Uproarium's Brightest

Chapter Fourteen: XX93

I shot the Viscount a glance, assessing his state. I was rigid, frozen in place. I understood violence- I'd taken part in it many times. But to kill? To watch as someone's life drains away? Until only their memory remains?

The boy that Benjamin killed- he could've had a family. A brother or sister to get back to, to care for. What would happen to them? Or, better yet, what had happened to them?

"Mama wrote about it, didn't she?" Benjamin chuckled bitterly, a dark look taking over his features. My breath caught as Ben took a step towards me. I hit a library shelf. Hector, Ben, he'd do anything- he'd protect his name, his family.

I almost couldn't see out my eyes. There was a killer in front of me. Hector- Benjamin he killed a boy. Was I next? My fight or flight kicked in- I hurried to grab the biggest book I could find, throwing it his way. Benjamin dodged.

My heart was in my stomach, I needed to find Ava, I needed to get away. This was valuable information. I couldn't let him get it. He'd tear it apart.

"Why would you?" I stalled as we danced a deadly tango, circling each other like duelists. I feared he'd be the one to make the first move. And he didn't have a limit.

I had.

"Look, I didn't mean to. It was an accident." he paused, looking down "But I can't have you telling people about this."

"What if I do?" I argued

My legs shook with adrenaline.

"You can't do that- you won't." he choked out, bewildered I had even suggested that.

"Ever thought about the life of that boy? He could've had a family- and you took that from him." I pointed out, continuing to stall. "Huh? Does that keep you up at night?" I took another step back, more in fear than retaliation.

"This isn't- just hand me the diary." he groaned, slowly but steadily approaching. I steeled myself for what was to come.

"What did he even do to you?" My mind was racing and my legs desperately wanted in. I clutched the journal close to my chest. Benjamin's brows furrowed, having been caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. "Don't even try to lie."

"Look- he..." he huffed, "-he hurt her. I couldn't let him do that." he yelled, waving his arms wildly.

"And you had to kill him to stop him?" I hissed back. Maybe he'd do the same to me, that would shut me up. "He's not alive to regret it anymore."

I hurled another book his way. This time, it hit it's mark.

"Get back here." he growled.

As if.

I started to run. I didn't dare to look behind me. I had to run- he was after me. He was chasing me and he'd get me.

I stumbled down the stairs to the basement, throwing myself on the door to Mary Clementine's workshop. I had to hide- he was after me. I banged on the door, my grip tightening on the diary. "Mary- Mary open the door, will you?" I whisper-screamed.

I could hear someone's footsteps behind me. Shit, he was getting close. He was probably right behind me. The rusty door unlocked with a click and I stumbled inside.

"Hey, hey. Angel- why are you...What happened?" Mary Clementine murmured. I gulped, trying to collect my thoughts. I had to warn her. Benjamin was a murderer- hell, he could be the assassin. He was after me right now.

"The Viscount, he-" another pant "- Holy– all the way here." I ran a hand through my hair.

"Yeah, I cannot understand what you want to say, you need to calm down"