was better, but now that you’re here it’s a different story. Usman communicates with you better than anyone and he even gives you puzzles to solve!” Kash continued cajoling, but Four chose silence this time.

    Kash sighed, getting fed up.

    “Think about Private Teal at least. She’s currently locked up, and if you leave, then there are wolves waiting to eat her.” He tried again.

    “Smart of you to use her as a reason like she’s my kryptonite or something.” Four spoke, dropping his phone and looking up.

    He was actually playing puzzles.

    “She’s got the president, and she’s got her uncles. She’s not a weakling herself. Quit Mentioning her, makes me wanna leave faster. Schedule my flight for tomorrow morning. 7am” he continued.

    “But—”

    “Kash Graham, one more word from you and I’m punching you in the same place as yesterday, and this time, you’ll die” Four madly cut him off, and he stood.

    “I’ll prepare your flight documents” he said, leaving the office.

    Four resumed his puzzle play on his phone like he’s not currently in the middle of the ongoing chaos.

    As he dragged the puzzle pieces across his screen, he received a text from a line saved as ‘Black Widow’

    He clicked the text open, and his lids flickered. His eyes took that ruthless shade.

    The usual.

    [President’s Mansion]

    The butlers and maids are all folded with their heads bowed over the glittering staircase as Xanthe came downstairs, right hand sleazily inserted in his cargo pocket and the left one beside him.

    He looks happy, and he’s licking his lips as if it got baptized with honeydew, taking his time.

    President Spyros is at the first dinning room, getting ready for breakfast at the head of the long ebony table.

    He’s holding a warm cup of frappé to his lips which he’s sipping.

    The room is plush like every other room in the mansion. There’s a fancy fireplace burning purple flames, and Xanthe easily sat on one of the upholstered chairs not far from his father, picking up his fork and digging into the stir-fried veggies.

    “Mm, now I know why she loves them. It’s delicious” he said, eating more.

    “You didn’t eat veggies when you were in Miami?” President Spyros asked, his voice balanced despite the  bougatsa in his mouth.

    He has started eating.

    “I hated veggies cos it’s basically leaves, dad” Xanthe offered.

    “And now you’re letting go of the hate cos what? You like her that much?”

    “It was love at first sight, don’t blame me. But that Sergeant…Four. He said something about how she’s married, and I’ve been thinking” Xanthe said with a slight frown.

    “She was betrothed to him by her parents doesn’t mean she belongs to him. Her parents are dead anyways, and all she has is her uncles. I’ll have to speak to the uncles. I already sent them an invite” President Spyros replied.

    “But what about Four himself? Someone who drove a car containing 4 human bombs and escaped the rocky earthquake? He doesn’t seem simple” Xanthe dropped his fork.

    “He got transferred to Indonesia” President Spyros broke the news.

    “What! For real?” Xanthe spranged up.

    “You don’t believe?” President Spyros wiped his mouth carefully with a napkin.

    “No. I know you have a long-term alliance with the president of Indonesia, but I wasn’t expecting you to fill the bilateral agreement with Four. That’s sudden” Xanthe said.

    He sat back slowly. “But I like it. I like that fact that he’s gone without getting hurt. He looks like a good person” he said.

    “You should visit the base tomorrow, take Teal on a shopping spree and engrave yourself in her memories. I wasn’t joking when I told you I want my grandchildren to come from her” President Spyros continued.

    “I know, won’t be long now” Xanthe smiled brightly.

    [Cantonment, Bazaar Supermarket]

    “Cheers!!!” 

    And that was followed by the clinking of beer glasses from Morgan and Stormy and their group of little minion ladies.

    They came here to drink after they left the assembly hall.

    Armies are free to go out and drink today. It’s a free day cos of the ceremony, and they’re using it to their satisfaction.

    “I can’t even express my joy, to think that I’d be the one in that Base Prison instead of her if we hadn’t planned? Gawd…I love you Stormy!” Morgan gushed out happily, hanging her arm on Stormy’s shoulder.

    “Let’s be friends forever, nothing can ever come between us” she said.

    “Nothing” Stormy winked, and they kissed each other’s cheeks before drinking again under the envious eyes of their minions.

    “Now that Snowman is going to Indonesia tomorrow, who’s gonna be the new leader of Maelstrom squad?” A minion asked.

    “Who else? Sierra of course” Stormy snickered.

    “Then it’s our luck. Sierra is like our base-mother. We’re safe” Morgan shrugged.

    “You can say that again, and Teal is definitely cooked.” Stormy smiled, and the smile turned to a grin till the others joined.

    “But then…why is Quentin still not picking your calls?” Stormy asked Morgan.

    “No idea” Morgan replied.

