STRANGULATE | Markicest

32 | THE FAVOR

The ground pulsed beneath their feet, growing more intense as they approached the club.

Mark's heart still pounded in his chest, but he kept his character in check, staying a few steps ahead of Dark. He opened the door, breath leaving him as the music collided into his body—Evolveds dancing and moving all around him in a sea of motion. He could practically feel the power surging through the atmosphere, and found himself taking a step back.

No. Fear into fuel, he thought.

He glanced back at Dark, who took the lead.

They walked through the swarm of bodies, Dark's presence seeming to part a path in the chaos. Mark tagged along close behind, harnessing the energy in the air and letting it pound away the anxiety in his body.

They looped and weaved through the crowd, and when they circled around a corner, the crowd grew sparser and the pounding music faded in the slightest. They stopped before a stone door. A guard stood beside it, hands crossed before him, his eyes widening at the side of Dark.

"T.S—" he said, clearing his throat to keep his voice from wavering. "I'll let the boss know you're here."

He pressed a hand to his ear, murmuring under his breath. Mark joined Dark's side, and the guard's eyes couldn't help but widen at the sight of him. He vaguely pointed, eyes gazing down Mark's painted arms.

"Is that—"

"Do not interfere," Dark snapped, glaring at him. Mark suppressed a flinch at the aggression, nearly surprised, but he had to remember—this was the Evolved world. People weren't as kind here, especially Evolveds with such status as Dark.

The guard pursed his lips but said nothing, pulling his hands back into his lap. Then, with a wrenching click, the stone door swung open. Mark's heart shot in his throat, and he stood taller, clenching his fists at his sides.

Cibil appeared.

She stared at them blankly through her blindfold, lingering for a moment before stepping aside to let them in. Mark swallowed down his nerves as he and Dark walked inside, the door shutting with a defiant click behind them. It only had Mark more jittery.

"Oh, I'm excited," breathed Antinstine at the sound of their arrival. Mark's breath left him at the mere sound of his voice—his panic threatening to rise again. Anti sat at his desk in the middle of the room, back facing them.

Dark bristled, and Mark noticed the change in his demeanour—Dark's face grew more stern, his jaw clenched... his posture of clear status but his defensive air almost one of... fear.

Mark couldn't blame him. Just the sound of Antinstine's voice had his mind spinning. He still couldn't believe his eyes when the High Evolved stood up, turning around and facing them from behind the desk.

Mark lost his breath as time seemed to freeze.

Antistine stood tall and confident—his own robes draping down his body. His figure consisted of all angles—sharp and jagged lines that jut out like lightning bolts. His mere presence electrified the room, and it was hard for Mark to tear his eyes away.

Anti's blue and green eyes flashed as he glanced from Dark to Mark, staring straight into his soul. Mark suppressed a gasp at the vicious eye contact, straightening himself. As Antinstine grinned, his nose wrinkled as if he were snarling—fangs glittering and sharp.

"Oh yes... yes, yes, yes," said Anti, circling around the desk. His heels clicked on the floor, and he walked straight up to Mark, shoving his face right up in his. Mark swallowed and stayed put, his heart pounding furiously.