Page 21 of Fatality

My gaze shifts to the bar, where a broad-shouldered man lies sprawled on the dirty floor, grunting in pain and clutching his balls.

My hazel eyes gleam, satisfaction surging through me.

Took down a fucker twice her size—and drunk enough to deserve it.

Interesting.

CHAPTER 4

Riven

Brutal – Olivia Rodrigo

Why the hell do I do this to myself? Walking all the way to District 4 just to buy new supplies for the studio.

Alone.

I could've taken the transport like a normal person, but no. Riven Laordie apparently enjoys self-inflicted suffering.

I'm getting tired of myself, seriously.

If I weren't me and had to watch myself make these choices while still complaining about them, I'd literally strangle myself and leave my body lying there at some weird angle with my tongue hanging out.

I'm sweating like a snowman in hell, and I swear everyone on this street can smell me.

Probably. Maybe. Fuck if I know, but I can smell myself.

A few more meters and I'll be inside the tattoo supply shop, where there'd better be air conditioning or I'm actually going to melt into a sad little puddle.

After that, I'll probably go buy a lemonade—or an actual ice cube to crawl inside.

The weather today is way too fucking hot. Usually, this time of year, spring in Kairo-9 isn't this bad.

They literally have street air conditioning, so where the hell is it now that I'm melting?

I'd really like to find the fucker who forgot to press the activation button and kill him.

I step inside and instantly get hit with cool air and a refreshing mist right in the face. Only in moments like this do I love technology.

“Hey, Riven!” the receptionist greets me. “How're you doing? Fucking hot out there.”

“Don't even talk about it. I'm melting. I might start making round trips just to be greeted by your cool air and mist.” I step farther inside. “Hope you're doing good too. I need new needles and red ink. Got them?”

“Always for my favorite artist.” He smiles. “Back there.” He jerks a thumb over his shoulder.

This shop is the only place in Kairo that sells actual tattoo supplies and ink. It's expensive as hell, but I like coming here. Josh's a sweetie, and the materials are premium quality.

I nod and head where he indicated. I scan the shelves, picking up different shades of red and silently judging them.

I need a blood red, but slightly darker. I grab one and examine it.

Nope, not it. Too light.

I swear I've been visually interrogating these inks for an hour, but it's probably only been three minutes.

I pick up several bottles when my comm suddenly buzzes.

I startle and drop them. They hit the wooden floor with a dull thud.