    “Hey!” That voice broke into their circle, and Morgan gasped in recognition, spranging up to see Quentin standing behind their table in the scanty supermarket.

    “Quentin!” She gushed shockingly.

    “Why haven’t you been picking your calls! You left Morgan worried!” Stormy shouted.

    “I got into and accident that morning after I left Mirza hotel, and I lost my phone. I’ve been healing at the hospital” Quentin explained, showing his peeled forearms.

    “OMG! Babe! I’m so sorry!” Morgan started crying childishly as she checked them out.

    “They’re healed now, you don’t have to cry” Quentin smiled.

    “But then who exactly are you? How can you enter this cantonment when you’re not one of the civilians signed by the government?” Stormy asked.

    “His father is a bigwig in the political network, so enough with the questions, Stormy.” Morgan defended, throwing her arms on Quentin’s shoulders.

    “I missed you, especially your sweet cock” she shamelessly confessed, dragging him into a corner in the supermarket while unbuttoning her uniform already.

    “They’ve started again. Lesson never leaned” Stormy muttered, downing her beer.

    [Base, Training Ground]

    “Teal left the communal dinning and went to Snowman’s Unit that night when the video was posted, so he’s the only one who can help” April said, her voice desperate.

    The news of Teal’s arrest has circulated round the base before the promotion ceremony even ended.

    Problem now is how to rescue her.

    “Snowman is flying out and has refused to help according to Sergeant Kash, what to do?” Shannon asked.

    “I’ll have to meet Snowman. Even if it means prostrating in front of him” Rook said.

    “You can’t do that” Theo replied from the side.

    “Oh I can. It’s my best friend we’re talking about here and who knows how fucked up the Base Prison is!?” Rook yelled at him.

    Theo went silent.

    “Theo is right. According to Sergeant Kash, Snowman seemed to be very mad at Teal and when he brought her up, Snowman threatened to punch him to death” Shannon said.

    “What! Why would he be that pissed?” April replied.

    At this point, Brent stood from the fallen punching bag he has been sitting on.

    “It’s my fault” he said, and Rook was the first to face him before the others.

    “What do you mean it’s your fault?” He asked.

    Brent shoved his hand into his shaven head.

    “It’s my fault” he muttered, confusing them more.

    Paine is sitting on a wet brick not far from the bunch, and as he stared at them, he felt Abbey’s phone in his pocket.

    One video from this phone will liberate Teal, but why should he release it when he hates her?

    Also, Teal is not his target audience for the secrets on that phone. There are many others.

    He sighed, lulling his head to the side.

    Right beside him, Skye sat, watching him with hawk-view.

    His abilities are peak, and his intuitions never lie.

    Right now, he feels like Paine is hiding something, behind the pain of Abbey’s death in his eyes, and maybe he’s gonna find out what it is.

    Paine’s eyes met with his own, and when Paine saw him staring, he smirked.

    “Stop staring, Specialist Skye. Or I’ll dig out your organ of vision.” He said, jumping down the brick and leaving the place.

    “Hardtack, but will be worth it” Skye mumbled.

    [Base Prison]

    The straight creaking of the iron door made Teal turn around on her spot, her hands stiffening.

    She has been standing in the middle of the godawful room since she got tired of sitting, and as she expected whoever it is to come in, she swallowed nothing.

    Her expectations were madly high, but they fell low, and disappointment set in when Sierra came in instead.

    Why was she low-key expecting him?

    She didn’t revel in that disappointment for long though, cos Sierra is wearing a different uniform with five chevrons and rockers, then two stars.

    Obviously, it’s a higher rank than Four’s. Does that mean??…

    Wait…Major Sergeant?

    Her eyes widened at her own realization, and Sierra smiled as Allegra came in after her.

    “Yeah, you guessed right in your mind. I’m the Major Sergeant of this base as from today, and I’m like the General’s second in command. You should accord some respect and give me my salutations now” she said.

    Teal didn’t move, her palms just balled up like kitten paws.

    “Oh you think Four is still around? Poor you, you know nothing…do you? He got transferred to Indonesia by the president’s orders, and now you’re at my mercy.” Sierra laughed, and Allegra joined in the laughter as it turned shriller.

    Teal’s throat tightened around nothing, and her balled fists came off on their own.

    “What!” She found herself sounding shocked, and as much as she hates it, she doesn’t care.

    “Why?” She walked fast to Sierra. “Why would the president transfer him out of the country when Usman is still alive?”

    “You must really think you still have the right to question me” Sierra raised her fist at her, fast like a thunderbolt.

    Teal caught the hit with her palm, twisting that roll, but Sierra was able to untwist it, then she slammed a wicked blow to Teal’s jaw.

