“Well now... I guess the monsters somehow managed to fuck a backbone into you. So be it, I'll enjoy breaking your will down bit by bit no matter how long it takes. Then once you're nothing but a sniveling worm begging for mercy I'll execute you myself in front of all my subordinates. You'll be more useful as an example than you ever were as my errand boy.”

Jiro made a show of pulling out from his pocket a small knife, one of many he had on his person at all times. "Now then, what to do next...

Maybe I'll cut out your eyes. Just think, I'll be the last thing you ever see, and it will make for some real good shock value when I present you to everyone else. On the other hand, I'd like you to see ahead of time some of the things I'm going to do, so maybe I'LL just take one eye first. Decisions decisions..."

Carter clenched his aching jaw, preparing for the worst.

However, Jiro found himself interrupted by a crashing noise as suddenly a large section of ceiling nearby fell to the floor. The meager Light of the starry night sky could now be seen through the resulting hole.

The crime boss responded by tossing several throwing knives through the hole, only to hit nothing but air. He glanced down at the fallen roof piece, it looked as if it had been cut out cleanly as well as quickly.

A brief whoosh of air signaled he and Carter were no longer alone in the room.

Now an eerie silence descended as Jiro raised yet another knife in his hand. He knew not to call for help, he would not be heard in here, plus the noise could disguise the attacker's approach.

Carter had been watching in confusion, but now his eyes widened as he caught sight of the silhouette of his scythe-bearing lover crouched upside-down on the ceiling above and behind Jiro.

“She's alive... the hunters failed.’

With utter silence she stood, still upside down, and extended her scythes. However, her mate's reaction did not go unnoticed by Jiro.

Jiro reacted instantly, dodging aside just as Taki leaped down, narrowly avoiding her slash, stepping behind Carter and putting the knife to his throat as she stood to rush at him. She paused in mid-step at the sight of her mate's predicament, scythes still raised, then retracted them against her arms. Jiro relaxed slightly, confident he had the stronger position now.

"You're really okay..." Carter breathed in relief, ignoring the knife at his neck.

Taki didn't answer, all of her attention focused on Jiro, her fierce golden eyes seemingly Luminous. She was cloaked in semi-darkness beyond the Light of the solar stone, few details visible.

Jiro sneered.

“I take it you're the one who was fucking Carter all this time? Theron and his men will pay for this incompetence."

“They already have. Now release my mate." Her tone was stoic, it held no doubt or fear, it was unnerving how uniquely menacing this made her

Jiro stared at her for several moments before he started to laugh, pushing aside the nervous fear that welled up in him from the mantis's glare.

“Sorry, I'm just not used to being ordered around... I guess I shouldn't be surprised though that some savage bitch like you would be stupid enough to threaten me. In case you didn't notice, this brat's life is in my hands.“

“And your life is forfeit if you harm him," she stated in promise, taking a small step forward.