4. Minos

"That last part, Minos–enjoy some barbecue," Erebus cackled and brought up the images on the computer. "The horrified looks on their faces as that asshole burned–fucking priceless."

He zoomed in on the raven-haired beauty that oozed innocence, but I could see it in her silver eyes. Harper Leigh had the glint of darkness brewing below the surface, and I was going to force it out of her. I watched as he hit print. That photo was going in the spank bank. I couldn't say I blamed him. "Print me a copy too," I commanded.

The camera feed rolled as they stood in the hallway, waiting for further instructions.

"Why would they do that?" The annoying blonde said.

She'd have died in the first round if I'd had my way. The things she did behind Harper's back with that boyfriend were more than enough reason to carve out her reproductive organs and decorate the house for Christmas.

"You think once Harper discovers what snakes her boyfriend and best friend are, she'll take part in the torture room?" I murmured. The idea of Harper using a bone saw across Adeline's abdomen before she was divested of her uterus made my cock hard.

Erebus spun around, bouncing on his gamer chair, and clapped his hands like he just won the prize of a lifetime. "That'd be better than head from Lacey."

My eyes widened in surprise. Lacey was Erebus's favorite girl–at least for the moment. She'd been around a lot longer than the other girls. I peered down at the braided bracelets he never took off until it was time to add a new girl.

"Does that mean Lacey will join the ranks?" I questioned, pointing to his wrist.

He rubbed each of the five with a loving caress. His attention focused on the ginger band. Amelie, his first infatuation. Erebus stalked her for months before he brought her home. It took a few more for her to fall and even less for her to be replaced. He'd mourned her for a year before a new girl appeared.

"If she lives," he replied and turned back to the monitors.

My thoughts sobered at the reminder. Harper Leigh wouldn't live. She took someone from us, and for that, she and her friends would die. I was pissed at myself for even suggesting it. I'd take the picture Erebus printed and use it for target practice. Vi didn't deserve what happened to her, and in my mind, Harper was the guiltiest of them all. She was her best friend–almost like sisters.

"Open the room so we can get the next trial started," I instructed, and Erebus's fingers flew across the keyboard.

The Landry douche grabbed Harper and pulled her into his side. "You don't go first this time. Suppose it's rigged to shoot spears or some shit?"

I made a mental note to add that to the list. A twisted version of ring toss, maybe? That had potential, but needed some work.

"So, who do you think should go first since your precious Harper Leigh can't?" Adeline hissed. Her face blossomed red at the obvious slight. She opened her mouth to speak, but I won't have her fuck with what was planned.

"Enter the next room, or I'll release the dogs," I ordered, then lifted my finger from the mic and picked up Pollo. Artie whined from his bed. I probably should've let them be. They'd played nice with Gumbo all night.

I sighed and scooped him up as everyone filtered into the adjoining space. The monitor was already on. Erebus waited until everyone stood in front of it before he hit play.

The sky was on fire, cast in a kaleidoscope of brilliant hues of oranges, pinks, and purples. The lake reflected back the heavens, ripples occasionally breaking up the picture. It was the perfect end of a summer's day. The sound of frogs and cicadas filled the evening air.

No one knew soon it would be marred by tragedy.

Only two of the women and two of the men remained, sitting near the water's edge while they sipped from red plastic cups. From the camera's angle, you could see everyone's face more clearly, and it was notable how closely the women resembled one another.

Both had smiles plastered to their faces, and the one threw her head back in laughter at something they were quietly discussing, a secret between just the two of them. Suddenly, one man lifted the girl whose book had been sitting in her lap, and a squeal pierced the air.

He took off into a run with her in his arms toward the water.

The video ended, and I studied their reactions. Addie's eyes darted quickly between Conrad's and Landry's. Both gave her an almost imperceptible shake of their heads. One I would've missed if I hadn't been observing them. Their guilt was evident–painted on every part of their features.

"We're going to draw out their deaths," I growled, and Erebus grunted his agreement.

The death of their friend had done nothing to quench my thirst for vengeance. I wanted to gut them, each in a more violent way than the last. They would beg for mercy, but that bitch couldn't save them–not for what was coming next.

"Why do they keep showing clips from the night at the lake house?" Harper asked, garnering my attention.

Why was she confused?She was there. It's why she would die.

Harper peered up into the corner as if she knew precisely where the cameras were. Her gun-metal eyes narrowed as her nose scrunched in confusion.

"They're sick fucks," Landry shouted. He lifted his hand and gently guided Harper's face to his. "This is part of some twisted game." I was tempted to end him now. The pretty boy mayor's son. He'd soon learn just how sick we were, and how twisted the games they'd face would be.

Harper opened her mouth to speak, but Landry pressed a kiss to her lips and silenced whatever question laid on the tip of her tongue. My teeth clenched. Watching him touch her filled me with irrational anger.

Annoyed, I slammed my fingers on the microphone. "Proceed to the next room," I snarled. Harper jumped back, pulling herself from Landry's embrace.

"Someone's getting testy," Erebus teased.

"Just shut the fuck up and run the next trial," I snapped, and he snickered.

I watched as they entered the adjoining space and reminded myself none of them would survive the night. Harper Leigh was nothing more than a dead bitch walking.