“I’ll kill them,” she said matter-of-factly.

We jolted as the hoist lowered our vehicle. The gigantic car wash bristles continued churning, disguising our descent into the hidden entrance of the underground. As the car came to a halt, we ditched the confined space and I immediately led them through the complex maze.

“Why is it empty?” Tanner asked, hands casually in his damn pockets.

His answer came in the form of a mighty rumble that shook the structured tunnels, dust mites dancing in the air.

“All Ludus Maximus’ will be utilised tonight. Each will have their specific role to ensure everything goes smoothly.”

“The Gladiator Games are that revered?” Emerson asked after another bout of thunderous cheers.

“It’s the most prestigious event of the country—better yet, the world. Expensive and particularly exclusive, everyone who’s anyone will do just about anything to gain an invitation.”

I’d never brooded over it. Sure, I was an integral part. An undefeated Gladiator was no title to scoff at. Nevertheless, none of that mattered. If that status gave my sister immunity from the absolute shit in this world, I was willing to fight anyone, kill anyone.

“You must have been popular,” Spencer sneered. I didn’t like the type of popularity she was insinuating.

I scoffed. “No one ever got close enough. The fucking pompous elite of this city. I swear, worse than bloodsucking leeches. The general public would be horrified to know their leaders, influencers and people they worshiped so freely thirsted for a touch of sin. It gave them the illusion of entitlement, that they themselves had some type of authority, a modicum of power over death. They’d eventually learn, like every other. No one outruns the devil.”

“All must bow before death,” Tanner vowed, his voice airy as all fuck, like he was the grim fucking reaper himself.

Spencer chuckled. “Can you show me that move where you ripped that guy’s jaw out? Meek told m—”

“Whatever she asks, don’t teach her,” Emerson cut in. “She already doesn’t clean up after herself.”

Spencer pouted and I snickered. “You wouldn’t have enough power anyway.”

Her face turned feral, but before she could attack me to prove a point, I veered down the corridor. If she wanted to stick with me, she’d better hurry up.

My steps unintentionally slowed as we reached the Ludus dorms, an area specifically for high-ranking members.

I’d told Micah my background, but the rest of the Kings were still new to me. Even so, they had accepted Ava and I into the fold with hardly any dissension. They already spoke freely in my presence, giving up valuable information that would be detrimental in any other’s hands, the love and trust for their sister outweighing anything else.

I also have no doubt that I will be dead if they consider me a legitimate threat.

If I wanted Micah to stay in my life—and there was no other fucking option—they would also undoubtedly be a part of it. So, with every reservation screaming at me to hold back, I decided to trust in them, weaving through the man-made tunnels.

I gave a quick rap on the door. It flew open, displaying Docture, lead trainer of the Ludus Maximus gladiators—and my best friend.

I extended my forearm and he gripped it tightly. Pulling him to my chest, I pounded his back, his ribcage vibrating from the laughter he couldn’t contain.

We shuffled into his underground apartment, the space clean, regimented and distinctly organised. The Kings followed, perusing the space with mild curiosity.

“You’re getting a little grey around the edges there, G,” I sneered. “I haven’t been away for that long, have I?” I was all shit. His buzz cut remained as dark as my heart. G fit the honourable title well. He was a fucking beast, his arms even bigger than when I last saw him.

G was twelve years my senior, his fighting skills unmatched (except maybe by me). We’d never seriously fought one another. If we did, we’d both probably end up dead.

“Too long, brother,” he replied. “Way too fucking long.”

His turquoise gaze scanned the three at my back. “How’s Ava? I haven’t heard from her. Is she okay?” His voice was level, tinged with something I couldn’t recognise.

“She’s safe. But that’s not who I’m here for. I need to know where they’re keeping the staff from Forbidden Garden. I know the Ludus has them locked up somewhere.”

He crossed his arms, veins popping out of his muscular forearms. “They’re in the Outer Ring Gymnasium. I can take you there, but we have to rush. They’ll notice my absence if I’m gone much longer.”

I shook my head. “Actually, I want you to take these two with you. Try and get them to the Inner Ring…to Maximus.”

He arched a brow. “And they are?”

I laid an arm over his shoulders and pointed to the tagalongs. “G, meet the in-laws. In-laws, this is Gannicus.”

Tanner and Emerson appeared bored, while Spencer’s predatory eyes appraised his frame. Cringe.

We made a rough plan as Spencer shamelessly flirted with G, who blatantly ignored her advances. She wasn’t perturbed. If anything, it spurred her on.

As the Kings filtered out the door, I halted on the threshold and placed a hand on G’s shoulder. “I don’t know how to repay what you’ve done for me this past year, and even now.” My fingers dug into his flesh. “I owe you. Whatever you need, I’ve fucking got you.”

His rough features softened, if only for a second. “Just don’t get taken again, alright? Stay safe. More importantly, keep your sister safe. Ava doesn’t belong in this world, Psycho.” I nodded, letting my hand drop to my side. I’d never agreed with anything more.

“In-laws, aye?” he chuckled. “Can’t wait to meet your Mrs, then. If she’s anything like the rest of the family, I’m sure she’s impressive.”

I gave a genuine smile and he snickered further. “Never thought I’d fucking see the day.”

We reached the corridor, splitting into our groups.

I turned to him one last time. “When you’re ready to leave this fucking place, come find me. Better yet, when you’re ready to overthrow Maximus, I’ll come and find you.” A dangerous thing to say. A death warrant if anyone heard. G had more reason than anyone to rip this place apart at the fucking seams.

I thumped my left fist to the Ludus tattoo permanently stamped over my right pectoral. The respectful salute for G, an acknowledgement solely for the worthy.

His brow furrowed. “For the Ludus?”

I walked backwards, away from him. “Fuck the Ludus. For you, brother.” I swear his eyes glimmered before I turned and walked the opposite way.

We parted ways with Emerson and Tanner, my innate compass leading me through the maze-like structure without issue. Without Tanner’s presence, my breath came easy, access to my Variant filtering through my circulation once more.

Despite her high stilettos, Spencer shadowed my every step, never faltering or falling behind. She could have easily disappeared into the background if it wasn’t for her bright orange gown, or the incessant popping of the gum she got from god knows where.

The sound of a sizable group was approaching at speed. We deviated, hiding in the nearest available room. I’d give them a couple of minutes to pass, but I’d kill them all if I had to.

I flicked a glance to my companion and stilled, eyes widening, ensuring my sight wasn’t deceiving me.

Spencer was a hairbreadth away, her auburn strands and green orbs both mid-transition into a burnt orange hue to match her dress. Her facial features were also changing, bone structure elongated, skin stretching to finally display a completely different woman.

I was fucking gobsmacked. For the first time in my life, I didn’t know what to think, let alone how to react.