Sebastian: "Only an idiot would fall for that."
He retorts coldly, clearly not buying Aisha's act.
Sebastian: "And so what if you're from Orblestine? That doesn't change the fact that you're a member of this twisted cult. You're no victim."
Ranura: "..."
(In her mind).
"What?! I thought using the innocent little girl's name would make him feel sorry for me and hesitate."
She thinks to herself, fuming internally.
"How can he not see the obvious mistreatment I received from my own leader? I'm clearly the victim here!"
(Out of her mind).
Sebastian: "Usually I don't hit women."
He says gruffly.
Sebastian: "But since you're a cult member who chose to follow that monster willingly, maybe I would make an exception."
His words send a chill down her spine, realizing he won't fall for her manipulation tactics.
Ranura: "You threw me earlier!"
She exclaims, trying to appeal to his conscience by bringing up the fact that he used physical force against her before.
Ranura: "A real gentleman wouldn't hit a woman twice!"
She crosses her arms, trying to look innocent and abused.
Sebastian rolls his eyes at her dramatic complaining, clearly unmoved by her attempt to guilt trip him about throwing her earlier. Ashton watches the exchange silently, observing how Sebastian handles her manipulation tactics and victimhood stance.
Sebastian: "It's clear you're no victim since you're a cult member."
He states bluntly, cutting through her act with sharp words.
Sebastian: "Stop using the victim card. You made your choice when you joined that cult willingly."
His tone leaves no room for argument or manipulation. Ashton nods slightly in agreement behind him.
Ranura: "Fuck you!"
She screams dramatically, but instead of fighting back physically, she uses her energy power to suddenly create visible bruises all over her own body - on her arms, cheeks, and neck. She wants desperately to play the victim card and make Sebastian look like the abusive attacker.
Ashton: "So Sebastian, what now?"
He asks quietly, watching as Aisha's self-inflicted bruises darken her skin. He can see that Sebastian is getting more and more annoyed with her obvious attempts to manipulate the situation.
Sebastian: "Nothing, because she's not really a threat - mostly to herself."
He replies to Ashton, his eyes never leaving her dramatic display. He takes a step back, clearly unimpressed by her attempts to play the victim. Ashton nods in agreement, understanding Sebastian's assessment.
Without warning, she collapses to the ground dramatically, going completely limp like a ragdoll. She lets out a soft, almost imperceptible whimper, making it seem like she's either unconscious or knocked out. Her bruises look darker against her pale skin, making her appear more like a battered victim than a dangerous cult member.
Sebastian: "See, easy win."
He says dismissively, looking down at her limp form with a raised eyebrow. He sheathes his sword, no longer seeing her as a worthy opponent or threat. Ashton chuckles softly behind him, amused by the whole situation and Sebastian's nonchalant attitude towards the so-called 'dangerous' cult member.
Sebastian turns to Ashton with a genuine smile, his earlier annoyance completely gone. He reaches out and gently takes Ashton's hand in his own, giving it a soft squeeze. Ashton smiles back warmly, intertwining their fingers.
Sebastian: "I wonder how you ended up in a place like this?"
He asks softly, his voice taking on a playful tone as he suddenly pins Ashton against a nearby tree. His face flushes red when he sees Ashton's cheeks turning pink, the sudden closeness and intimate position making his heart race.
Ashton: "Middle Corporation watches the worlds... it's my duty to protect the worlds that cannot protect themselves."
He lies smoothly, his blush deepening as Sebastian's body presses against his. He bites his lip to keep from revealing the truth - that he's actually working with a dangerous organization in secret.
Sebastian: "That's hot."
He whispers, his voice low and husky with desire. Without hesitation, he leans in and presses his lips against Ashton's in a passionate kiss. His hand comes up to cup Ashton's cheek gently as he deepens the kiss, completely oblivious to the deception hidden behind those beautiful eyes.
(Meanwhile at the other side of the world).
Hayden: "Dang, I must be lost."
He muttered to himself as he ran blindly through the maze.
(In his mind).
"I have to find Hiromi and the others."
His brow furrowed as he navigated the labyrinthine maze.
"Especially Zentarō's son."
The importance of locating the boy weighs heavy on his mind. He turns a sharp corner and suddenly finds himself in a dead end. Frustration wells up inside him as he realizes he's even more lost than before.
