Leader of the Heathens, part of the Russian mafia, and the current reigning monarch over the whole of TKU.
I’ve seen him around during the time I’ve been at uni, mostly at the fight club that Ava is obsessed with going to, because, of course, someone like him is attuned to violence.
I’ve only met him once, two days ago when he found out Annika was at the fight club with us and proceeded to drag her out. The controlling behavior left a bad taste in my mouth and I got in his face about it.
Something that he definitely disliked and disregarded, and then he proceeded to kick Anni out.
The whole encounter made me happy that I don’t know him on a personal level. People like him, and the whole of the Heathens who get off on old patriarchal rules and only care for their gratification, deserve nothing but distaste.
I’m just glad I won’t see him anymore.
You totally did last night at the initiation.
I pause at that thought. Yes, I knew Jeremy was one of the guys in the masks. He wouldn’t miss the initiation, considering he’s their leader, but for some reason, in the back of my mind, I refused to dwell on that option.
“Cecily Annabelle Knight!”
I startle at Ava’s voice, realizing that I got lost in my head again.
I hike up a hand on my hip. “Why are you calling me by my full name?”
“Because you zoned out.” Ava snaps her fingers in front of my face. “Welcome back to the world of the living. As we were saying, girls' night in?”
I nod and let them lead me back into the living room.
Although I would rather be outside, it’s impossible to escape Ava’s watchful gaze. If I do go out, she’ll definitely tag along.
And I can’t have her with me for the devilish plan I’ve decided to take part in.
I sit cross-legged on the sofa, replaying the message I saw on the app’s screen in my mind.
The partner who fits your criteria requires that you arrive on your own after seven p.m. at the local Brighton Historical Park. Any day of the week.
Please use your safe word anytime you want to stop the act.
I wasn’t able to sleep properly last night, and when I did, I dreamt of black hands suffocating my mouth as I was dragged into the night.
For a moment, I was in a daze. I fought, but I couldn’t move. I screamed, but no sound left my mouth.
I woke up drenched in sweat, with my heart hammering in my chest. The stench of smoke permeated my nostrils and I couldn’t breathe.
It was as if those hands were back on my mouth again, asphyxiating me, stealing my air, and leaving me breathless.
I’ve been telling myself that it’s different this time. It’s not the same person or the same situation.
Ichosethis.
But maybe my subconscious has been telling me that I shouldn’t have done this.
Maybe Ava finding and stopping me is a sign to end this madness and to back out before it’s too late.
Maybe Lan won’t like the side I show him. Maybe he’ll be revolted.
“Cecy!”
“Yeah?” I shake myself out of my thoughts and focus on Ava’s frowning face.
“What’s wrong with you today?”