Phantom's Performance

Chapter 42

Y/n's Pov

Baxter and I stayed in the dimly lit study, the glow from the infernal flames casting flickering shadows across the room. Our conversation had shifted from plotting and planning to something more relaxed—an easygoing exchange between allies who had found a common purpose.

"So, Y/n," Baxter began, his tone casual as he adjusted his goggles, "when do you want me to head out and start the infiltration at the Hotel?"

I leaned back in my chair, contemplating his question. The idea of having a spy in the Hotel was enticing, but there was still much to be done before we could execute that plan. "Not just yet," I replied. "I want you to stay here until the speakers are ready. Once they're in place and fully operational, then you can leave."

He nodded, satisfied with my answer. "Got it. I'll focus on the speakers for now. But after that, I'm ready to stir up some trouble at the Hotel."

A small smirk tugged at my lips. "Good. I'm counting on you to keep things interesting."

We both stood, preparing to get to work on the speakers. The devices would be critical for our plans, and I needed to ensure they were perfect. As Baxter started sketching designs and scribbling notes, I felt a sudden, sharp pain in my chest—a throbbing sensation that radiated from my soulmate's mark.

I winced, the pain catching me off guard. My hand instinctively moved to my chest, trying to rub away the discomfort, but the sensation lingered, a dull ache that refused to fade.

Baxter noticed at once. He paused, looking up from his work with a concerned expression. "Y/n, are you alright? You don't look so good."

I forced a smile, shaking off the pain as best I could. "I'm fine, Baxter. It's nothing—just a minor distraction."

His eyes narrowed, clearly not convinced. "If something's wrong, you should—"

"It's nothing," I interrupted my voice firm. "We need to focus on the task at hand. The speakers are our priority right now."

He hesitated, studying me for a moment longer before reluctantly nodding. "Alright, if you say so. But if it gets worse, you should do something about it."

I didn't respond, instead turning my attention back to the plans laid out before us. The pain from my soulmate's mark continued to pulse beneath my skin, a reminder of the connection I couldn't afford to dwell on right now. There were more pressing matters at hand, and I couldn't allow myself to be distracted—not when so much was at stake.

Baxter returned to his sketches, his focus shifting back to the task. "So, about these speakers," he began, the excitement creeping back into his voice. "If we want them to be effective, we need to ensure they're placed strategically across all the rings of Hell. That way, when you use your Siren voice, everyone will hear it, no matter where they are." 

I nodded, pushing the pain to the back of my mind. "Exactly. I want them hidden in places where no one would think to look—tucked away in the architecture, buried deep within the infrastructure. When the time comes, I want to be able to command the entirety of Hell with just a single word."

His grin widened as he leaned over the plans, already envisioning the project. "I love it. We'll place them in completely inconspicuous spots—no one will ever know they're there until it's too late."

As he spoke, the throbbing in my chest intensified again, causing another wince to flicker across my face. I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the pain. This connection—this bond—was more than a distraction. It was a vulnerability, one that I couldn't afford to let get in the way.