Dark Nine ❈ Dark Nine Universe Bk1 ❈

Chapter Sixty

Alpha Centauri's POV

I pace near Venus in his dark cell. The only light is the metal embedded into the ancient stone blocks and what emanates from my skin.

"Shame how far you've fallen from honour," I drawl over the insane Kor. His bronze eyes have dulled from hunger, his skin losing it's glow as we weaken him in punishment for his betrayal.

"Is there a reason you've come to me?" E asks me anyway, sounding strong, even though I know he's weak.

"How does it work, Diana's blood?" I murmur to him, "How do I make one like her?"

"In my laboratory, I have samples of J..." Venus stops, short of breath, closing his eyes as he opens them again, meeting mine, "...the Junaia root... I genetically modified it... you brew it in a tea, make a girl drink it, they'll morph to have Fey powers, small aspects of Fey power, speed, invisibility, strength, and most importantly, regeneration," E offers the information easily, he'd do anything to get out of that cell, "It will kill anyone who isn't honourable, so it must be a Dark Nine who takes it."

"At least you know your place," I turn and walk past him again, my eyes cutting him with judgment.

As I walk, Venus calls out. Ever the cruel genius.

"No more smell of her perfume for you, Estori?" he starts to cackle maniacally to himself.

I pause and then I continue with growing disdain. Venus went sour after feeling for that bitch, Cinta. He lost his head.

I return to my Kor Squad, and I find Proxima by a long window, overlooking the empty faded city, laid out below us, blinking lights showing the Dark Ninth energy was effectively dormant.

"We go hunting?" Proxima asks me, hopeful as he side-eyes me.

"First. How did Arcturus go?" I wonder.

"Awful, they didn't believe a word," Proxima growls in disgust, "Arcturus loved the little dove, now he's sick."

"I'm aware, give him time," I say quietly. I turn with him to face the squad hanging around our area, on edge, each member moves with intent. We are all hungry.

"Patience," I tell them, "We go hunting for knowledge first. I want to try something out."

"Try what?" Rigil asks in a half sly, half berating tone.

"You drink once, then you starve," I tell him, I tell all of them, my eyes rolling over Proxima standing with his triplet brothers, Toliman and Sirius. Vega and Capella patrol the entry to our midnight chamber, pacing back and forth like guard dogs, their teeth aching behind the chains. Cano and Arcturus stay quiet before me, wallowing in deep thought. My squad were the most elite Elion warriors... they weren't very good at thinking beyond their bloody needs.

"Find some subspecies clothes," I tell them with a grin, "We're going to seduce one girl."

"You can't be serious," Rigil hisses.

"No, cousin," I smirk at Rigil's distress, "I'm very fucking serious. I'm going to find this human. I'm going to offer her a deal. I just wish to see what happens. Curiosity."

"What kind of deal?" Sirius asks me in a low snake-like hiss. Even he is worried.

"Who wants to drink from an obedient venom whore whose blood keeps on giving?" I smirk, "I don't mean our Empress. Or an Estoria. I mean a good for nothing whore, a blood bag. Paid for. E created the formula. I want one. I don't want to love it, I want to fuck it."

"And you have one in mind?" Rigil goes quiet, "Who exactly?"

"She makes... pastries," I try not to laugh, "Hurry up and find some outfits, we're taking the little bunny on a date."