"Hah, okay fine… Listen here… Every week, there will be new stock arriving. So, our toy stock will never run out!" Rayqal explained proudly.
"Yeah, I know that. But how does the new stock even arrive?" I asked curiously, pouting in frustration.
"Ermm, listen… Every week, our people go out and capture new toys for us… or sometimes, they surrender themselves because they failed to pay their debts." Alvin replied calmly.
I nodded in understanding.
"Oh, are there a lot of people taking loans?"
Alvin and Rayqal both nodded quickly.
"Hmm, okay then… I get it now." I leaned back against the plush sofa.
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
"Boss, we've brought the toys you asked for earlier."
Alvin stood up and gestured for me to do the same. I followed his steps.
"Ermm, which one do you want, darling? Pick quickly!" Rayqal's arm wrapped around my shoulder.
I grinned widely.
My eyes scanned up and down the four people in front of us, their faces pale and slightly bruised.
"I want this one." I said excitedly, pointing at the man standing in the middle.
Alvin and Rayqal nodded, chuckling.
"Okay, you've got a good eye for toys!" I smirked at his remark.
"Hmm, alright, you two can leave now. Let me play with our toy!" Rayqal dismissed his two men.
---
"What the…" My mouth hung open as I watched Rayqal stuff a man into a large sack.
"Oh, what's wrong, Farah? Are you scared, hmm?" Alvin nudged my arm with a teasing smirk.
"Scared? Please, I've done worse than this!" I pushed his arm away as he tried to drape it over my shoulder.
"Eh, why are you touching my girl? Farah, come here. Let's turn this into a punching bag together!" I followed with a grin.
"I wanna join too!" Alvin eagerly trailed behind us.
"Ugh, no need. You've got two toys of your own, right? Go play over there. Stop interrupting my sweet moment with Farah!" Alvin pouted before walking off, grumbling under his breath.
I chuckled at the sight.
"What are you waiting for, darling? Let's go!" Rayqal grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the tightly tied sack containing the unconscious man.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
"Huh, your turn!" Rayqal shook his reddened knuckles.
I smirked.
"Weak. You lost to a girl! Just a few punches, and your hands already hurt? How did you even become a gangster?" I teased.
"Not a gangster—terrorist!" I stepped closer to the blood-soaked sack.
"Whatever!" I warmed up my fists.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
"Watch this!"
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
"Hey, stop for a sec! He'll die, and that would be a waste!" Rayqal grabbed my now-reddened hand firmly.
I burst into laughter.
---
"Ermm, I didn't expect it to be so fun going out and enjoying ourselves earlier!" I said as I stepped out in front of Chan's house.
Alvin and Rayqal nodded with sweet smiles.
"See? We told you it'd be fun if you came with us!" Rayqal ruffled my hair gently before opening the back door.
"Haih, yeah, yeah. I'm going in now, bye!"
Just as I was about to step out of the car, I felt a strong tug on my wrist. I raised an eyebrow and turned back.
"No good night kiss?"
I scoffed in disgust. "Not happening!"
I yanked my arm free from his grip.
"Wow, is this how a good girlfriend behaves?" he teased.
I shot him a sharp glare before heading toward Chan's house.
"When did I ever agree to be your 'good' girlfriend?" I muttered as I walked inside.
But before I could fully enter, Alvin's flirtatious voice reached my ears.
"No flying kiss for me, Farah?"
Rolling my eyes, I raised my middle finger toward Alvin, whose head was peeking out of the car window.
Smack!
"Idiot, even I don't ask my girl for things like that!" Rayqal smacked him.
I burst into laughter at Alvin's pained expression.
"Serves you right, you pervert!"
---
My head spun slightly as I took in the eerie silence of the house.
"Hmm, where's Chan? Don't tell me he disappeared too?" My eyes scanned the empty living room.
I glanced at the large wall clock.
"Haih, this guy isn't home yet? It's already 1:23 AM. Whatever, do what you want!"
Shrugging, I headed to the kitchen, searching for something to eat.
"Ugh, I'm starving. Should've just eaten earlier."
I regretted not devouring my chosen prey while we were playing.
"Hmm… maybe there's still someone out there I can make my victim tonight?"
I stepped into my room and grabbed a black hoodie, slipping it on. Tying my hair into a messy bun, I pulled my cap low to cover my face.
Lastly, I slid a freshly sharpened switchblade into my pocket.
Moving cautiously, I exited the luxurious house and began wandering around the upscale neighborhood.
"Hmm, I need to find someone fast. I'm starving."
I picked up my pace, scanning my surroundings for a suitable target. My eyes landed on an elderly woman slowly crossing the empty road with the help of a cane.
