I creased my brows, wondering what Kelvin was up to but subconsciously, I was impressed at his newly improved skill of summoning.

"Where should we go?" I asked calmly to ease Kath's panic.

"The Place. You'll meet me there."

Before I could object, everywhere was calm. Kathy looked at me and blinked. "Can't we just go back?"

I was still for sometime, trying to determine my next action. "They are watching our every move. We'll be fine, trust me."

I remembered the way to The Place even though its been a while since I went there. Kath was silent but her face was full of readable expressions and panic was boldly written on her face. At interval, she would stare at me for minutes as if she was expecting some sort of explanation from me but I was indifferent to her gestures.

"Will you tell me what's going on? Or am I just supposed to be a dummy?" She finally asked.

I tapped the steering and made random beats. "Apparently, my father's second wife is dying. She's Kelvin's mother," I replied with my eyes glued to the road.

She cursed. "I knew he was the bastard. I don't understand how that is your fault still," she mumbled, expecting more.

I tightened my grip on the steering and flattened my lips. "These things are normal where I come from. It's manipulation. I knew Kelvin will meet with Tati for power, Tati has always been on my side so she did what I told her to do."

It was typical of her to ask more till I spilled it all. "And what did you tell her to do?"

"Make Kelvin sleep with his mother with a charm that will kill her." I replied so easily.

Kath's mouth hung open, she bit her lower lip but it did not have the same effect on me like Karleen's. "Oh! I really don't know what to say. Why did you?"

"To cause him pain. I don't want to talk about it, Kath."

Kath swallowed and nodded. She seemed to be trying to figure something out. "All for Karleen?"

I hit my hand on the steering frustratingly. "Can we not talk about her?"

She said nothing. She didn't have to annoy me further but I knew she was thinking about what happened between us nights ago. I let out a sigh and rolled down the side window. The freshness of the breeze was what I needed to calm my boiling nerves. I had too many things to focus on and a pathetic one night stand was the last on my worry list. I would see father again, I needed to prepare physically and mentally for that.

*
The Place was just like before; quiet and uneasy. It looked more like a corporate company from outside judging by the tall buildings and sophisticated interior, to an average person it was a just a random big company owned by a citizen in diaspora. The gate and walls were not tall so you could clearly see beyond them but not the people. Here, no one walked aimlessly.

"Ain't there guards?

I laughed. "No one walks into the lions den without a mission, Father would say. They let everyone come in."

I drove into the parking lot and halted the car. "Stay close, things happen."

The walk way had no pretty flowers like a time from years ago when Mom was still around. She would say flowers backfired evil and brightened moods. Mom knew the significance of each flower and would make sure the ones planted by the florist meant goodwill. Everything stopped when she left; no one saw the need for a florist and soon they became wild. Father had ordered for them to be cut off and that marked the end of the flower era. We walked inside and memories of when Karleen and I went to the council flooded my mind. Obviously, we were running out of time but this was the beginning of an uncertain end.

"Master!" It was Slim, surprise and fear laced his voice, "you shouldn't have come."

He ran to meet me and kissed my feet. "Get up, Slim." I said, patting his back.

"Why did you come?" He asked looking up at me, "you've really grown."

Slim was my favorite person and the only insider I could trust in the Place. Our bond was one I lacked with Father. "We should end everything soon. Where's everyone?"

His face saddened a little as if my words tasted sour. "At the great hall. I know you've heard, please be fine."

I could not guarantee my safety yet I smiled. "I will, old man."

Kathy did not miss any detail of the Place. "This building must have taken years to construct. It looks traditional in a modern way."

I shrugged, talking about buildings didn't interest me. "They say Egyptians built it."

The Great hall was not locked, they were probably expecting me as all eyes were fixed on the entrance. I walked in with Kath glued to me and my eyes scanned the hall.

"You fool!"

The world stopped for seconds and all I could see was father's figure. His eyes were red and swollen while his fists clenched and unclenched. He was dressed in a red regalia with a black cape.

"What a good outfit to express grief, Dread." I spat, narrowing my gaze.

Everywhere became silent before the other ten heads started to murmur. A smile played on my lips when I recognized the expressions on their faces; shock and surprise. "He is the Dread, my father, the beast."

Dread was still and turned his back on the ten, his eyes never leaving mine. He whispered loud enough for me to hear. "You know too much."
He was aggressively coming for me when a soft voice filled the hall. "Spare him, please."

I could recognize the voice anywhere even in dream land. "Stella? Why are you here?"

She was there at the centre of their uneven circle, laid on a black mat. I moved closer wishing to see any other person asides Stella on the mat but there she was, almost lifeless. A black velvety wrapped was used to cover her shrinking body and there were candles surrounding her.

Stella is my stepmother!

A/N: It's been too long but FLAWLESS is back. Still in Josh's POV, this is the beginning of the end. Tell me what you think and feel free to send a PM.