(Out of his mind).
Hayden: "Well, if I'm going to find anyone in this damn maze, it looks like I'll have to break some rules."
He muttered darkly. With a determined sigh, he pulled out a scroll from his pocket - an ancient artifact that could extend his blood energy beyond its usual limits. The forbidden technique was risky, but necessary if he wanted any hope of locating Hiromi or Zentarō's son. Unfurling the scroll with practiced ease, Hayden began channeling energy into it.
Hayden: "Blood Style: Forbidden Ultimate Move - Blood Types Recognition Chains."
He chanted, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and resolve. The scroll glowed ominously as he invoked the forbidden technique, and suddenly, chains of various blood types began to materialize from thin air. Each chain seemed to have a mind of its own, flying towards individuals that Hayden had seen before or had some connection with - Hiromi, Zentarō's son... even himself.
As the Blood Type Recognition Chains successfully located Hiromi and the others, Hayden felt an immediate dragging sensation - the forbidden move's backlash. Despite being the Blood Orb King, the immense power drain caused him to stumble backward, a coughing fit wracking his body as he fought to maintain consciousness. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth; each use of this ultimate technique exacted a heavy toll on his life force.
Hayden: "Damn it..."
He gasped out between clenched teeth, knowing he had little time before collapse.
Hayden: "Stay awake... Stay awake..."
He repeated like a mantra, pushing his body to its limits as he sprinted towards the location where Hiromi is. The Blood Type Recognition Chains guided him unerringly, but the price he paid with each second that passed was enormous. His vision began to blur, and his muscles screamed with fatigue and blood loss. Yet he persevered, knowing that Hiromi's safety depended on him reaching her in time.
(At a dark room).
Hiromi's eyes snapped open as consciousness returned, only to be greeted by a horrific scene. She was bound securely against the wall, unable to move or escape the grisly tableau before her. A man, completely naked and clearly terrified, was being violently assaulted by another figure behind him - possibly forced rape judging from his desperate struggles and cries of pain. The sheer depravity of it all made Hiromi want to scream and vomit simultaneously.
Kaito, his face contorted with a sadistic grin, kicked Aaron brutally in the stomach, sending him collapsing to the floor. He then turned his attention to Hiromi, walking up to her with a menacing swagger. His eyes roamed over her bound form hungrily.
Kaito: "Awake, princess? Just in time to watch the first link get what he deserves. And after I'm done with him, I'll show you what a real man can do to a pretty little thing like you."
Hiromi: "You're Kaito, the leader of the Satanic Slaughter Yakuza."
Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and revulsion as she spat out. She strained against her restraints, the leather biting into her wrists as she watched Aaron gasping for breath on the floor - the very man who wanted Emi to die. Tears welled up in her eyes as the memory of Kaito callously murdering the innocent little girl flooded back.
Kaito: "God's power inside you is barely being tapped."
He sneered, his smirk widening.
Kaito: "Especially for a weak little thing like you. A girl like you should be able to summon holy flames that could burn the very heavens, yet all you've managed is a pathetic little glow."
He leaned in close, his hot breath against her ear.
Kaito: "You're a disappointment, Hiromi. A waste of divine potential."
Hiromi: "You're right."
She admitted softly, her voice laced with self-deprecation.
Hiromi: "I can't wield God's power effectively. I couldn't even defeat the First Link once without backup. I'm pathetic, useless..."
She trailed off, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
Hiromi: "I'm not worthy of this power."
Her words stung, not just because they were true, but because she knew Kaito would revel in her weakness.
Kaito: "That's right!"
He exclaimed triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction.
Kaito: "You finally understand your place, Hiromi. You're nothing but a weak, powerless little girl playing dress-up with divine abilities beyond your puny comprehension."
He reached out to grab her chin roughly, forcing her to look up at him.
Kaito: "Tell me, how does it feel to know that I could snuff out that pitiful 'God's power' of yours like a candle flame in a hurricane?"
He didn't hesitate for a second, his sadistic nature eager to inflict pain on Hiromi. With a cruel grin, he began pulling out various torture instruments - whips, needles, heated iron pokers - relishing in the anticipation of her screams for mercy. His hands trembled with excitement as he laid out the tools of his twisted trade. Just as he was about to reach for the first device, his body suddenly froze mid-motion, like a statue caught in time.
