"I WON'T DO IT AGAIN! I SWEAR!" the rapist screams.

I sigh before wiping some blood off of my maroon jacket with my handkerchief. This one's a bleeder. I hate those. It's no fun to keep cleaning my handkerchief and they always die quicker.

"Paul, get me the grater, please," I ask and Paul silently leaves to do just that.

"Pleaseeeee! I swear I won't ever be late on a payment! It's only two grant! Why are you killing me for two grant!" he cries. I watch as blood drips from his hands that's still tied to the hard, iron chair. His fingers are twisted at different angles from the thumb screws I used.

"You think it's the money I care about? What about Emily Smith, age sixteen? What about Jessica Thomas, age fourteen? Or Olivia and Eleanor Green? Both twelve? Or what about Alice? Is Alice Porter, age eight not a good enough reason for me to kill you?" I ask with disdain while waiting for Paul to bring me a grater.

"What? Why do you care about them? You're a fucking gang leader. You're not no saint either," the man spits. Blood mixed with saliva lands on my polished black shoe and slowly, a smile starts to form on my lips.

Paul joins us again and hands me the grater. I look the rapist over.

"A man with no regrets I see. Isn't this just grate?" I ask before bringing the metal closer to his arm.

"What are you doing? Get away! GET AWAY!" the man yells as I start grating the side of his arm. Screams pierce the air and blood starts flowing again. Not only is he a bleeder, but a screamer too. Ewww.

"Paul, finish him off," I instruct before leaving the cold, wet cell.

I look to my left and the second rapist is shivering in his corner. He's even worse than bleeder back there. That's why I'm saving him for last. I want him to shit his pants at how the others are screaming.

Just as I start climbing the stairs, I hear a new set of screams emerge and I know Paul is probably enjoying himself. I just hope for the rapist's sake that he doesn't cuss too much. Paul won't keep him alive for long if that's the case.

I make my way to the kitchen and grab some Nutella for later. Tired and realizing it's past midnight, I trudge upstairs to just get in my bed with my Nutella and sleep. When I pass Daniel's room and hear him muttering compliments to himself, I open the door and say: "It's not getting bigger the more you talk to it." Daniel has a second to start protesting - still naked, before I slam the door shut and laugh my way to my room.

I pass Nessa and hear the sound of Scottish music and loud moans. Guess she brought yet another friend home tonight. God knows when she had the time.

I make it to my room and just when I have my Nutella waiting for me on the bed, I hear a particularly familiar voice. It's hard to tell since it's mixed with moans, groans and damn Scottish music, but I creep my way towards Nessa's room in anyway.

When I open the door slowly, I hear Owen William Rhodes say to Nessa: "Well, after he finds out about Goldy, he'll probably take his anger out on the first person he sees and I will surely end up dead."

I've never been a patient person and not knowing something can drive me mad.

"Find what out?" I ask.

Owen's head snaps to me and he quickly grabs Nessa's sheets to cover himself up while Nessa is left naked. The latter just rolls her eyes. "Ye spyin' on me now?" she sighs.

"Find what out?" I repeat and have my eyes drill into Owen's. Daring, challenging him to not answer me and see what happens when I wear maroon.

Owen looks at Nessa for help, but she just shrugs. The poor ex East-side leader looks completely defeated and to be honest, heartbroken when he says: "Blake asked to marry Goldy..."

"And what is that to me? Let the poor boy dream," I scoff.

"She said yes," Owen adds with a grimace.

I stand there. Utterly still. As a wave of silence washes over everything and everyone. I blink a few times. Try giving myself small orders. Now you breathe in. Now you blink. Now you breathe out. Now you ball your fists up. Now you stop pressing so hard with your nails. Now you keep clenching so the blood doesn't drip.

The maroon suit makes me want to sign Blake Bowmen's death right now. What was going through that little fucker's mind when he thought he could have my Marigold? Does he know Marigold has 8 different kinds of laughs? Does he know that whenever she smiles and her eyes doesn't slope down, she's faking it. Does he know that the day Snape and Lily's friendship broke apart was when he called her a mudblood in fifth year? Does he even care that Marigold's tone death voice is the most beautiful sound? That she has this slight pause whenever she's lying.

