REVENGE (2nd book of FEAR)

- chapter twenty two -

"Oh~," Sheryl cooed in a sickening tone, her face pressed against the cold metal bars of her cage. She caught Locus at just the right time. It was pitch black out, and he was just returning from screaming at Liz. She could feel his anger by just looking at him.

"Where's your little toy?" The woman chuckled deep within her throat like a witch. Locus froze, his nails digging deeper into the palm of his hand. He really didn't need this right now. If he didn't walk away, he would definitely do something to Sheryl that he would regret later.

After a deep breath, he recollected his emotions and began to leave. "Did little Bella finally spill her guts about your love?" Sheryl chirped, smirking whenever the soldier stopped and faced her. "What did you just say?" He growled menacingly.

The woman faked a pout, sticking out her bottom lip, "Oh, you poor baby." Locus approached the cell, glaring daggers at her, "You need to start talking. Now." Sheryl showed him a smug look when she realized she had trapped him in her web. "I don't know what you mean," she smiled sweetly.

"How did you know about Liz and Bella's parents?" Locus sneered. The woman shrugged, "Maybe because..." she looked down at her dirty and crusted nails, "I told her." The mercenary furrowed his brow, his tongue twisting in his mouth.

"Told her what?" He asked, breathless and anxious for the answer. Sheryl flashed him a wide grin, "The UNSC's 'Most Wanted List' is a very easily accessible thing, my dear." Locus shook his head, not following the woman. Or maybe... he was just trying to deny what she was telling him.

"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Sheryl rolled her eyes, "I lied and showed Bella the picture of Liz. A young mind is easily manipulated and influenced. You should know a thing or two about manipulating, right?"

Suddenly, Locus blacked out. Like someone had just covered his eyes for five seconds. When he blinked again, his hand was attached to Sheryl's neck. Her eyes began to water, and red streaks from his nails appeared on the skin of her throat. Still, the woman had a sickening smile plastered on her lips.

"How does it feel?" She choked, "Knowing that you let the girl you love walk away from you twice in a lifetime?" It was almost as if the breath had been sucked out of the mercenary's lungs, because now he was gasping her air. He had to see Liz. Oh my God, what did he just do?!

He peered at Sheryl, spit foaming at her mouth and nails clawing at the back of his hands. Her face was bright red, like Liz's curls. But, underneath that deep crimson was something pale... something yellow. Her skin was shriveled up; dehydrated. He smirked.

Locus tightened his hold on her, snapping back, "How does it feel knowing that you'll die here?" The woman laughed. Not chuckled, not giggled. Laughed. Like she just saw a clown throw a pie in someone's face. It was gurgling within her throat and erupted out of her mouth. Then, she smiled.

"Like the rest of them?"

duh duh duhhhhh. we found out the REAL truth. or is it? the next chapter is the end!!! wow i love you guys and i appreciate your reads and your comments and likes so so so much. ily!