(In his mind).
"What the hell?"
(Out of his mind).
Hayden: "Don't you dare lay a finger on Hiromi!"
He bellowed, his voice echoing through the room with an authority that brooked no argument. As he spoke, he activated a powerful technique called Blood Paralysis. The very air around Kaito seemed to thicken and grow heavy, his muscles locking into place as if trapped in an invisible vice. Kaito's eyes widened in shock and fear, his body completely immobilized, unable to so much as twitch a muscle. The torture equipment clattered to the floor, forgotten.
Hiromi: "Hayden!"
She exclaimed, relief flooding through her as tears of gratitude welled up in her eyes.
Hiromi: "You came for me..."
Her voice trembled with emotion, gratitude and affection mingling together. Despite her bound state and the terrifying scene mere moments ago, seeing Hayden's powerful form standing protectively between her and Kaito filled her with warmth and security. He was her boss, yes, but right now he was also her salvation.
Hayden's mind briefly flashed back to the agonizing effort it took to keep himself conscious and here. The blood loss, the fatigue, the forbidden technique's backlash—all forgotten as he rushed to Hiromi's side. His hands worked quickly to unbuckle her restraints, treating each abrasion on her wrists gently.
Hayden: "Are you alright?"
He asked softly, his voice rough with concern.
Hayden: "Did he hurt you?"
His eyes flickered dangerously towards Kaito, promising dire consequences if Hiromi had been harmed.
Hiromi: "Not yet."
She whispered, her voice barely audible. She looked over at Aaron, seeing the bruises and blood on his body despite being bound helplessly nearby like herself earlier moments ago.. Despite everything - despite Aaron being part of those who wanted harm upon them - something within Hiromi stirred compassionately towards him seeing him helpless like this.. Without hesitation she moved towards him slowly despite Hayden's protective hand trying stop her.
Hiromi: "Let me help him."
She pleaded softly looking into Hayden's eyes seeking permission.
Hayden hesitated briefly, concern for Hiromi's safety warring with his respect for her kindness. But seeing the genuine empathy in her eyes, he nodded reluctantly.
Hayden: "Be careful."
He warned, his hand reaching out to gently touch her shoulder before dropping away. He turned his attention back to Kaito, his expression darkening as he approached the immobilized yakuza leader menacingly. Meanwhile, Hiromi knelt beside Aaron, her gentle hands working to untie his bonds, murmuring soft words of reassurance despite the circumstances.
Aaron: "..."
His voice came out ragged and pained as he looked up at Hiromi through swollen, bruised eyes.
Aaron: "Why... would you help me?"
He croaked, confusion and a hint of suspicion lacing his words.
Aaron: "We're enemies... I was sent to... to kill you..."
His bound hands twitched helplessly as Hiromi worked to untangle the ropes, the action causing him to wince in discomfort. Yet, there was no malice in his gaze, only bewilderment and a fragile hope.
Hiromi: "Because everyone deserves compassion, even enemies."
She replied softly, her fingers deftly working the knots that bound Aaron's wrists.
Hiromi: "You're hurt and helpless right now - that could've been me minutes ago if Hayden hadn't shown up."
She glanced over at Kaito, still frozen under Hayden's Blood Paralysis technique, then back at Aaron.
Hiromi: "Being cruel when someone's vulnerable isn't brave - it's just cruel."
She finally freed his hands, helping him sit up gently despite his obvious pain.
Aaron: "Compassion..."
He repeated softly, his tattered mind struggling to process such a concept from someone he was programmed to hate and kill. His rough hands trembled as they wrapped around his injured torso, fingers brushing against bloodied wounds.
Aaron: "You're... a fool."
He muttered gruffly, attempting to mask his surprise and vulnerability.
Aaron: "Should've let Kaito finish me off... Would've saved yourself trouble."
His gaze flickered between Hiromi and Hayden nervously, expecting betrayal at any moment.
Aaron: "What's the catch?"
Hiromi smiled gently, ignoring Aaron's harsh words as she understood they were likely a defense mechanism.
Hiromi: "No catch."
She said simply, beginning to check his wounds more thoroughly despite his flinch of discomfort.
Hiromi: "Compassion doesn't come with strings attached. Hayden and I believed in protecting everyone, not just those who agree with us."
