Chapter Seven:

  I'm not kidding when I say Phillip and I are in a limo right now. I wish I'd listened to his explanations instead of zoning out, because now I'm even more baffled than usual.

  All I really know right now is that we're picking up a few of his friends on the way to the rogue club named Para-Dice. Oh, and that I need to stick to our group. If I wanna go anywhere, I need to be escorted with one of his trusted colleagues, which is absolutely ridiculous.

  Yeah, I could leg it, I get that. But where would I go? I don't know this place, I don't understand it!

  The limo slows to a stop, breaking me out of my thoughts. As Phillip places a hand on my bouncing knee, I look up at his stony expression with a gulp.

  "I've heard that Disruled is going to be there." He informs me bitterly then narrows his eyes. "You make any effort to interact with them, and you can expect me to cause a scene. And you don't want a repeat of earlier, right?" He threatens coldly, glaring deep into my soul.

  I nod furiously, blinking back my tears. I turn my head away from his frightening expression, biting down hard on my trembling bottom lip. His grip on my knee tightens, so much so that I can feel his nails digging through the material of my trousers. With a shaky breath, I warily turn to face him again.

  He waits for me to say something, his brow raised and his lips tightly pursed. That's when it clicks.

  "S-sorry, Master Reed, I understand." I stutter once I realise.

  Wearing a satisfied smirk, he removes his hand from my knee and drapes his arm over my shoulders. He draws me close to his chest as the driver opens the passenger door to let in the first friend.

  He ducks inside and flashes Phillip a pearly white grin whilst looking between the two of us with raised brows. "Hey, man, long time no see." He greets as he leans forward to fist bump then pull Phillip into half hug. He then takes a seat beside him, undoing the button of his fancy velvet blazer to sit more comfortably. He smooths his hand over his durag, which perfectly matches his suit and nudges Phillip with his elbow playfully. "Who's this escort? Were the hot ones busy?" He jokes. I instantly tense up, intaking a sharp breath.

  Shit, he's gonna kill him, too! Plus I know I'm not a stereotypically handsome guy, but all these comments aren't doing anything for my already non-existent self-esteem! The fact that I feel Phillip tense up as welI isn't filling me with confidence that he won't hit him, too…

  "He's not an escort, and if I were you, I wouldn't take the piss. Someone has already had a bullet in them today." He warns through gritted teeth.

  To my shock, his mate just laughs it off. "Yeah, I heard. Didn't realise it was over this one, to be fair." He then grins at me, sticking his hand out for me to shake. "Don't mind the banter, mate. I'm Otobong, but everyone calls me Otto."

  I hesitantly reach out to accept the handshake when Phillip bats Otto's hand away, which is beyond rude. To be honest, I shouldn't be surprised.

  "I'm Arthur, nice to meet you, Otto." I greet back with a small smile so at least one of us is polite.

  The driver shuts the door and heads back to the wheel. It's not long before we're back on the road.

  "You've got issues." Otto sighs, crossing his arms against his chest. "I shouldn't need the booze in the first fucking minute sitting with you, but damn I can't be sober right now." He remarks, his eyes searching the area for booze.

  Phillip rolls his eyes and reveals a compartment with a beer cooler. "Finally, something we can agree on!" He chucks a beer Otto's way, who catches it effortlessly. He then turns to me, showing me two options; beer or cider. I gratefully accept the cider as beer is awful to me and thank him.

  "Look at the coolest shit you've ever seen in your lives!" Otto suddenly shouts in excitement. Naturally, we both turn to see him show off his ring then his bottled beer like a magician putting on a show. He uses the open part of his ring to crack open his beer then cheers with a little dance. We both laugh with him.

  "That's the tackiest shit I have ever seen!" Phillip exclaims as Otto opens my cider for me. He scowls then sits back, taking a sip of his beer. "Good luck opening yours then. This mug ain't doing it now."

  Phillip shrugs then gets out his keys with a bottle opener keychain. I nearly wet myself with laughter as Otto literally does a spit take. "The fuck!? Same shit!" He says in outrage.

  In the midst of my laughter, I didn't even notice we had stopped. Another friend now entered the car and slid next to Otto. He's dressed as smart as the rest of us, but with a flashy tie. I'm so jealous of his long hair that grazed his shoulders, something I dreamed of having.