"Oh? A new victim!"
Pulling my cap lower, I smirked as I approached her.
"Excuse me, ma'am, do you need help crossing the road?" I asked in a gentle tone.
"Oh, yes, dear. Could you help me?"
Like a perfect opportunity falling into my lap, I held her shoulder and carefully guided her across.
Once she reached the other side, she smiled warmly.
"Thank you, dear. It's rare to find such kindhearted people who don't ask for anything in return."
I chuckled darkly.
"Hmm… when did I ever say I wasn't expecting anything in return?"
Without hesitation, I shoved her, making her stumble to the ground.
"I helped you, so why don't you help fill my stomach?"
I let out a low, amused laugh as she trembled in fear.
Slowly, I pulled out my knife, licking my lower lip, suppressing the thrill of the kill.
"What's wrong? Scared? You know what they say… never trust people, especially people like me."
I backed her against a streetlamp.
Her body shook violently, her frail hands desperately trying to push away my grip on the knife.
Then—
"Fariz? You're Fariz, aren't you?!"
Fariz?
I froze.
Instantly, I turned toward the source of the voice.
I bit my lip, suppressing my emotions. But this old woman in my grasp had to be my meal for the day. I turned toward the voice that had called out to me earlier and let out a sinister laugh.
Thud! Thud!
With a swift kick, I sent the person standing behind me crashing to the ground, groaning in pain. I refocused on the elderly woman before me.
Slash!
In one swift motion, I slit her throat, watching as blood spurted out violently. I pushed her lifeless body aside.
"Aaaargh!"
I let out a chilling chuckle, gripping her head tightly before leaning close to her ear.
"Don't even think about running. I'm sure you can figure out whether you'd rather die right here… or get run over and left sprawled across the road. Hmm, which one sounds more tragic?"
The nearly decapitated woman slumped lifelessly against the lamppost, drenched in her own blood. I licked my lips hungrily, restraining the urge to drink the fresh crimson liquid flowing freely.
But first, there was something I had to deal with before indulging myself.
"Ugh…"
Slowly, I approached the person lying weakly on the ground behind me—the one I had kicked earlier.
"Hmm, who are you? How dare you interfere in my business?"
I crouched in front of him.
"Well, you called me Fariz earlier, didn't you? Then you must already know just how cruel someone named Fariz can be."
"P-please, don't hurt me… Fariz, don't you recognize me?" he stammered weakly.
"Who are you, hmm?"
I grabbed his cap and mask, ripping them off and tossing them to the ground.
"Oh, guess what?"
A wicked grin spread across my face as I watched him tremble in terror.
"Adi? Wow, who would've thought that a so-called gangster like you would be such a coward?"
I let out a loud, mocking laugh, enjoying his fear.
Struggling, he scrambled to his feet, clutching his stomach in pain.
"Fariz… you're really Fariz, aren't you?" he asked shakily.
I took a slow step forward.
One step.
Two steps.
Three steps.
Four steps.
"And what if I am? Aren't you with Sara? Oh, right… You must've just gotten back from seeing her, huh? Where did you two go, I wonder? Oh! Let me guess—you were off being all lovey-dovey together. Oops!"
Adi shook his head frantically and shoved me away.
"Don't you know? Your sister is dead."
I chuckled, my eyes piercing into him.
"Dead? Good. So, you came to see me… to ask me to send you to meet her in the grave?"
I pulled out the blood-stained knife from earlier.
"N-no, I… I…"
His eyes darted nervously, locked onto mine.
"What's wrong? Surprised to see me like this?"
I smirked.
"Yeah, I look pretty, don't I? But since I'm such a good little sibling, I'll help you reunite with Sara!"
I beamed with excitement.
"Fariz… why are you like this?" he whispered.
"Oh, you mean why I became a woman?"
I let out a playful scoff.
"Alaaa, that's my business. What really matters right now… is what you want."
I was already poised, ready to plunge the knife into him.
My tongue continuously licked my lips—tonight was a good night. I had not one but two people to satisfy my hunger.
"No, that's not what I meant. I just wanted to say something to you… thought I had the wrong person," Adi stammered, his body trembling with fear.
"Oh, so that's why?" I chuckled. "Well, since you were bold enough to speak to me… how about I give you a gift?"
I stroked my chin while waving the knife in front of his face.
Adi tried to run, but I swiftly blocked his way, preventing him from escaping.
"Trying to run? Scared, hmm?"
I licked the blade, still wet with fresh blood.
"Fariz, please… don't do this. I'm begging you…" His eyes welled up with tears.
"Oh? You're so scared of dying that you're willing to beg the person you hate the most?"
