Lethal Beauty

XIX - Trust with Fear

[TW: This part contains content that some might find disturbing, reader's discretion is advised]

Strange as it may sound, Iris had never considered himself evil even with the ramifications of murder hung around in his conscience for an endless amount of time. Perhaps it was because he had no conscience. No compunction. When was the last time he felt sorrow? Pain? Loved?

Loved.

Love to him was as complex as his nature. His vicious outburst. Everywhere he looked, everyone wanted to use him. To them, he was nothing but a weapon. Designed to get rid of the dirt.

The night was pregnant with mystery as Iris walked closely to the man standing on the darkened alleyway, staring straight at the building in front. Dike didn't need to look to know that it was Iris.

"Talk to him, make him see some sense. If he won't stop, you know what to do."

Dike's idea of "talk" and "make someone see some sense" could only mean two things. One, negotiate calmly and see what the extortionist was up to. Two, scare the shit out of him until he pissed his pants. If neither would work, well...

He strolled slowly inside the building and didn't even stop at the reception. Iris didn't need to. He knew where he was supposed to be and who he was supposed to meet. The person opened the door and found him standing outside, waiting. The man looked shocked but did his best to appear intimidating. Not that Iris cares. He could sense emotions even if he couldn't read minds. This one made him curious and also annoyed, two emotions that don't mix well and could often result in someone's death.

"Hello," Iris was friendly and did not sound dangerous. Even the usual glint in his eyes was controlled. "Jorgio Sebastian?" he raised a note in front of his face.

"Oh, you got my message."

"That's why I'm here. You wanted to see me, correct?"

"Yes. Please, come and have a seat."

Iris entered but did not take the offered chair in front of the desk. Rather, he chose the one against the wall. He wanted a straight line to this asshole in any case he tried to pull a trick on him. If he did, he'd die. Maybe, painfully. It all depends on this mood and how this conversation goes down.

Jorgio Sebastian was described as any person. Nothing special about him. He was an informer who worked for the vampires, specifically the Elders. Recently, he had gotten closer than what was intended and Dike wasn't pleased.

If anyone would ask, the man was an insect to someone of Iris' caliber. But as Dike mildly put it, 'This was your mess, come and fix it,' ---and now he was here, in front of this bum. The man's clothes were wrinkled and stained and his eyes were red-rimmed from drugs. He has visible punctures on his neck as the result of offering himself to the vampires in exchange for the potent effect their bite provides to mortals like him. Or perhaps it was just fatigue. Sure. Iris calculated which one would kill him fast. It would probably be him. He could kill him fast.

"I guess you already know why I wanted to talk to you," he said.

Iris only nodded, he was relaxed in his chair, one leg crossed over the other. One hand on the armchair, the other on his lap, tapping his finger softly. Right or left, he was neither. Could be both.

"Can I get you anything?"

"No."

"Coffee? Soda?"

"No."

"I know who you are," Jorgio swallowed, in spite of himself. He heard so much about this kid, but he refused to believe those stories were true. He couldn't be that dangerous, could he? Compared to that 'lion' he hadn't lived that long to have that much strength or power. "May I call you, Iris?"