  "Hey, guys! Starting on the drink without me? No fair." He complains then pouts. He soon lights up when he's passed one, and Otto once again shows off his ring then complains about Phillip's comment when he has practically the same thing.

  "He done a literal spit take." Phillip speaks up with a playful eye roll.

  The new guy sighs dramatically and hugs Otto's shoulders. "Mate, how many times do I have to tell you to swallow?"

  We all burst into laughter that time, even Otto. Well, once he'd shoved him, that is.

  This is insane, you know. I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard, but this is also the scariest event of my life. I know I should probably just drink the booze and have fun, but realistically, how can I? Phillip killed a man, I'd be surprised if his kill count wasn't over ten, or possibly a lot more considering how short tempered he is. Not to mention he's psycho and has a massive crush on me for some reason.

  "How many he had? He's proper staring into space." The new guy comments. I still haven't caught his name.

  I snap out of my thoughts. "Barely one. The most I've ever had is two and I felt destroyed." I reply with a little laugh.

  Him and Otto boo me then start chanting 'lightweight'. Of course, Phillip pretty much instantly shuts that down.

  We head straight to the club now, as the last person who was coming has suddenly cancelled. I can't help but feel really anxious about it all for obvious reasons.

  I take the last sip of my cider as we slow to a stop.

  "You better not ditch me again, Ravi. I'm a sensitive soul." Otto says to the new guy with a pout.

  Ravi rolls his eyes then ducks out of the limo. Otto swiftly follows; I can hear him whining like a kid as they walk away.

  As I make a move to leave the car, Phillip squeezes my shoulder and pulls me back into my seat. His face screams of jealousy, which instantly sets me uneasy once again.

  "Remember, I don't want to see you interacting with Disruled. If you need to go somewhere, you let me know, and either I or one of my men will escort you. No excessive drinking, you can have two more, maximum. Clear?"

  Wow, controlling much? To be honest, I don't want too many more drinks anyway. I don't want to gain false confidence and do or say something that'll get me killed.

  "Yes, Master Reed, I understand." I say with a false smile. It must have been too obvious that it was false, though, judging by the displeased look on his face now.

  I didn't even nod or not reply this time, why has he got the ass?

  He reaches towards me and straightens out my collar, adjusting my shirt and exposing my chest even more. "You know…" He sighs then smooths his hand over the mark and my bare chest, which sends shivers through me. "I hate to admit it, but I get jealous very easily. My first ever partner accused me of being possessive." He frowns then flattens his hand to my chest, as if feeling my heart beat. And trust me, it's beating very fast right now.

  Why is he telling me this? Acting like this? I really shouldn't have played along for his sister's sake!

  "Your heart is pounding." He states then smiles weakly.

  Yeah, no shit! You're terrifying me!

  I very slowly move his hand away, barely holding back a meltdown as my whole body shakes. "I can't keep repeating myself, I'm not into you." I blurt out then wince at my stupid outburst.

  Fuck! Well done, you're dead now!

  Before I can consider legging it, he chuckles manically. My blood instantly runs cold, and I gulp back the dry lump in my throat. I scoot away a little, which he doesn't get angry about. He continues to laugh as I continue to panic.

  It feels like an eternity passes before he finally leaves his hysterical moment. As expected, his cheerful expression morphs into the stern expression I assume is his default face.

  He uncrosses his legs and leans towards me, resting his forearm on his thigh. He's so dangerously close that my breath catches. "Arthur, though you are a man, you certainly don't act like one." He says darkly then pauses. Though I agree with that completely, I keep my lips firmly shut. "You're just a scared, lonely little boy stuck in a dimension far beyond your capabilities."

  Again, that's true, not gonna argue, but what is he getting at…?

  I squirm in my seat, very uneasy, to say the least. A smirk now plays on his lips. "Breathe, Arthur, you're turning red." He taunts.

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  Letting out the breath I didn't realise I was still holding, he shakes his head with another chuckle. "You won't survive on your own, especially when you need reminders to breathe." He remarks with a roll of his eyes.

  Pursing my lips, I decide not to rise to his attempts to make me snap back. This time, it's not as hard to hold back as he is speaking a lot of truth.

  Though because I won't answer, he grows impatient and grabs me by the collar of my shirt. Embarrassingly, I squeal from the sudden action, my eyes desperate to look away from his demonic glare.