She glanced at Hayden who was keeping a close eye on Kaito but letting her do her thing with Aaron.
Hiromi: "You're alive right now because we chose mercy over vengeance."
Aaron's eyes widened slightly at Hiromi's words, his calloused heart skipping a beat at her gentle smile. He flinched again as she examined his wounds, the contrast between her tender touch and Kaito's savage beating almost too much to bear.
Aaron: "Mercy..."
He echoed hollowly, the word foreign and strange on his tongue.
Aaron: "...You're playing dangerous games, girl. In my world, mercy gets you killed."
His gaze flickered between Hiromi and Hayden once more, searching for any sign of deceit.
Hiromi's smile remained steady despite Aaron's warning, her fingers continuing to clean and tend to his injuries with a care that seemed almost motherly.
Hiromi: "Perhaps in your world."
She said softly.
Hiromi: "But in ours, mercy is not a weakness. It's a strength."
She paused momentarily, looking deeply into Aaron's pained eyes before continuing her work in silence.
Hayden stepped closer then, his presence a silent testament to Hiromi's words as he kept Kaito immobilized and prevented any further violence against Aaron or themselves.
Aaron's breath caught in his throat as Hiromi continued tending to his wounds with such gentle care, her smile unwavering despite his harsh warning. He felt a strange warmth spreading through him—an unfamiliar sensation he couldn't place.
Aaron: "In your world."
He muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aaron: "Mercy might be strength... but it's suicide in mine."
His eyes flicked to Hayden standing guard over Kaito, his imposing presence reinforcing Hiromi's words.
Kaito: "How... boring."
He hissed suddenly, his body beginning to twitch slightly as he started to break free from Hayden's Blood Paralysis technique.
Kaito: "You two are playing house with this pathetic piece of shit when you should be worrying about me."
His voice grew stronger with each word, his eyes snapping back to their usual cruel self.
Kaito: "You think mercy will protect you when I finally kill you both? When I rape and torture your little innocent girl here?"
He laughed darkly, his body moving more freely now.
Hayden: "Shut your filthy mouth."
He hissed, his voice deadly serious as he pressed the sharp blade of his sword against Kaito's neck. The forbidden technique's backlash still pounding in his veins, he nevertheless maintained perfect control over his weapon and his enemy.
Hayden: "You think threatening us with rape and torture will make us flinch? You're nothing but a desperate little bitch right now, Kaito. One wrong move and your head rolls off those shitty shoulders of yours."
His eyes burned with icy hatred.
Kaito: "You think you scare me with that blade?"
He sneered, his smile twisting into something cruel and confident despite the sword at his neck.
Kaito: "You think one trick with that Blood Orb powers makes you dangerous?"
He chuckled darkly, his body suddenly lunging forward despite Hayden's grip on him. The movement was sudden and violent—designed to catch Hayden off guard. Meanwhile, Hiromi instinctively pulled Aaron closer protectively as she sensed the impending confrontation escalating.
Hayden: "..."
With a final surge of strength fueled by adrenaline and desperation, Hayden poured every last drop of his energy into the forbidden technique. His eyes glowed with an intense, eerie light as he pushed his power to its absolute limit—one hundred percent of what remained before he collapsed from exhaustion. The Blood Orb pulsated violently around him, its dark energy swirling menacingly towards Kaito. He could see Zentarō's son's location flashing briefly in his mind—just beyond this fight.
Kaito: "Ha! You're already on your last legs, aren't you?"
He laughed mockingly, his eyes gleaming with sadistic joy as he watched Hayden's weakened state.
Kaito: "If you pass out now, that little girl is as good as dead. And you know what? I'm gonna enjoy watching her suffer under my hands. She's gonna scream and cry for mercy while I fuck her raw."
His words were like daggers, meant to provoke Hayden into a desperate, foolish action.
Kaito: "You can't stop me, weakling."
Hayden's blood energy surged violently as he summoned countless blood blades—razor-sharp, crimson weapons that sliced through the air towards Kaito. The room filled with a metallic clang as the blades collided with Kaito's demonic symbols—dark, twisted runes that manifested into actual steel blades. Each clash sent shockwaves through the air, the power of their opposing forces creating a chaotic storm of metal and energy. Hiromi clung tightly to Aaron, shielding him from the deadly projectiles flying everywhere.