But because Marigold has 8 different laughs and killing Blake, might take one of them away, I merely shrug.

"If that is what makes her happy, then let it be. The North will handle the South on our own terms. If Sterling decides to help, so be it. If they don't. Hopefully the North would've gotten a big enough dent in the South for Sterling to finish them off in the next war," I explain.

It's suicide taking the South on by our selves, but I've done enough to Marigold. If marrying Blake is what makes her happy, I'll be happy. I'll even try getting the South's attention focused on me so they can try to kill me, not her. 

If I can't make this world a better place, Marigold would have to.

"You're just giving up? Just like that? And why are you still obsessed with the South? You can drop the act," Owen says.

Feeling heavy, I lean against the wall with my hands in my pockets and say: "I'm not giving up. I'm taking a hint. Believe it or not Owen William Rhodes, but I do care for Marigold's happiness and safety. If it wasn't for you spoiled little brats turning me down after all the years, I wouldn't have had to take the drastic measures that I did. Marigold would've been safe and happy and her parents would be alive and that would mean that-" I stop myself before gaining my composure again and adding: "The South truly is a threat. Bigger than anyone knows. I've seen what they can do. And when they make their first move against Sterling, it won't be to just scare you. It would be to end you. Hopefully I can stop them before that, because clearly Sterling is hell bent on having a blind eye to reality."

Instead of waiting for Owen to reply, I leave the room and head to my bed - where Nutella is waiting. I pull off my maroon Jacket and dive for the jar. When I realize I didn't bring a spoon, I take a mouthful of the chocolate delight with my finger. 

For a split second I get the image of me reading Marigold Harry Potter. 

But that dream is gone. She hates you for a good reason. She's happy now. Leave her alone, a dark, wicked voice snickers from within.

I remove the maroon watch and that voice goes away.

Feeling lonely, I go to my window and open it up wide. I climb through and the night air hits me. It's getting warmer everyday, but still has a while to go to have the sweet scent to it. I inch my way to the side where there's a roof that's fairly easy to scale. Once there, I jump and get my balance on the tiles. I walk steadily until I'm at the top of the roof - the highest point of the mansion. When satisfied with my usual spot, I plant myself down and let my head fall back.

I was alone as a baby when my mother left me.

I was alone in an orphanage where everyone teased me.

I was alone in Isabella while the original North ruled.

I was alone when I decided to help the world not be alone.

And now with Marigold happy with someone who's probably better for her, I know I'll die alone. Alone in a battle against an enemy that was never really mine. Why? Because they killed the original Northern leaders and they want Marigold dead.

I look up - at the millions of stars and think about how it's alright to be lonely in the company of lonely stars. 

It's worse when you're lonely in the middle of a crowd of friends. 

I sit out here for a while. Staring at the stars and trying to see new pictures in them. I try forming plans to take the South down. I think about how I'll need at least ninety percent of my gang that's scattered over the country, here to fight. But then I think about how they will die if I give them that order.

When dusk approaches, I think about how I wish I could paint like Marigold. What a talent it is to see something and put a little of your soul into it.

The sun rays come in bright, magnificent streams over the forest - lighting the sky up with glorious shades of fire and orphan blue. A sunrise has always been my favorite part of the day. The horrors of the night seem so far away and if the sun can rise up and be powerful every morning, so can I. If the sun can burn the world into a beautiful place, so can I.

I get up from my spot and head back to my window. When inside, I close up the window and grab a new suit - black this time, from the closet before heading down to the kitchen. One of the maids who's name I keep forgetting, already has my morning coffee before walking off to who knows where. I take the coffee and stroll over to the entertainment room where I get some of the whisky and add it to my dark cup of coffee.

I take a sip and when it's strong enough, go back to the kitchen. I watch as Owen Rhodes comes trudging downstairs and hands me an awkward smile. "Thanks for not killing me," Owen says.

"I can't promise the same treatment from Daniel," I sigh.

"What-" Owen tries saying before Daniel comes bouncing down the stairs with a yawn and fortunately, a pair of underpants.

