"Right. That wasn’t part of the prophecy. I’m done reading the future after that pig over there."
"YOU LUNATIC!!!"
Suddenly, the governor’s roar thundered through the square. His face was beet red, as if his thick, stagnant blood had rushed straight to his head.
"You think you could get away from this?!" he barked, saliva flying with every opening of his mouth. "Hah! You might’ve gotten away last ti, but your mistake now is coming back!"
Lola arched a brow while the crowd clutched their chests or stood with mouths hanging open.
Gehran chuckled through gritted teeth. "This ti, it will be different."
"Oh?" She tilted her head slightly. "How different would it be?"
"I am prepared," he stressed each word. "What makes you think I kept that old whore alive?"
The smile on Lola’s face faded slightly as she narrowed her eyes at Gehran, who was frantically scanning the area for her.
Gehran’s chuckle turned shaky as he panted. "I know you and that foolish grandson of hers would co back for that useless whore who’ll go down in history as this entire territory’s bicycle!"
"Motherfucker—" Haji’s breath hitched as the words struck a nerve.
However, Himari simply drew a deep breath and briefly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, there was no sha on her face, only acceptance of an "undeniable" truth.
After the power shifted, Gehran and Jarvis did everything they could to turn their lives into a living hell.
Not only did they find entertainnt in watching the late governor slave away in the tunnels, but they also made sure to disgrace the once graceful and noble Himari. Forcing her into prostitution wasn’t enough—they made her available for everyone to "taste." For anyone willing to violate her.
Truth be told, there were many interested n who wanted a taste of what the last governor once had.
Even though she was already quite old at the ti, it was the experience—or the delusion—they sought.
It was why, at one point, the late governor, her husband, simply wanted to die rather than continue his punishnt. He begged Gehran and Jarvis to kill him and spare her, but Himari knew it was futile. Because even if they killed her husband, the insanity would continue.
That was the consequence of what they believed was their failure to protect their territory, their people, and their family.
She would rather endure it. Let her husband endure it. And prepare for the future.
For the future of Ravah, where their grandson would live.
It was not true that Himari and Makoto had always chosen their people over their grandson. It was simply that they understood the world their grandson would grow up in and would have to survive. If Haji failed to escape this place, they wanted to leave him with sothing—anything—that would benefit him.
Hence, Makoto took Haji into the tunnels and taught him many things. And Himari kept her arms open to the people. Yes, it was part of her duty as the fallen madam of the region, but she also believed that if she endured enough and showed them her heart, they might one day return it to Haji.
They might accept him. Support him. And eventually, protect him.
It wasn’t entirely futile.
Look at Tomie, Billionaire, the people of Gigante, and those who made their decision the mont they saw the flas consuming Gigante.
They were not just people tired of this regi.
They were people who had once been helped—directly or indirectly—by the forr leaders of this land. And surely, many others like them—especially heads of families living in the city—had been listening through the governor’s loudspeakers. Upon hearing of Himari’s capture, they found the courage to unseal their hidden weapons.
After all, not everyone noticed it, but the crowd in the square had grown since the beginning of the event. Since the mont they learned who was going to be executed, many had arrived quietly, waiting for the right mont.
They were already there... even before Lola interfered.
Now, all those eyes burned as they stared at the balcony where Gehran laughed like a pig.
"You think you surviving once in this territory—and escaping it once—is gonna happen again?!" Gehran continued, laughing until he coughed. Even then, his arrogance didn’t waver.
"You are delusional, Looney! Delusional! Your escape was nothing but a fluke!" he mocked. "You think hiding and provoking in the dark is gonna scare ?! Hahaha! Don’t make laugh! Isn’t that why you can’t show yourself?!"
He grinned widely. "Because the mont you do, you know you’re dead! Hahaha! What a delusional little bitch! Yap all you want—you don’t scare ! If you’re truly brave, then show yourself!"
Silence followed his tirade as everyone stared at him, his voice echoing alongside his heavy breathing. When Lola didn’t respond, Gehran’s laughter rang even louder.
"See?!" he yapped. "See?! She’s all talk! There’s nothing to fear! She’s just like that stupid Makoto and his whore of a wife—"
"Ugh..." Lola muttered in frustration, ruffling her hair. "I just told Tomie I was better at controlling myself. Guess I was wrong."
She dropped her hand and pressed a finger to her ear. "Pika," she called.
Pika’s voice ca through her earpiece, grim and calm as though there was no need for explanation or negotiation. They understood Lola. Even Pika did. Because if he were capable, he would’ve done it himself.
Then, in the next second, the second strobe light shifted from the balcony to the stage.
Everyone’s gaze followed it. So instinctively moved away from the light. When it settled, a petite woman stood alone beneath it, cloaked in an old, oversized hood.
Lola’s location was not even hidden!
She stood directly in front of the stage. A place where rcenaries were most densely stationed to prevent interference with the "event."
To those who understood the significance of her chosen position, there was only one thought:
If this wasn’t confidence, they didn’t know what was.
Lola lifted her hand to her head, snapping her gaze up at the balcony.
"What did you say, you fucking walking cholesterol with a missing spine?"
Gehran laughed under his breath.
I’ve got you now.
"n!!" he shouted, exhilarated by finally drawing her out. "Seize that bitch!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)