Kaito: "You foolish little bitch."
He growled, his face contorting with rage and amusement as Hayden's blood blades clashed violently against the literal swords summoned by his demonic symbols. The room erupted in a chaotic dance of red and metal, each collision sending spirals of energy crashing against the walls. Kaito's laughter boomed through the space, echoing maniacally as he effortlessly parried Hayden's desperate attacks.
Kaito: "You're wasting your last breaths on this pathetic offense!"
Hiromi: "..."
(In her mind).
"I know I'm not strong physically, but I have to find some way to help him or I'll go crazy just sitting here feeling helpless!"
(Out of her mind).
Hiromi's patience snapped as she witnessed Kaito's vile threats and saw him distracted by Hayden's assault. Her God's power activated instinctively—her eyes glowing with divine light as she clenched her fist. With a burst of speed and strength she shouldn't possess, Hiromi darted forward and punched Kaito squarely in the back while he was focused on blocking Hayden's blood blades. The punch landed with a thunderous crack—holy energy exploding on impact and sending Kaito staggering forward.
Kaito: "What the fuck?!"
He roared, stunned as Hayden's blood blades sliced through his skin and the explosive force of Hiromi's holy punch sent him reeling. Blood mixed with the dark energy surrounding him as he finally realized his opponents were more than just nuisances—they were genuinely dangerous. His demonic symbols flickered momentarily before stabilizing again, but the sudden shift in power dynamics was clear. Kaito was no longer the absolute dominant force in this room.
Kaito: "You... you fucking bitch..."
Hiromi: "You're right."
She spat back defiantly, her voice trembling with emotion but steady in conviction.
Hiromi: "I'm not strong enough to take you down alone... But I'm more than capable of being backup. And there's no way I'm letting you hurt my friends again!"
Her eyes blazed with holy fury as she stood her ground beside Hayden, ready to fight tooth and nail for those she cared about. Kaito sneered at her determination but couldn't ignore the genuine threat she posed alongside Hayden's relentless assaults.
Kaito: "Not strong enough?"
He laughed darkly, his wounds already healing thanks to his demonic symbols.
Kaito: "You just punish me with a single hit? You're nothing but a backup? A pathetic little girl who thinks she can protect her friends?"
He mocked Hiromi, his eyes gleaming with malice.
Kaito: "I'll show you who's strong enough. I'll break you. I'll fuck you. And then I'll kill you."
He lunged forward, his demonic blades extended, targeting Hiromi.
Aaron: "Don't. Touch. Her."
He growled suddenly, his voice hoarse but commanding as he stepped in front of Hiromi without hesitation. Despite the excruciating pain from his injuries and the exhaustion weighing him down, he pushed through and unleashed his own power—a shield of shimmering energy forming around Hiromi protectively. The shield flickered and pulsed with instability due to Aaron's weakened state but held strong for the moment, blocking Kaito's demonic blades inches from Hiromi's face.
Hiromi's heart swelled with surprise and gratitude as Aaron stepped in front of her, creating a shield with his energy despite his injuries. She realized then that maybe, just maybe, her compassion had actually reached his hardened heart. Power surged through her veins—not just her God's power but something else entirely. It was the feeling of having unexpectedly earned Aaron's protection, his willingness to defend her even at his own expense. That connection fueled her divine energy further.
Kaito: "Aaron, you fucking traitor!"
He shouted angrily, preparing to launch more demonic blades at the injured man defending Hiromi. But before he could unleash his attack, Hiromi moved with sudden, breathtaking speed—her body fueled by divine energy and gratitude towards Aaron. She appeared directly in front of Kaito, her fist connecting with his face in a powerful punch that sent him flying backwards across the room. The impact shattered part of the wall behind him, leaving Kaito stunned and groggy.
Seizing the moment of Kaito's stunned disorientation, Hayden quickly activated his blood energy—dark red chains shot out from his hands and wrapped tightly around Kaito's limbs and torso, binding him securely to the ground. The sudden restraint sent shockwaves through Kaito's demonic power system; he tried to break free but found himself immobilized by Hayden's forbidden technique. Exhaustion claimed Hayden immediately after; he collapsed onto one knee beside Hiromi and Aaron.
Hiromi: "Hayden!"