"Get me a bloody drink," Daniel grumbles.

"It's eight AM," Owen mumbles in confusion, but I motion for Oswald, my butler who just passes, to get Daniel a drink. Oswald nods and complies quickly.

Once Daniel has a bottle of whisky, he takes two gulps and finally gets his composure back. "Why the hell is the East-side leader here?" Daniel grumbles at Owen.

"It's ex-leader and he and Nessa had a sleepover," I explain.

As expected, Daniel turns a little red for a second before clamping Owen on the shoulder and saying: "Don't feel too good about yourself. She fucks anything with two legs. Actually, she's done a cripple as well."

Owen doesn't know how to respond and I don't blame him. Soon, Paul walks in with the same quiet presence and dark sweater as usual. Before he can even get to the kitchen, Nessa sprints into the room and jumps onto Paul. The latter naturally doesn't even so much as shift his weight as Nessa clings to his back and ruffles his hair .

"MORNIN' PAUL!" Nessa greats.

Paul smiles.

"MORNIN', FROSTY," she says when she jumps off of Paul and Jack walks in with his phone.

"Hello, Nes," Jack greets - his white hair still ruffled from sleep.

"MORNIN', XAV!"

"Good morning, Nessa."

"MORNIN' MAN WHORE!"

"Whatever, Bagpipes."

"MORNIN' MAN CANDY!"

"Hey! Why does he get to be Man Candy and I have to be Man Whore?!" Daniel protests.

"Because he's yummy and yer a Man Whore," Nessa says nonchalantly.

Owen watches our usual morning banter in confusion. Paul starts looking for ingredients to make his Eggplant and Walnut Frittata - which he insists on having every single morning. Jack gets himself Frosted Flakes cereal. I stick with my Coffee and Daniel with the Whisky. Nessa is eyeing Owen like she might have him for breakfast. 

"Xavier, can we talk?" Owen asks out of the blue. 

"Sure," I reply.

"In private?" Owen asks and I shake my head.

"I keep nothing from my inner-gang. They'll probably spy on us in anyway if we talk in private so there's no use in wasting anyone's time," I say - handing Paul a stern look, because he especially loves listening in on conversations. Paul smiles sheepishly. 

"Okay..." Owen says - a little surprised to know how open I am with my gang before he continues: "I seriously thought you were going to murder me last night, but you didn't. I sneaked into your house. Your domain and you just shrugged it off when you found out. I told you that Goldy is engaged with Blake and instead of skinning me alive, you just said that if that's her final choice, you will have to deal with it. Why?"

I don't ponder over it too long and instead take a sip of my coffee. "I'm not as I seem, Owen William Rhodes. The North isn't as they seem. We have a nasty killing record, because we target people who deserve to die. I tried asking for help and you turned me down. What did you expect me to do? I had to merge the gangs," I answer honestly.

Owen looks at me. And for the first time, he doesn't look at me with fear or disdain or hate, but respect. "Is the South really as dangerous as you say?" he asks.

Everyone goes quiet. Nessa stops ruffling Paul's hair. Paul stops making his breakfast. Jack stops munching on his cereal. I get up and motion for Owen to follow me. The others join as well. I lead everyone to the weapons room. The heavy iron doors slowly open and an automatic light flicks on. I watch Owen gasp out loud.

Shelf upon shelf is lined with guns ranging in sizes and types. The whole place is about as big as a large school hall. Or a grand theater. 

"Why do you have so many guns?" Owen asks.

"This is probably not even a tenth of what the South has," I say.

Owen looks at me, his dark eyes searching for an answer. Like he's waiting for me to say the punchline of a joke or that the South still won't beat us. But I don't. Because I don't like lying.

"I'm sorry I laughed at you. I'm sorry I turned you away when you asked for help," Owen says.

"Apology accepted. Will you now fight for us? Help us in the war that'll be here sooner than we know?" I ask.

Owen looks back at the guns and then shakes his head: "I'm loyal to Goldy. I pledged myself to Sterling's heir. I really want to help, but it's her you need to convince," Owen explains.

"Can you talk to her?" I try again.