  "I'm not an understanding or forgiving man, Arthur. Though I will propose an offer to you." He says in a soft yet menacing tone.

  With another gulp, I nod slowly. "What is that, Master Reed?" I mutter weakly.

  The scent of his minty yet alcohol laced breath hits my face as he grows closer. His nose rubs against mine as his eyes flutter closed.

  My eyes stay wide open but feel strained and teary as my body still shakes. "I'll keep you safe and cared for in this dangerous dimension, you can have anything your heart desires." He mutters, resting his forehead against mine.

  "In return?" I squeak, knowing he'd be angered if I didn't at least hear him out.

  "You'll be my devoted, loyal partner, and with time, my lover." He finally pulls back a little, allowing me to suck in a much needed breath of air. As he does so, his eyes slowly open and a pout forms on his lips. "It's all I ask." He reiterates as if it's a simple request.

  All he asks? I know I've gathered he's delusional already, but this knocks everything else outta the park. I know this next move is risky, but it needs to be asked.

  "And if I decide against that option? What would happen then?" I bravely pose to him.

  Slightly taken aback, he's frozen for a moment, but soon scoffs and falls back into dangerous territory. "Do you really want to know? If you're that willing to find out, then go ahead. Be my guest." He spits then furiously gestures for me to leave the car.

  Obviously, I'm still a shivering mess. There's no way my legs will stand properly even if I really want them to.

  I sit here like a scolded child, bowing their head and pondering the consequences of standing up for themselves. Except for the fact that this guy is a murderer who isn't afraid to strike again.

  "Well?" He snaps. "I've already told you I'm not a patient man, Arthur. You either walk these death sentencing streets, branded with my mark, which doesn't mean shit in these parts! Or we can go inside and do as planned."

  His glare, as usual, burns into my soul, daring me to hesitate for even a millisecond. Yet again, I gulp back the fear and shakily answer…

  "I'll stay with you, Master Reed." I just about manage to whisper.

  Clearly satisfied, that slappable, proud smirk springs onto his lips. He sits in silence for a moment as if he is milking the moment, waiting to be applauded for threatening me yet again to get his own way. I, on the other hand, am disappointed in myself for backing down. Even though it's crystal I have no choice in the matter, it still doesn't help the fact that I feel less of a person. Weak as always, that's the Arthur we know. Cowardly sheep who's terrified of the whole damn world, let alone the Paramension.

  "You coming or what!?" I hear a rowdy Otto yell.

  Phillip rolls his eyes then grabs my hand with a vice grip, locking them together before dragging me out of the limo. My jelly legs barely hold me up as he walks in long strides to the bustling line of people anxious to enter the club. It's clear this is the rough part of town by the poorly lit streets and much less modern looking buildings than the others I've seen here previously. In all honesty, it's still a hell of a lot more modern than home.

  Instead of the stereotypical butch, steroid induced bouncer manning the door, a young woman, about my average height stands tall with her arms crossed under her breasts. She wears a sour expression as Otto pleads for her to let him in beside the roped off line.

  "Wait like the rest of us for fuck sake!" One of the queueing people snarls. Otto throws up his middle finger in response, his eyes not leaving the bouncer.

  Philip pulls me to a stop and rudely clicks his fingers to gather their attention. Everyone immediately quietens down, some even trembling in fear. "Sarah, he's with me." Is all he has to say before she hastily lets us through.

  As soon as we enter, I cough uncontrollably from the thick smoke that lingers in the stuffy air. The atmosphere itself is far more professional and a lot cleaner than I expected, too, considering it's supposed to be under the radar. It almost reminds me of a speakeasy in that respect.

  We thankfully pass the smoking area quite quickly, as it seems it disgusts Phillip also, though Otto stays to light one up. We then take a few steps down into a gambling area that seems to deal with odd looking dice with ominous glows to them. People sit hunching over the game table, clutching what's probably their last notes in their hands, awaiting the result.

  "That's called Last Clutches, very risky even for the most seasoned gambler." Phillip says when he notices me look that way.

  "How so? I'm guessing it's not allowed anywhere else." I ask curiously as we pass through.