She gasped out immediately as Hayden collapsed beside them, his exhaustion clearly visible. She rushed to his side without hesitation, completely forgetting about Kaito bound behind them for a moment. Her hands flew over Hayden's body checking for injuries while Aaron watched over both of them—his shield still holding but flickering weakly now too. Hiromi felt Hayden's slow breathing and weak pulse—he was alive but dangerously depleted of energy after pushing himself past breaking point.
Aaron's shield flickered once more before collapsing entirely, the energy drain too much for his battered body to sustain. He crumpled to the ground beside Hiromi and Hayden, his face contorted in pain as he gasped for breath. Realizing the precarious state of her companions, Hiromi made a quick decision—she wouldn't leave them vulnerable while chasing after Zentarō's son just yet. Staying put, she began tending to both men's wounds first, prioritizing their immediate needs before anything else.
Kaito: "You fucking stupid bitch."
He hissed suddenly, his demonic eyes blazing as he struggled against the blood chains binding him. Despite his immobility, his voice cut through the air like a whip, laced with venom and fury.
Kaito: "You think protecting these pathetic weaklings is gonna do anything? I'm gonna break free and carve all three of you into fucking pieces!"
He strained harder against Hayden's forbidden technique, dark energy pulsating around him as he tried to break free.
Hiromi paused briefly in her tending to Hayden and Aaron, turning to face Kaito with an expression of genuine confusion and sadness.
Hiromi: "Why do you enjoy hurting people so much?"
She asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hiromi: "What pleasure do you find in causing pain and suffering? You're strong, powerful... you could be doing so much good instead of being a monster."
Her eyes searched his face, hoping against hope to find some semblance of humanity beneath the cruelty.
Kaito: "Because pain is power, sweet thing."
He repeated mockingly, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure.
Kaito: "The scream of someone you love as I gut them? That's ecstasy. The broken bodies of those who oppose me? Artwork."
His manic eyes glinted as he watched Hiromi caring for Aaron and Hayden—her compassion clearly infuriating him further.
Kaito: "And when I finally get free... I'm starting with you. I'll make you scream louder than anyone else..."
Hiromi: "Then I hope you never get freed."
She responded calmly, her voice steady despite the threat looming over her.
Hiromi: "Maybe being bound like this will give you a chance to think, to realize the harm you've caused. To understand that power isn't found in hurting others, but in lifting them up."
She continued tending to Hayden and Aaron, her gentle hands contrasting sharply with Kaito's brutal nature.
Hiromi: "You're in a timeout, Kaito. A chance to learn from your mistakes. Don't waste it."
Kaito: "You fucking bitch!"
He roared, his face turning red with anger and frustration.
Kaito: "You think just binding me will teach me a lesson? I'm the leader of the Satanic Slaughter Yakuza! I've killed hundreds of people! You can't just put me in timeout like a fucking child!"
He bucked against the blood chains, his body thrashing wildly as he attempted to break free.
Kaito: "I'll kill you! I'll fucking kill you all!"
But Hayden's technique remained unyielding.
Hiromi: "You love hearing yourself talk."
She commented calmly, barely glancing up from tending to Hayden's wounds as she addressed Kaito.
Hiromi: "You're like a child throwing a tantrum because you can't get your way."
She shook her head, her voice tinged with a mix of pity and disdain.
Hiromi: "All bluster and empty threats. No wonder you need to hurt others to feel powerful—because deep down, you're just an insecure little boy."
Kaito's eyes blazed with pure rage as he glared at Hiromi, his face contorted in a snarl. The venom in his voice was palpable as he hissed.
Kaito: "You think you know me? You think you understand anything about me or my power?"
He struggled against the chains again, his body shaking with anger and frustration.
Kaito: "When I break free, I'm going to make you eat those words. I'm going to make you beg for death."
Hiromi's calm question cut through Kaito's raging tirade like a knife, silencing him mid-sentence.
Hiromi: "You know that killing an Orb like us is about hitting the life force crystal on our chest, right?"
She looked at Kaito with an unsettling calmness, as if genuinely curious about his reaction.
Hiromi: "So what if I did kill you right here, right now? What would you do?"
She wasn't planning to actually kill him—she just wanted to see what ran through his mind in that moment.
This will continue in the next chapter.