we were kidnapped into the assassination organisation, The Pit.
I settle on a chair separate from both of them, place an elbow on the armrest and lean my head against my fist.
A drink would be nice, but a distant throb starts at the back of my head due to withdrawal. Alcohol could make it worse.
“Where’s Ghost, anyway?” Scar grumbles. “I have things to do.”
She was never one for meetings and didn’t attend them ever since the five of us have been dispatched to rule this place. Scar prefers to be an undercover escort and mingles with the girls. Not that she stands up for them in any way. Scar is her own person and that’s it.
Shadow checks the vintage clock on the wall. “He’ll be here. Ghost is punctual.”
Scar huffs. “Unlike you.”
“Hold your shit, psycho doll.”
“Pretty sure it’s hold your horses.” She shoots back.
They go on endless bickering and I pray for Ghost to arrive faster.
Although it’s not official, Ghost is the leader of our little group and the voice of reason. I would’ve murdered Shadow and Scar years ago if it weren’t for his pacifying methods.
Prior to The Pit, Ghost, Shadow and I were street urchins and had each other’s backs until we were kidnapped and taken into The Pit. I was maybe nine or ten at the time.
The three of us and forty-seven other children formed Team Zero and morphed into Omega addicts. And that drug? It’s a damn nightmare. Not only did it fog and erase our memories, but it also made us robots made for one purpose: kill.
As if that isn’t enough, Omega’s side effects killed most of Team Zero since they were children. Only thirteen of us survived. Then, decades later, one of ours died.
Apparently, Omega’s side effects never left, they were only muted. Diablo’s sudden death was a wake-up call to those of us who remained. Detoxing, leaving Hades and his pit isn’t a luxury now, it’s our only way to survive.
The detoxing process is slow as hell. We still need small doses that only Hades provides. Besides, he dispatched just five of us to run one of his partners’ mafia business. The others remain hostages in his hell until we complete his dirty work.
The door opens and Ghost strolls inside with a hand in his suit trousers’ pocket. Thank God. One more minute alone with Scar and Shadow and I’ll start punching a wall.
Ghost is about the same height and built as Shadow. His deep brown eyes hold an edge of wisdom and calm that most of us lack, but there’s also the deadly energy that hints at how merciless he can be. His dark hair is swiped back but appears dishevelled as if someone has been running their fingers through it.
I don’t know why I have this sense of envy towards Ghost and the arsehole Shadow. Especially Shadow. How can a heartless monster like him get happiness?
Not that I care.
The leather squeaks as Ghost sits on Shadow’s chair armrest. He coolly takes Shadow’s bottle, ignoring his grumbles, and pours the amber liquid into a square glass.
Ghost sips from his drink and returns the bottle to Shadow. “I’m leaving.”
I stiffen, perking up into a straight position. Clicks and clacks fill the air as Shadow and Scar abandon their drinks on the small coffee table. Even Flame, who’s always sleeping on the sofa at the back, peeks his ginger head, appearing wide awake.
“Haha. Funny.” Shadow mocks.
Ghost shakes his head. My back turns rigid and dread trickles down my spine because I know Ghost isn’t the joking type.
Shadow must’ve figured that out, too, because he goes for the attack. “How about our mates who are still being tortured by Hades?”
“You’re abandoning them?” Flame’s tone is quiet. Of course, the manipulative prick would go straight to what makes Ghost tick. For once, I approve. If it takes using Ghost’s weakness for Team Zero to make him stay, then so be it.
Not only is he the link that ties our band of psychos together, but he also keeps my Omega detoxification in check.
“I’m not leaving for good.” Ghost continues drinking leisurely. “But I need time off with Elle after the chaos.”
All of us release a simultaneous breath. We don’t voice it, but we know it’ll be a bloody freak show if he isn’t around.
“Brilliant idea!” Shadow grins. “I’ll take Zoe and we can go together.”
“Wait until we return. You have to take care of the factory and we can’t leave Le Salon too empty.” His gaze falls on