STRANGULATE | Markicest

23 | SUPREMACY

The Tear Stealer stood in front of Antinstine, his fingers twitching under his black robes. His heels clicked against the stone floor in distaste, and his eyes burned holes into Anti's smug, slyly-moving figure.

    "Let me guess," said Anti with a fanged grin, running his sharp claws against the stone walls. The music from the club, X Amani, was only a dull pound in the floor, pulsing like a heartbeat. "You're going back on your favor."

    The muscles in Dark's jaw twitched, and he closed his eyes for a moment, fists clenching under his robes.

    "No," he said firmly, voice low and echoing throughout the stone room. He straightened himself, suppressing his pride. "I came here for another favor."

    Anti rose his brows, and he burst into laughter, nails screeching against the wall. "Another?" he cackled, staring at the Tear Stealer in disbelief. "What, is your little mansion not good enough for you? The local Evolveds too weak for you?"

    Dark's took a deep breath and huffed, eye twitching at his jeers.

    "I want to speak with Cibil again," he said.

    Anti's eyes flashed, and he growled, walking up to Dark and standing feet away from him. His presence bled into the Tear Stealers', hot and humid, sparking with electricity.

    "She gave you more than what we agreed on the first time," hissed Anti, teeth bared. Dark said nothing, holding his ground, and Anti clicked his tongue in distaste.

    "No," said Antinstine. "I won't allow it."

    Dark bristled, and his eyes widened in the slightest, brows furrowed. Anti picked up on the reaction, raising a thick brow and scrutinizing him.

    "Well," said Anti curtly. "That's new."

    He walked forward, circling around Dark and letting his heels click against the floor menacingly, every echo pounding through Dark's head. Anti ran a finger across the Tear Stealer's back, and he grimaced, glaring at him.

    "I've never seen you so desperate for something before," said Anti, stopping inches from his face. Dark bristled, and shadows flit across his face, his jaw tight and nostrils flaring. "Have you really stooped so low?"

     The Tear Stealer took a step forward, gaze burning into every facet of Anti's face. Their noses practically brushed against one another. Breaths hot and rank, the power surging in the air practically suffocating.

    "Remember," hissed Dark under his breath, eyes flashing bright red, "where you came from."

    Anti's eyes widened, and he gave a guttural growl. His hackles rose, murder in his eyes.

    "How dare—"

    Dark stepped forward, and Anti straightened himself, his eyes wild.

    "If anyone knew how you truly came to be," Dark growled, butting his forehead against Anti's, "they would leave you in a heartbeat."

    Anti's eyes flashed, and he slammed his head against Dark's, making him stagger back with a grimace.

    "I earned my place here," Anti shouted, raising his hackles. "Talk all you want, Dark, but I'm still more powerful than you."

    Dark growled, and he rubbed the front of his head. He straightened the folds of his robes rather harshly, glaring at Anti.

    "I demand to talk with Cibil," he spat, and Anti scoffed, running a hand through his vibrant green hair as he eyed Dark up and down. He took a deep breath and calmed himself, gazing at Dark through thick lashes.