The consequences

~Larissa~

As I stepped into the warehouse, the familiar stench hit me like a wall. I wrinkled my nose, the acrid mix of oil and sweat as pungent as ever.

The room was dimly lit, a single bulb swaying from the ceiling, casting ominous shadows on the concrete floor. In the center, the shape of a man sat slumped in a chair, his wrists bound tightly behind him. The sight made me smirk. Power surged through me in moments like this when fear hung thick in the air, and control was entirely mine.

I strode toward him, heels clicking sharply. He squirmed at the sound, his breathing quickening. Weak.

"Hello, Theodore." My voice was deceptively soft, almost kind.

His head snapped up. Even in the low light, I saw the color drain from his face.

"Why didn't you complete your task?" I asked, tilting my head as though I genuinely wanted an answer.

He stayed silent, his lips trembling.

"I asked you a question, Theodore," I said again, my tone sharpening like a blade. "Did. You. Complete. Your. Task?"

"N-no, ma'am."

I clicked my tongue, feigning disappointment. "Humph. Luca," I called over my shoulder, "they didn't complete the task. You know what that means."

Luca stepped forward, his presence hulking and menacing. He handed me the knife without hesitation, a knowing grin playing on his lips. He enjoyed this far too much.

Theodore's eyes widened at the sight of the blade, his breath hitching audibly.

I leaned down, tracing the knife along his neck, the edge cold against his skin. "Who bribed you to give us up?" I asked calmly, though the menace in my voice was unmistakable.

"I-I can't tell you," he stammered, his voice breaking. "They'll kill me."

"And I won't?" I chuckled, the sound low and chilling.

Before he could answer, I pressed the blade into his arm, just enough to draw blood. His scream echoed in the cavernous space, but it did nothing to soften my resolve.

"That's nothing compared to what's coming if you keep lying to me," I murmured, wiping the blade clean on his sleeve. "Let's try this again. Who bribed you?"

"I can't," he whispered, his voice cracking. "They'll kill my family."

My brows lifted in mock surprise. "Your family?" I crouched down to his level, locking eyes with him. "Here's the deal, Theo. You tell me what I need to know, and I'll protect them. If you don't, well…" I let the silence hang ominously. "I'll make sure they pay for your mistakes."

Tears welled in his eyes, his panic palpable.

"W-what about me?" he croaked. "They'll kill me if they find out I talked."

I smiled slowly, a predator savoring its prey. "Oh, Theodore. Did you really think I'd let you walk away from this unscathed?"

He let out a shaky laugh, desperate and bitter. "Then what's the point? I'd rather die than tell you anything."

I stood, brushing imaginary dust from my coat. "Have it your way." I gestured to Luca, who grabbed Theo by the collar and dragged him toward the back of the warehouse.

As his screams faded, I exhaled, my mind already moving to the next step. If Theo wouldn't talk, someone else would. And I would stop at nothing to find out who dared betray me.

At Home

Back in my study, the air was thick with the scent of old books and ink. I stood before the bookshelf, scanning the spines until I found the list a crumpled piece of paper with names scribbled hastily across it.

These were my suspects, each one a potential traitor. My finger hovered over the first name, a wave of anger rising as I considered the possibilities.

Who had the audacity to cross me?

The list wasn't enough. I needed proof, something concrete to lead me to the truth. Weakness wasn't an option, and betrayal had consequences.

With the list in hand, I turned to leave, the shadows in the room stretching long and dark. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.