STRANGULATE | Markicest

50 | ALL EYES

The bright screen cast a glow on the Tear Stealer, and he squinted, finding Eye's figure perched on a chair. She stared up at the screen, and though her eyes were glazed behind her glasses, every inch of her posture spoke of focus.

    Ethan and Konray lingered behind, peering through the door. They had just passed Xilef's test, their auras honest, and all that Dark had done was gaze at them and mutter, "Come."

    The Tear Stealer cleared his throat. "Eyes," he said softly, stepping into the room. Despite the bright glare of the enormous screen, it was still dark. There were no other lights in the room. "Eyes, do you have a moment?"

    Ethan and Konray stayed at the doorway, still on edge.

    After a pause that felt like ages, Eyes' posture relaxed, and she swiveled her chair towards Dark. The screen flickered out of focus when she did so; all the tabs, locations, dates, and times grew fuzzy now that she returned to her present reality.

    "Mr. Edwards," she said pleasantly, rubbing her eyes at the sight of him. "What is it?"

    "You know these two already," said Dark, turning towards the door. Eyes followed his gaze, and her breath caught. "They'll be joining our team."

    Ethan and Konray exchanged glances, their brows raised high.

    Team?

    They had been hoping for—at the very least—something of an alliance with the Tear Stealer. But to be working with him?

    Eyes took a moment to make sure she knew exactly what she was seeing.

    "The Nestor kid," she said after a moment, her voice edging between excitement and disbelief. She turned to Konray, blinking to try and regain focus. She was still getting out of her tech headspace. "And—you!"

    Konray jumped at the sudden shout, heart hammering in her chest. Her ability had the sudden urge to camoflauge her.

    "Um, yes—" said Konray, finding comfort in rubbing her arm. "Me...?"

    "It's so nice to meet you—both of you," said Eyes. She glanced at Dark. "Do they have intel?"

    Dark nodded, the ghost of a smirk reaching his lips. "You'll be surprised with what they've done." He gently waved the two inside, and they hesitated before walking into the room. "Tell her."

    Konray glanced at Ethan, but he only swallowed. He figured he'd done enough talking today. The last few times, he screamed in Dark's face, and he was still stunned that he wasn't dead yet.

    "So," started Konray. "A few nights ago, we tapped Antinstine's mansion." Eye's mouth dropped and practically hit the floor. "I designed them. Untraceable."

    "What?" gushed Eyes, practically vibrating in her seat. "How?"

    Konray chuckled and blushed. "Well, I—"

    "The three of you will be working together," Dark cut in, red eyes flashing. "Until we attack, you two—" He looked at Ethan and Konray. "—will stay here in the mansion."

    They exchanged glances again, eyes wide. Attack? Staying?

    "Konray," said Dark. "Did you bring the host device for the taps?"

    She nodded firmly and patted her pocket. "Yeah," she said. "It's like a harddrive. I can upload it into Eyes' computer."

    Dark glanced at Eyes, who gave him a nod. "Perfect," he said. "You two get settled. If you need anything, pound on the walls, and Voxe will come over." He motioned his fingers at Eyes, and she stood. She joined Dark's side, and they began to make their way out of the room. "I have something to discuss with Eyes and the others."