Inside the dimly lit room of the Midnight Fang pack, Boss’s gaze fixated on the man lying helplessly on the bed. The air was heavy with tension, his eyes radiating a glimmer of hostility as a smug grin formed on his lips. “How does it feel, lying there? Enjoying yourself?”
Will’s gaze burned with defiance, a silent declaration of his determination.
Chuckling softly, Boss mocked him. “Don’t give me that look. You brought this upon yourself.” Summoning his strength, Will mustered the courage to ask, voice trembling, “W-Why?”
An insidious look twisted Boss’s face, as if a dark cloud had descended upon him. Through gritted teeth, he hissed, “Why? Can’t you figure it out? Why didn’t you ask yourself that question when you harmed my sister? How could she, a mere seven-year-old, be a threat to you?”
Will’s eyes turned red at the mention of his past transgressions.
“When you committed that atrocity all those years ago, you should have done the same to me. But no, you chose to torment me, to make me suffer. And for that, I must thank you. Without the suffering you inflicted upon me, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Boss remarked casually, a devious smile spreading across his face.
“K-Kill me!” Will cried out, his voice feeble and desperate.
Boss shot him a venomous glare. “Kill you? That would be too merciful. After all the years of torment you subjected me to, I intend to return the favor. Besides…” Leaning in closer, his tone dripping with triumph, Boss whispered, “You’re more valuable to me alive than dead!”
A sinister smile spread across his face, a chilling sight that sent shivers down Will’s spine. Despite the fear that coursed through his veins, Will found himself paralyzed, unable to move a muscle. “Save your energy. The poison in your veins was specially crafted to progress slowly. Only when it has consumed you entirely will you reach your current state,” Boss explained, his voice laced with a wicked undercurrent beneath his calm facade.
Will’s eyes widened further, consumed by conflicting emotions.
“Don’t worry, my dear Will. I will ensure your family is taken care of,” Boss said indifferently as he rose from his seat and left the room, paying no attention to the fiery rage burning in Will’s eyes.
To be precise, it was that fiery rage in Will’s eyes that ignited a sense of satisfaction within Boss. Finally, he could taste his own medicine.
As Boss stepped out of the room, he took a deep breath, his gaze flicking towards a group of people engaged in a heated discussion nearby.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Boss approached them. “What’s going on?”
The group, filled with trepidation, stood up abruptly, causing one of them to drop something in their haste.
“Boss…” Their voices trembled as they looked at him fearfully.
Boss’s sharp eyes immediately recognized the item that had fallen to the ground – Nelly’s precious accessory. Without a moment’s hesitation, he swiftly bent down to retrieve it. “Boss, I-I found it-” the individual stammered, attempting to explain.
Boss raised his gaze, his eyes piercing through each person before him. “You found it?”
The person nodded fervently. “Yes, Boss. General Will imprisoned the woman in the southern camp that day. She must have lost it there.”
Only then did Boss recall the incident. “Anything else?” he inquired, his voice steady.
The individual shook their head, a mixture of relief and anxiety on their face. “No, Boss. That’s all.”
Clutching the necklace tightly in his fist, Boss turned and continued on his way.
“Boss…” The individual wanted to comment on the exquisite beauty of the necklace, but the sheer force of Boss’s newfound aura silenced them. After all, he was no longer the same man they once knew.
Suddenly, Boss halted in his tracks, a revelation striking him. Removing his watch from his wrist, he tossed it towards the individual. “I suppose this will do?”
Delight spread across the individual’s face. “You don’t have to, Boss.”
Boss’s gaze swept across the group. “From now on, I will not treat you as General Will did. I will not exploit or bully you. We will share our fortunes and face all hardships together. As long as your loyalty lies with me, you will be rewarded handsomely.”
Excitement filled the group’s eyes as they asked in unison, “Is that true?” “You’ll see it for yourselves soon enough!”
A cheer erupted throughout the group, “Hurray!” they shouted. “Boss, we swear to follow you to the death!”
Simultaneously, another group from the side pledged, “We, too, swear to follow you to the death!”
The commotion attracted the attention of those nearby, who quickly gathered around. After a brief discussion amongst themselves, they echoed the sentiment, “Follow Boss to the death!”
Boss gazed upon them, an inscrutable expression on his face as he clutched Nelly’s necklace tightly.
Meanwhile, inside his room, Boss sat in his chair, his eyes fixed upon the necklace. Memories of Nelly wearing it flooded his mind, transporting him back to the days they had spent together. Lost in his reverie, he was interrupted by Gavin’s entrance. “You wanted to see me?” he asked.
Boss’s gaze shifted towards Gavin, a newfound determination blazing in his eyes.