I cupped his cheek.
"Don't be afraid, darling…"
I smiled sweetly, locking eyes with him.
He seemed entranced, frozen in place, staring back at me. Slowly, his hand brushed against my lips and cheek.
"You… you're beautiful."
His voice trembled, and the lecherous look on his face made me chuckle softly.
"Yeah, I know I am. So, what are you waiting for? Don't you want to enjoy this beauty while it's right in front of you?"
I teased him playfully.
He seemed dazed for a moment before slowly leaning in, aiming to kiss my cheek.
In my left hand, hidden behind me, I gripped the knife tightly and—
Slash! Slash!
I plunged the blade straight into his throat.
So eager… he deserved to die!
"Guh… uhuk… uhuk!"
He collapsed onto the ground, clutching his torn throat, blood spilling uncontrollably.
"There, that's the gift I wanted to give you. How is it? Feels good, doesn't it?"
I moved closer, eyeing the blood oozing from his body—it looked absolutely appetizing.
"Well, since I need to send you off to Sara as soon as possible… why don't I drain you dry first?"
I hurriedly crawled over him and sank my fangs into his flesh, sucking his blood hungrily.
My eyes turned crimson, my teeth growing sharper.
In the end, he died—completely drained.
Now, onto my final meal.
I turned toward the old woman's corpse.
"And yeah… time for dessert!"
---
Amir stroked his freshly shaven chin, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. He had finally secured a place in Farah's heart.
After she confessed everything, his heart shattered—but his feet instinctively followed her. And who would've thought? The place she led him to… was his own domain.
From the very beginning, he had been the most powerful leader in this place. No one had ever suspected that Amir, the innocent boy, and Chan, the feared and respected figure, were the same person. His double life had gone smoothly all along.
A chuckle escaped his lips. How cunning he was.
"Ahem, boss… it's really late. Aren't you going home?" one of his loyal bodyguards asked.
Amir frowned, glancing at his watch.
His eyes widened before he splashed water on his face once more, erasing any traces of his earlier shaving.
"Amir, where are you going?"
His mother suddenly appeared at the doorway, worry etched all over her face.
"Home," he replied coldly.
Ever since he discovered Laura's corpse, he had grown distant from his family.
Especially now that he knew they were never his real family to begin with. They were just his adoptive parents. His real family had been slaughtered by their enemies.
And now, as the rightful heir, he would do as he pleased.
"Home? But Amir, this is your home too. It's late—where else do you need to go?"
His mother reached out to touch his shoulder, but he swiftly shrugged her off.
"Don't pretend you don't know. My real home isn't here. So you have no right to meddle in my life—you're just my adoptive mother. Remember that."
Without another glance, he strode past her, deliberately bumping her shoulder on the way out.
His mother let out a weak sigh.
---
"Where the hell did you go until three in the morning?"
I turned to see Chan standing at the door, arms crossed, waiting for me.
Rolling my eyes, I stepped inside and shut the door behind me.
"Out."
I flopped onto the couch, letting it embrace me in its comforting grasp.
"Yeah, obviously you went out. But where?"
I closed my eyes and let my hair loose from its tight bun, letting it cascade over the sofa.
"Just went for a walk."
I replied lazily, massaging my temples.
"And why exactly would you go for a walk at this hour? Never heard of anyone taking a stroll at three in the morning."
His voice dripped with sarcasm.
"I came home earlier, but you weren't here either. What was I supposed to do? Sit here and rot? Might as well take a walk to clear my head…"
I opened my eyes and sat up, fixing my clothes.
"Where are you going now? I'm not done talking to you, Farah."
Chan stood with his hands on his hips, glaring at me.
"You can nag me some other time. I'm exhausted—I'm going to sleep."
I turned to head toward my room.
"Hah! You weren't tired when you went out for a walk just now!"
Chan's voice echoed from the living room.
I clenched my fists.
If it weren't for the fact that you were useful to me, I would've killed you a long time ago.
Hmph—so annoying!
Why should I care about Chan? As long as my hunger was satisfied, nothing else mattered!
---
The next morning…
"Nara!" Nara ran toward Reena, who was engrossed in playing on the swing in the park, laughing softly with her eyes closed.
'You're already grown up, yet you're playing like a kid!' Nara grumbled internally.
"What?" Reena replied, uninterested in Nara's anxious expression.
"Do you know—"
"No!" Reena stopped swinging and yawned.
Smack!
"Be patient! I haven't finished talking yet!" Nara huffed in frustration and smacked Reena's shoulder.
"Okay, what is it?" Reena turned her body to face Nara.
