STRANGULATE | Markicest

7 | CENTAURI

Mark read the paper that Ethan left behind, noting all of the Tear Stealer's most frequently-visited locations.

    "Centauri Park," he muttered, not familiar with the place. He stowed the paper in his drawer, pulling up his phone to search for the location.

    53 minutes away.

    Mark frowned at the time but shrugged. If he were to kill this Evolved, he had to learn his patterns; the way he moved, how he reacted to different stimuli...

    "Looks like we're going on a road trip," he said, glancing out the window. The beginnings of evening trickled with warm light.

    Mark got himself ready, grabbing his keys and a jacket, and loaded into the car. He opened the garage, checking his mirrors, and backed out of the house.

    Through the cameras, Eyes perked up. "He's leaving," she said, waving her hand to catch Dark's attention. The Tear Stealer quickly stooped down, robes swaying, and watched the screen. Mark's Tesla rolled down the street, turning into the highway.

    "Can you pick up on any GPS signals?" asked the Tear Stealer, kneeling by Eyes and resting his arm on her desk. She glanced at him for a moment, turning back to the screen.

    "Let me see," she said, unable to help the smile on her face. What Xilef told her was right—Dark's interest in the human was like that of a lovesick puppy.

    The screen shimmered as she squinted, picking up on Mark's phone. The navigator popped up on a second screen to their right, revealing the current route.

    "He's heading to Centauri Park," said Eyes, adjusting her glasses. "It's quite the drive."

    Dark went to his feet, bristling. "I visit the park often," he said, glancing down at Eyes, who broke her attention from the screens. "It's only minutes from us."

    Eyes blinked, brows raising. "Do you think he's on his way to kill you?"

    The Tear Stealer's jaw tightened, and he glanced aside. "It's a possibility." He straightened himself, glancing at the GPS on the second screen.

    "He'll be here soon," he said, looking at Eyes. "Keep me posted on his location and what he does. Lux and I are going on a little adventure."

    "Should I tell the others to prepare for the human?"

    Dark shook his head. "No need. If he's stopping at the park, I'll have time to tell you anything that changes."

    Eyes nodded, and the Tear Stealer headed down the hall, robes playing with the shadows of the mansion.

———

"You have reached your destination: Centauri Park."

    Mark slowed to a halt, parking on the side of the road. He took in his surroundings, something twisting with wrong in his chest. For the last ten minutes of his drive, everything went silent—little sign of life. Despite being in the middle of a neighbourhood, everything bled with a sense of quiet, danger, and power. No one came out of their houses—doors closed, blinds shut tight. Even the white paint echoed with lonesomeness.

    Mark clambered out of the car, locking it. It beeped, the sound ringing down the street as if he were in a narrow hallway. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, walking over to the park sign.

    Centauri Park, it said with elegant, formed letters. Below was a vague description of how the park came to be. He skimmed over it, already bored with the details, until his eyes caught on the words.