    Teal didn’t snooze, she returned that blow to Sierra’s jaw,. Hot as blowtorch. Raw like a witch’s cry.

    Sierra punctuated her with an elbow on the jugular, then she proceeded to jabbing her brutally on the belly.

    Teal swung around, returning the lethal hits to her jugular and belly— and a bonus on the chest.

    They both staggered away from each other. Steps rushed, and breaths overflowing from their molten lungs.

    Allegra glowered, wondering what’s going on.

    “Wench!!” Sierra took off her cap and lunged at Teal again.

    Teal strengthened the stand of her second leg on the ground, then she raised the first one in a tsunami-level kick—one of the rare techniques she learnt from her uncles.

    Shockingly, Sierra raised that same leg at her, and their kicks met at the same time, throwing the two of them back to the heaping ground.

    Teal got wounded on her shoulder, and Sierra got a cut on her leg.

    They stood at the same time, again.

    Sweats riding their skins like waves, hate fusing in their eyeballs like bees.

    Allegra’s mouth is wide by the door.

    What’s really really going on? 

    Why can’t one defeat the other? Why does Sierra and Teal have the same techniques and strength?

    Why is…

    Her thoughts got broken when the two ladies lunged at themselves again, both rolling punches like gifts and throwing it at each other with the same frequency. Same energy.

    Teal’s punch met Sierra’s chin with a loud shatter, and Sierra immediately returned it to Teal’s head, nearly bursting the skull.

    Another punch entered Sierra’s mouth from Teal, and her mouth bled colour, but Sierra returned that punch to Teal’s belly, and Teal bled from the mouth too.

    Punch. Bleed. Punch.

    Punch. Bleed. Punch.

    That’s the continuous procedure till they both drew long breaths and stepped away from each other.

    “We need to leave” Allegra pulled Sierra, and Sierra didn’t stop looking back at Teal, wondering what’s going on till they got out of the prison.

    They went to Allegra’s Unit, and Allegra let go of her.

    “What was that? Why does she match up? Why is your stamina on the same level as hers?” Allegra asked.

    “You expect me to know?” Sierra glared, grabbing her phone and dialling her mum.

    The line rang for one straight minute before it picked.

    “You promised to be here for me mum!!! You promised to come for me today! It’s my day of joy where the fûck are you!! Dad is taking Four away from me and I need you to talk some senses into him! Also, there’s someone who matches my energy here and it has never happened before! What’s really going on!!!” She yelled, hitting herself on the wall.

    “I warned you against shouting, didn’t I? Are you begging to be chastised?” Empress’s cold voice filtered in.

    Sierra drew in a loud breath.

    “Now, explain again calmly. What’s going on?” Empress said.

    [Sergeant Kash’s Suite]

    “He really won’t reject the transfer, and it’s bothersome. I can’t imagine working under Sierra. She works with strength, not brains” Kash said, sitting restlessly on the couch.

    “Even if he rejects it, it’s impossible. It’s the President we’re talking about” Cassie replied, coming out of the kitchen with a tray containing dinner which she set on the dinning.

    “He has a betrothed wife, he should at least stay because of Teal” Kash replied.

    “Betrothed doesn’t mean he likes her” Cassie shrugged.

    “But he doesn’t hate her either” Kash replied.

    “So it’s between the margin?” Cassie asked.

    “I can’t even say. It’s hard to understand that man Cassie. His head works differently” Kash replied.

    “Just eat dinner first, then Snowman can come next” Cassie replied, entering the kitchen to text Axel.

    Cassie: Are you fine? I’m worried.

    [Base Prison]

    Thanks to Teal’s wristwatch, it’s easy to count time, though the watch is a little broken from the D-Sergeants drags.

    She has spent 13 hours here, and the time is currently 10pm.

    The dull green bulb on the ceiling is manageably bright, so it’s not very bad except for the silence.

    The silence got more annoying, and she could see the moon peering in through the few cracks of the walls.

    It’s even colder here than the enclosed pavilion, but that’s not an issue to think about right now.

    She’s squatting beside the bed, and her arms are wrapped around her folded legs.

    The blood on her lips from the fight with Sierra is still there, she doesn’t care about wiping.

    But Four is leaving this country?

    How did the President even come to such ludicrous and evil conclusion?

    Is that even making any sense?

    Obviously, Four is Usman’s only match, so when Usman announces his next attack, who’d face him?

    Sierra? The same person whose strength is on the same level as hers?

    And talking about Sierra, how is that even possible?

    Her uncles techniques were created for her alone.

    Refined for her alone.

    Cemented into her alone.

    So why? Why does Sierra know them as much as she does?