"I-I found out Amir and your brother's location!" Reena's eyes widened in shock.
"What? Seriously? Where are they? Let's go see them now!" Reena hastily grabbed Nara's hand, but Nara quickly made her sit back down.
She took out her phone from her pocket and handed it to Reena.
"Look at this. Do you think you're brave enough to go there?" Nara asked, puzzled.
"What place is this? Do you think I understand maps and alien symbols like these?" Reena scratched her head and focused back on the phone in Nara's hand.
"That's not important. The real issue is that place is dangerous, you know?" Nara widened her eyes at Reena.
"Why is it dangerous? Are there man-eating tigers or something?" Reena joked.
"You're so slow! I mean it's dangerous because there are criminals there. That place is their hideout, where they carry out all their illegal activities," Nara explained seriously.
"You mean?" Reena looked confused for a moment.
"They do all sorts of crimes there—drug dealing, gambling, prostitution, murder..." Before Nara could finish, Reena, who had turned pale, covered her mouth.
"Enough, enough! That's terrifying to hear. But why are they there? What are they doing? Aren't they afraid of dying?" Nara nodded in agreement—it was hard to believe they hadn't considered the risks of going there.
"We'll find out when we meet them," Reena nodded in agreement.
"So, what do we do now?" Reena asked after a long silence.
"That... I don't know either," Nara replied briefly.
"Why don't we just report it to the police? That would be easier. Let them do their job and catch those criminals," Reena suggested, but Nara quickly objected.
"We can't! If we do that... do you want Rayqal and Amir to get arrested too? No way! I will never let that happen!" Nara sighed weakly.
"Then what do we do?" Nara asked.
"Aha! I have an idea!" Reena's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Nara raised an eyebrow, curious.
---
Ah, I had such a good sleep last night with my stomach full.
I opened the window, letting the cool morning air rush into the room.
As soon as I finished showering and was combing my hair, I heard a series of knocks on the door.
Ugh, someone's already here early in the morning. Trying to ruin my good mood, huh?
Forcing a sweet smile, I immediately opened the door.
"Good morning, my beautiful girl." He smiled warmly at me while carrying a tray of food.
What's wrong with this guy? Are some of his brain cells not functioning properly? Last night, he was acting all tough, and now he's like a prince charming!
"Yes? Why are you here?" I asked, deliberately pulling his hand inside and making him sit on the bed. He flashed a charming smile and pulled me to sit beside him.
"Did you forget? Today you'll get your first assignment. So yeah, this is your first job, right, babe?" He stroked my cheek gently while placing the tray on his lap.
"Hmm, oh yeah. So?" I continued combing my still-damp hair.
"I want us to go to the headquarters together from now on. And since today is your first day... I want to have breakfast in bed with you, like sweet couples do," he said.
"Enough with the combing, or you'll go bald. Come sit here and have breakfast with me," Chan patted the bed and signaled me to sit beside him.
I complied, though feeling annoyed. Acting all sweet—how disgusting!
"Here, feed me," Chan placed the spoon and fork in my hand. Ugh, this guy is such a pain. Just when I wanted to enjoy my morning in peace, he's making requests!
"Hmm..."
I had no choice but to feed him the fried rice. He ate with great appetite, occasionally winking at me.
"What? Did something get in your eye? Let me blow it out," I teased him and blew into his eye as hard as I could.
"Hey! You're messing around. You're making me want to bite you!" Wow, he's getting bolder! I stopped feeding him and started eating myself, ignoring him.
"Feed yourself. I'm hungry too," I said, eating hungrily in front of him. He chuckled and started eating on his own.
"Guess what kind of fried rice this is?" he suddenly asked in the silence.
"Why should I guess? It's not like I'll get anything out of it!" I pouted and continued eating.
"Okay, I'll give you whatever you want. Now, guess!" I smiled widely and examined my plate.
Yellow color... looks like turmeric fried rice, but why is there something that looks like tomato? No way, is it tomato fried rice?
"You're taking too long, sweetheart. Are you really that eager to win?" He pinched my cheek lightly.
"Hmm... tomato fried rice?" I asked confidently.
Chan covered his mouth and burst into laughter.
"Tomato fried rice doesn't exist, my dear!" His eyes teared up from laughing too hard.
I glared at him, annoyed. Huh, whatever... I don't care anymore!
"The answer is spicy chicken fried rice!" I just nodded and sipped my drink.
"Then what's this red thing that looks like tomato?" I pointed at it. He laughed again.
"That's chili. Wow, you're really bad at identifying food—you even mistake chili for carrots!" His words startled me. How does he know I can't recognize carrots? Only Reena knew about that...
I shot him a sharp look.