Saturday 3:30 PM
She tore through ten rooms on the west wing's second floor and came up empty. She had rushed room to room, peering in, only to find beds and folded covers. This investigation on the sorcerer family was leading her nowhere.
"Miss Ayano, are you okay?" Nicholas said.
She drew a breath, and the pattern snapped into place. The problem had stood in front of her the whole time. Nicholas had steered her through door after door, with nothing to show for it. For all she knew, he was behind the disappearances, leading her into dead ends.
Yuki stretched her arms and said:
"I need some space from you. You've done enough, Nicholas."
Nicholas smile held, but a twitch flickered in his eye.
"Excuse me?"
"You've heard me, I'll walk around this mansion alone. Also, let Sayuri Kanzaki know that I need her to meet me at my room by 4 a clock." Yuki said
Nicholas nostrils flared, then eased.
"I understand. Then, I will take my leave now."
The mansion was too big to cover alone, but she could no longer rely on the butler or anyone else who lived here. The Sorcerer family was under her scrutiny after all and would distract her from doing her job.
Yuki halted in front of Riko's door, torn between stepping inside or walking away. The gondola conversation clung to her, each word echoing with guilt. She wanted to close the distance, to admit the curse had twisted her, but the secrecy between them still poisoned her thoughts. Even without the Paranoia trait, the taste of betrayal lingered.
I should just tell her about my curse…yea, that's right! She'll understand.
She raised her knuckles to knock. However, a scruffy, menacing voice slid in behind her.
"So, you're the killer…i see."
Yuki froze. The word slammed through her chest like a hammer.
Who's behind me?!
Her thoughts spun as anxiety seized her.
Killer?… what does he even mean?
She began to turn, but a hand clamped over her head and forced her to gaze back at Riko's door.
"Don't move or I will snap your neck in half. Lift your right hand if you understand."
Her hand went up immediately without a second thought. A dark weight pressed against her skin, as It reminded her of the Sorcerer King, except this man felt unrestrained.
Riko's door opened, confusion written across her face.
"Hey! Yuki and…Uncle Koji? You came back from your trip already, it's only been 3 days."
Yuki's eyes widened.
It's her uncle! Damn it. I was about to use my Deathmark on him . I need some clarity on whatever he meant by me being a killer. Still, after what he just said, I might have to actually use it on him in the near future. But with him being Riko's uncle, this situation really got complicated.
Koji's hand left her head only to clamp around both her arms, his grip locking hard into her biceps.
"Seems what I've been searching for was closer than I thought. No reason to linger outside, so I came back early."
He was mocking her. That much was obvious. But she had to keep her head cool, at least until they were alone. She tilted her head just enough to see the man. Short, spiky white hair. A rough stubble of a beard. A scar carved over his right eye, leaving it clouded and dead-white. He also wore a long black trench coat, its buttons left undone. Plus, In his left hand, he carried a bottle of vodka.
Koji pulled Yuki away from Riko's door and said:
"Well, it's been nice, but I was in the middle of explaining to your little friend...how the Hoshigiri family came to stand among the most powerful sorcerer clans in the world. You know, the same story I told you when your mom, lady Fuyumi was still alive."
Lifting the vodka bottle, he swallowed deep and let out a rough burp
"Of course, may she rest and peace."
Riko wore a confused look.
"Oh… okay, Uncle. Do you want me to join you?"
Koji shoved Yuki forward and said,
"No, no, no, it's fine. Don't worry. She'll be back soon, and she can tell you all about her thoughts on the story."
He leaned in close, his face almost brushing hers.
"Isn't that right? Miss Yuki?"
Yuki scoffed.
"Yeah, you're right. I can't wait to hear it… Mr. Koji."
Riko sighed.
"Okay, Uncle. It's nice to see you again."
Koji steered Yuki down the corridor, forcing her to walk ahead of him.
"Same to you, Kiddo."
***
Yuki marched beside Koji, her gaze fixed on his smug face. Her eyes began to hollow out as her hand slipped into her pocket and closed around the tiger tooth necklace.
This man doesn't seem like he's interested in talking. The way he moves, the way he breathes, he's radiating killing intent. I have no choice but to end him before he ends me. It's a matter of survival, nothing more, and Riko would understand if she saw the truth of it.
Without thinking, she drove the bone tooth into his chest. It sank deep, and hot blood burst across her hand as Koji staggered, choking on the sudden flood. His body jerked and his face twisted, as she felt the weight of him collapsing against her.
Yuki grinned from ear to ear, savoring the sight of him clawing at her dress, his fingers raked the fabric in desperation. He dragged himself forward, sweat streaking his face.
"Not so tough after all, Mr. Koji?"
His hand slipped again, leaving a smear of blood on the floorboards.
"You…" his voice rasped.
A hand clamped down on her shoulder.
"How about you move forward? You're too slow."
Yuki blinked. The blood was gone. Mr. Koji stood tall beside her, unhurt, shoving her forward as if nothing had happened. Her breath caught in her throat. She hadn't stabbed him at all. It was another of her hallucinations, but this time it was worse.
It reminded her of that one call with her parents, when she heard them say things they never said. But now she was living through events that never happened. There was no other choice. The 'Deathmark' had to be used.