    Her uncles owe her explanations, but she’s not getting any if she continues staying in this godforsaken place.

    A crackle came from the door, and she spranged to her feet, hoping she won’t get disappointed this time.

    Her heartbeats picked up—not in fear, but in heavy anticipation and broadened hope.

    It was his scent first, and she felt her jaws loosen as he stepped in, slowly but intentional like he came here to kill her.

    The plasters on his temples are gone, but the wounds are still there, though not fresh anymore, and now she wished she had offered to treat them.

    His presence seized the air like a grim reaper’s, and the shadow behind his huge body is bigger than life.

    With each step he took towards her, she felt his dark intents, and the danger lurking in his eyeballs like an ouija board.

    Something told her to move, and she did. She moved.

    Stepping back with each step he took closer to her.

    It’s like a cat and mouse game, and the respective roles of each of them is obvious.

    She took the fifth step, and her back hit the dusty wall behind her, causing her to jerk a little.

    She looked behind for a beat before throwing her glance back to him.

    He’s still walking, still coming closer like a flood, his gaze still pointed.

    “You shouldn’t leave for Indonesia, the citizens need you” she said before she knew it.

    “And you don’t?” He replied, his voice eerie and tainted with something carnal—something abyssal.

    “Why would I need you?” She replied with another gulp, and she saw his lips compress into a thin line. His chin jutted out.

    “You came back to this base, marked yourself as my wife even before I did, and you think you can go on dates with a twat, smile with a twat, get touched by a twat and kiss a twat?” His harsh voice burned through the space, and her brows furrowed with both shock and question.

    He knows? 

    He knows.

    “It’s a goodbye night, so enjoy the woes I brought with it” he  whispered, the venom seeping deep.

    By now, he’s already with her, and she could feel his incisive words and breaths on her pores with in-depth penetrations—just like his eyes.

    “I didn’t ki—”

    She was cut off roughly when Four’s big palm wrapped like a belt on her throat, and she gasped as the familiar sensations crawled on her throat under his chokehold.

    “Too late, bury the explanation” Four whispered with beastly need, and then his pale lips came crowning her bloody lips, kissing off her words and stealing the remaining letters into his demanding mouth.

    Her eyes widened, and her fingers clutched at his uniform, digging dents into the material as her back pierced into the jagged wall.

    Her knees moved to stab him, but he caught it with his hand, pressing her kneecap so hard that she grumbled into his mouth.

    He ate up that grumble, unravelled her mouth and tossed his tongue around the warmness and slickness of her mouth.

    Her lips curved against his, fingers tearing his shirt, knees jerking on his palm as he devoured her with reckless abandon, eating into the blood.

    He kissed her like his lips were the question, and hers are the answers.

    He kissed her angrily, like her lips owned her an apology.

    He kissed her like her tongue is a meal he’s willing to pay a lifetime for.

    He kissed her with ferocity—insanity and yearning fused into one.

    He let go with a flick, and immediately their lips pulled away, she raised an hand to his face, but he caught it and brought it down, his eyes taking the red again.

    “I hate you…so very much” she hatefully muttered, her swollen lips shaking with his assault.

    “As you should. Get on that bed on your fours, Teal. You’re receiving the ten punishments before I leave” he replied, his words heated like a sculpting knife.

    “Ten…what?” Her eyes widened.

    “It was 6 before, but for the date and the kiss with the twat, it’s plus 4” he replied sadistically.

    “I didn’t kiss him! And who are you to even do this!” She shouted, the green light seeming to be mocking her by brightening more.

    “Eleven” he replied flatly.

    “I’m not getting on that bed” she sneered, feeling the lingering fire on her lips from his kiss.

    “Twelve” he replied.

    “You’re sick” she muttered.

    “Deeply so, thirteen” he replied.

    “I hate you…” She whispered.

    “Feels like you do, fourteen” he said, and her teeth clenched.

    Knowing how twisted he is, he’s only gonna keep counting, and her punishments will only keep heightening, so she got on the bed.

    She fell on all fours—knees and palms flattening on the square mattress which squeaked.

    “You’re spanking, isn’t it? Get it over with.” She muffled.

    “Spanks?” Four smirked, dirtier than mud water as his eyes gleamed.

    “Palm spanks are for stupid gentlemen, and I’m not one.” He said, and then he’s flipping his belt apart.

    He pulled the belt out of the hoops and wrapped the metal buckle around his palm, then his hand latched to her trousers.

    He ripped it apart like it’s nothing, exposing her ass cheeks to the green light and his dark eyes.

    Her palms sweated, gumming defiantly with the sheets.

    “Count” he growled, raising the belt to the air.

    TBC.

    Next Episode 

    Previous Episode