Beyond The Edge of Instincts

Chapter 6: Into the Heart of Darkness

Nik sat across from Luna, keeping her on edge every second. His plans didn't include detailed knowledge about Max or Alex—those were still riddled with uncertainty. Alex was a new target for Nik, a man he had only just begun to study. Alex's reputation in certain circles was notorious: a figure who let very few into his world and rarely dealt with outsiders. This made Alex a challenging target, but it was precisely these kinds of figures that intrigued Nik the most.

Max, on the other hand, seemed like a minor pawn. If Alex was a hidden player in a grand game, Max appeared to be an insignificant irritant, not worthy of attention. Still, Nik decided it was worth uncovering the connection between Max and Luna. Once their conversation was over, he would send his people to gather every possible detail about Max.

Nik believed that in games like these, every detail mattered.

Meanwhile, he fully understood that Luna was trapped. Nik could see the fear in her eyes, her uncertainty about whom to trust, and her growing sense of helplessness. This was his opportunity to exploit her confusion and fear. Manipulating people was his greatest strength, and now he was using it to its fullest extent.

"Listen, Luna," Nik began softly, his voice almost friendly, as though he were an old confidant. "Alex isn't the kind of man who lets people into his circle. Especially not people like you. If he's brought you closer, it means you're already on the path to something bigger."

Luna lifted her gaze, frowning skeptically.

"Are you saying I should feel lucky?" she asked, bitterness dripping from her tone.

Nik chuckled briefly, warmly, as if the gravity of her situation were merely a joke.

"Luck has nothing to do with it," he replied smoothly. "There's something about you that caught his attention. And that's your chance—a chance not only to escape this game but also to find the answers you're looking for."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone, as if he were speaking to someone he truly cared about.

"You want to know the truth, Luna? Can you handle it?" Nik's voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight, pressing down on her like a challenge.

Luna wasn't ready for such pressure, but she also couldn't afford to remain in the dark. She was tired of riddles and questions without answers. As terrifying as this game was, she understood that, for now, Nik was her only chance to uncover anything at all.

"Fine," she exhaled, her hands dropping to her sides. "I'll play along. But remember this: if Max is in any danger, I'm out."

Nik nodded slowly, his eyes glinting with approval.

"A reasonable condition," he said smoothly. "And trust me, I keep my word."

He leaned back into his chair, exuding an air of finality as though the discussion was over. Yet inside, he was already calculating his next move. Everything was proceeding exactly as he had anticipated. Now, all that remained was to strike at the right moment.

Nik leaned forward slightly, folding his hands on the table. Now that Luna was willing to listen, he decided to give her a small glimpse of the truth—just enough to pique her curiosity and keep her engaged.

"Let's start with what I know about Alex," he began, tilting his head slightly. "He keeps to the shadows, but his name surfaces in the most unexpected places: deals that shouldn't have happened, people who've disappeared. Some consider him a ghost, but I prefer to see him as a predator. He doesn't act alone—he has connections, and most importantly, patience. And trust me, Luna, if he's taken an interest in you, it's not because he needs companionship."