Gabriel: Prequel

epilogue: part one

(obviously, all the povs will be gabe's now)

"Wait, wait, wait! Here me out, I'm begging you!"

I dig the knife deeper into him, relishing the satisfaction of his pain. 

"What's there to hear, Darren? Did you let Harper speak? Or, did you let her bleed out, instead?"

"I don't know what you're-"

"Shut the fuck up. I am done with the fucking lies, so own up to it."

After pressing the knife into him further, I pull it out, not letting him taste death so soon - that would be unfair. It had only been a guess that Darren murdered her, or that he was involved, but everything had been confirmed. I had stormed in to his layout, and seen her ring lying in the corner of a room, and that was enough for me to seek vengeance. 

I crouch down in front of him, feeling the tip of the knife and curling my lips into a ruthless smile. "I have something to wonder, Darren."

"Yeah? What would that be?" His voice reeks of desperation, trying to suck up to me to stay alive.

"Who will bleed out first? You," I draw the knife against his skin, "or Harper?"

His skin is slick with sweat as he eyes the knife, his face paling. 

"You don't have an answer? Shame. Good thing someone else will respond to me, then, isn't it?"

At my cue, all of the other members flood into the room, their eyes steely as they watch their beloved leader squirm under someone who he underestimated. 

"Before the show commences, everyone, let me reveal something. Darren, who we all love, has been betraying you guys since way back - he has an alliance with The South, ready to out you guys whenever it would benefit him."

His eyes widen as he shakes his head, trying to convince everyone I'm lying. I spent months trying to find dirt on him, all so I could expose him before death. I want to humiliate him, shame him, so that he wishes he could die instead. 

"Now that's cleared up, how about we all take a vote? A bet, if you will. Who bled out faster? Hands up for Darren." Naturally, no one engages with my little game, which I expect.

"Count this your lucky day, then," I whisper, gripping his hair, as he watches the kingdom he's built up turn against him, their eyes focusing elsewhere as he struggles.

"Convince me not to kill you, and I'll let you go," I grin, cocking my head.

"I worked so hard for this, Gabe! It's taken years - I couldn't have done it without your help, either. I need to stay alive - I have a famil-"

I don't let him finish his sentence as I swipe the knife against his neck, letting blood fall from him as he suffers and chokes. 

The members pile up what they want, sharing one last glance towards their deceased leader. 

"But, now what? The North is at its peak - we're the evolved in the city, Gabe, what's gonna happen now?" Diego asks, glaring at Darren's corpse.

"I'm the leader now, actually. This would've been Harper's job, and it's only fitting. Double cross me, any one of you, and I will not hesitate to make you wish you died here tonight with him." The others, including Nicholas and Rehan, nod in agreement, leading them out. 

About to join them, I spare one glance towards Darren, spitting at his feet. "She had a family, too, bastard. I'll see you in Hell."