SIGNAL FOR REVENGE

chapter 5

Patrick, the master of his own canvas, reveled in the rhythmic dance of the tattoo needle against his shaved head. Each plunge brought a surge of pleasure, the hum of the electric device echoing in the dimly lit room. As the needle left its mark on his flesh, Patrick felt a primal connection to a timeless tradition.

"I am a masterpiece," he declared, the intoxicating blend of pain and artistry fueling his sense of self. The history of tattooing unfolded in his mind, from ancient Nubian priests to the devoted acolytes of Cybele Osenta in Rome, to the modern era's inked canvases. Tattoos were more than embellishments; they were transformative sacrifices, declarations etched into the very fabric of one's being.

In defiance of Leviticus 19:28, Patrick embraced the rites of passage embedded in tattoo culture. From rebellious teenagers to suburban housewives, millions sought control through physical transformation. The craving for mastery extended beyond tattoos to cosmetic surgery, body piercing, bodybuilding, and even gender transitions—a testament to the enduring desire to shape and redefine the carnal shell.

As a single bell chimed in Malikh's grandfather's clock, Patrick wrapped a Kiruyu silk robe around his tall, inked frame. The mansion's air hung heavy with the scent of dyes and beeswax candles, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation. The towering artist moved past priceless antiques, casting a glance through a floor-to-ceiling window at the classical skyline.

"One person left to go," Patrick thought, the words hanging in the air like an unspoken promise. Energized by the mystery that lay ahead, he strode toward his bedroom, where rare recordings of a haunting song filled the air. The strains of the music echoed, a reminder of a previous life.

As Patrick touched a remote control to amplify the sound, his empty stomach growled in protest. Fasting for two days, he adhered to ancient ways, preparing his body for the unknown. "Your hunger will be satisfied by dawn," he reminded himself, the anticipation building along with the suspense of what lay ahead.

In his bedroom, Patrick's actions unfolded like a ritualistic performance. The audio speakers vibrated with otherworldly melodies as he embraced the profound silence that accompanied his fasting. The room became a sanctuary, a place where the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual blurred.

The clock ticked, the music swirled, and Patrick's thoughts intertwined with the enigma of the impending encounter. What awaited him in the early hours of the morning? The reader, drawn into the suspense, could only speculate as the chapter unfolded, leaving a trail of unanswered questions, and the promise of revelations that lingered just beyond the next turn of the page.