A Warning

Suddenly we hear beeping coming from the sleek black laptop sitting on Alec's desk. I look to Alec in question when he sighs. He walks over to the laptop and opens the message. I follow him over and read the message on the screen.

Greetings to the new Rulers,

YOU ARE KNOWN AS INNER BLACK CITY.

I'm glad to see everyone enforcing the new rules but I will warn each and every one of you again. If any of you try to break the rules or try to find me I will wipe you and your entire City off the face of this planet. As most of you have probably already come across one or two of them, there are indeed women called CHARMERS. Each man can have ONE Charmer and only one. Charmers are few and we outnumber them one to ten.

Charmers are to be protected. The death penalty will be given to those who kill Charmers. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Charmers need to be registered in each city they reside in.

If you claim a Charmer you need to mark them as yours or your claim means nothing.

Another wave will be coming in three days so every Ruler needs to place the ancient markings I've sent you earlier around your city. DO NOT BLAME ME IF YOU DO NOT LISTEN.

Walls should be quickly built to keep the dark creatures at bay.

I will contact you again after the next wave.

Good luck New Rulers.

Alec and I frown at the screen. "What the hell? I'm not going to register! And mark??" I look to Alec to see him still looking at the screen. I look back to the laptop in confusion. "What's wrong?" I ask not understanding. Alec grinds his teeth as he says "Everything..."

"A new wave will be coming in three days... that doesn't give us much time to build a wall and place those markings to keep the dark creatures out. I also don't like knowing that Charmers are rare... that means the men will fight over them." He looks to me in concern.

I give him a dry look as I say "I'd like to see them try." Alec growls causing Chip's head to pop up and look our way. "I will tear them apart..." He says through clenched teeth. "I know you don't want to be marked but I also don't want to risk someone else marking you..." Alec says giving me a serious look.

Before I can say anything the computer beeps again causing both of us to look back to the laptop.

Silent,

You are looking as lovely as always. I knew you were a Charmer before all this happened and I hope that you remain unmarked. If someone else were to mark you... I'm not sure what I would do. Do you like the New Dark World I'm creating? I will be the Dark King of this New World and you will sit beside me as my Dark Queen. We will rule over them all but before that can happen I have to finish what I have started. I will come for you when things are ready.

Alec smashes the laptop causing me to jump with fright. He then grabs the smashed laptop and throws it across the room, completely shattering it as it hits the wall with frightening speed.

"..."

Alec takes a few deep breaths before he says "I feel like it would be best for you to move into the City with me..." I try to keep a straight face as Chip watches us with large eyes. "I feel like you might be right..." I say with seriousness. Alec gives me a nod before he quickly says "I'll go get us something to drink... Please have a seat and relax."

I feel like my insides will start bleeding any moment with the effort I'm exerting to not laugh. "Thanks," I say as I walk over to the other couch next to Chip. Alec runs a hand through his dark hair as he excuses himself. Chip watches him leave with large eyes.

Once he leaves, I break. I laugh so hard I'm in tears but I quickly sober up. "Just act like you didn't see anything Chip." Chip gives me a look and snorts before he goes back to licking himself. I dry my eyes as I think back to the message.

It really was the Hacker and all this seems to be a part of his grand plan. Unfortunately for him, I wasn't sold on his 'New Dark World'. Me moving to the City had nothing to do with him and everything to do with the Dark Creatures that will be coming... I didn't want to be too far from Alec.