Owen keeps looking at the guns. "I can try, but Blake will probably tell her I'm delusional or working for you. Blake... Blake likes lying to get himself out of situations. I think half of the time he lies to himself," Owen admits, "If you were smart, you'd kill Blake by now. He's the main thing standing between you and getting Sterling's help. He's told a lot of lies about you."

"I'm not going to kill the kid," I chuckle.

"You were close to doing that last year," Owen points out.

I shrug. "I wasn't going to deliver a fatal wound. Just a minor shoulder shot to scare everyone before I let all of you go. You would've merged after that night if... If Marigold's sleeping pills worked faster and she didn't jump in front of my damn bullet," I explain and brush my hand through my auburn hair. Whenever I even think about that night, I feel myself tear apart all over again.

"I say kill 'im," Nessa chirps in.

"Yeah, the fucking liar," Daniel adds.

I shake my head and turn to leave the weapons room. Everyone follows as the iron doors shut behind us and I walk through the hallway. "He's not a bad guy. He just lies. Everyone has flaws. His just happens to be lying," I point out.

"I used to judge too quickly. I actually still do sometimes," Owen sighs.

"I spy on people through their phones," Jack admits and we all send him a look that says we're well aware of that.

"Oh do me! Do me!" Nessa squeals.

"You're a nymphomaniac," Daniel laughs.

"That's not a flaw, ye Man Whore! My flaw is.... Hmmm let's see... I'm selfish, vain, superstitions... I don't like animals unless they are coats... Uhm oh and I don't talk bad behind people's backs. I do it in front of their faces," Nessa says with a bright smile like she's proud of every single flaw.

"What's Paul's flaw?" Jack asks.

Nessa gasps and goes to hook her arm into Paul's. "Paul has no flaws," she pouts.

"What's Xavier's flaw?" Owen asks - suddenly interested in the weird dynamic of our inner-gang.

"He's a sadist," Daniel snorts.

I shrug. "It's not a lie."

We get back to the kitchen and Paul mourns at the sight of his burnt Eggplant and Walnut Frittata while Jack goes back to munching his Frosty Flakes and offers Paul some in pity. Paul accepts.

When there's a knock on the front door, I groan, because I already know only one person knocks that eagerly. A maid rushes to go open the door and I let her.

"Oh, hello, everyone!" Camila greets. BD is right behind her and checks his own sister out - which is disgusting, but I won't put it against them to be evolved with incest. Swap the black hair for yellow and they'd be the Lannisters - as Jack would put it.

"Camila, it's too early to deal with you," Daniel grumbles.

"Oh, I came with news! I figured out the South's hide-out! I followed-"

"Like the last time you 'figured out' their hideout?" Jack asks.

"Oh but I... I really did this-"

"Bye-bye," Nessa says.

Camila frowns, but doesn't dare say something. Instead, she follows her brother to the back where they have to sort through my client list to see who's next to torture and kill. 

"What's Camila's flaw?" Daniel asks with a grin.

"She was born," Nessa snickers

I don't notice how Camila's clenching her fists and swearing under her breath. I don't notice that she takes a turn to my study. Or that she unlocks my computer. But when the South attacks with the plans Camila takes from all my files, I'll figure it out.

MORNIN' GOLDIES! (Or night)

Ahhhhhh what is Tan Cam doing?????????? What will happen????? And awww Owen is on friendlier terms with Xavy now! This chapter was pretty long so y'all better be grateful.

I'll have a second chapter later tonight before I go sleep.

NOW FOR THE THING I'M EXCITED ABOUT. SHOUT OUT TO Via_Dez_Roy who wrote me these amazing poems for my characters:

Amber

I survived,

When I should've died.

I'm the light in the dark,

Living with someone else's heart.

I'm hiding my feelings,

To keep them believing,

That Rebma's not forever,

But they aren't clever.

I'm like a football they just want to hurl,

But Amber's gone.

And so is their Golden Girl.

I just loveeee this! More is to come! Thank y'all so much for voting and supporting and just being the best fans a writer could ever ask for!

PS: I made y'all a pic. I was too lazy to get all the characters, but this is the basics:

~ Holly Shmit a.k.a Thanos