  A little chuckle leaves his lips. "You'd be right about that, highly illegal. That's because it wasn't named lightly. Last Clutches is quite literal if you fall in too deep. The dice are practically a life form from the long lost forbidden dimension, only obtainable through the Mid Market, or black market as the Normension say." He explains, leaving me in awe.

  Fascinating… So much to learn…

  Before I can ask another question, someone accidentally stumbles into us, sweating buckets. It happens so quickly, I barely register their action as they zoom away, bumping into many others along the way.

  They've either stolen something or seriously pissed someone off. Either way, Phillip is NOT pleased in the slightest.

  "Watch it!" Phillip barks out to him, and I'm pretty sure everyone flinches from his booming voice. Two men now rush after the guy, careful not to even look at us.

  "Over here!" Ravi calls out to us, poking his head around a curtained area not too far away.

  Phillip leads me over to join him. He'd already ordered a round of shots, two of which had already been thrown back.

  We took a seat in the booth, and of course, Phillip sat me as close as he could without having me on his lap. His arm possessively glues to my waist as soon as we're seated, and he presses a kiss to my cheek. I sit here awkwardly as always, obviously not wanting to return the action.

  Ravi must be good at reading the room, because he raises his brows at our awkward interaction. "Care to enlighten me?" He urges Phillip, gesturing towards me quite rudely.

  Phillip shrugs and clicks his fingers in the air for service, typical of someone like him. "Ravi meet Arthur, Arthur meet Ravi." He says in a stroppy tone then angrily cIicks his fingers again.

  Ravi rolls his eyes and sends me an exasperated look. I nod in agreement, my lips pursed.

  This night is going to be long...

  A lady not wearing much stumbles over and readies her pad and pen with a fake smile. "Sorry, sir, what can I get you?"

  "Better service for starters." He remarks with a shake of his head. "Your finest whiskey and a vodka and coke. Don't leave me waiting."

  The poor woman barely manages a 'yes, sir' before rushing away with her trembling self. It's now even harder not to glare at the monster beside me.

  What possesses a person to act, no, be such a rude prick?

  "So, Arthur, how come you're Chipless? I'm guessing you're new to the Paramension." Ravi says, catching my attention.

  Before I can get my words out, Phillip butts in, squeezing my hip. "You don't have to answer, he's a nosey bastard."

  My jaw clenches, and I start worrying my frustration is visible. "You're right, I've barely been here a few days. I never had any knowledge of anything beforehand." I answer Ravi, despite the displeased scowl Phillip is wearing.

  He clearly didn't want me to answer. That's why he butted in like he did. Honestly, it's nowhere near a week of being here and having to spend my time with him?

  As soon as I figure out more about this place and how things work, I'm out. Out of this dimension, even if I have to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. At least I'll be with Mum, back to how things were. Boring and normal…

  I get carried away when deep in thought, so much so that the subject had shifted, and our drinks were placed in front of us.

  I blink a few times to adjust myself and try to refocus on what's happening around me.

  That's so weird, I haven't done anything like that since coming here. It's insane how quick I've adjusted to find that weird. Though I feel I haven't adjusted in the slightest.

  "Yeah, the Disruled ice queen was sobbing. Never thought I'd see the day!" Phillip exclaims then chuckles, which the others join him in doing. It's only then that I noticed Otto here now, along with a guy I don't recognise.

  Is he talking about Eve? When was that…? Damn, why did I have to zone out?

  "He's back in the room!" Otto cheers as he notices me looking around.

  I force a smile, shuddering as Phillip leans forward, pressing his lips against my ear. "Go to the toilets and take a breather. Rhys will take you."

  I nod slowly, grateful for the break. He gestures to the man I didn't recognise then stands for us to both be able to leave the booth.

  Phillip whispers something to Rhys then sits back down and continues to make jokes with the guys as we walk away. "Yeah, that Dennis is now a member because of the whole ordeal, if you can even call him that. Trust me when I tell you he is getting the shittiest jobs you can think of." They all erupt into even more laughter, yet I'm glued to the spot.

  Dennis was involved? Why on earth would he choose to work for that madman!?

  Rhys now drags me in the direction of the toilets. Probably to prevent me from hearing anything else.

  To be honest, I'm so relieved he's okay. I knew he must have done all he could to stop Reed from taking- Wait a minute, oh, god… He joined Reed to be closer to me, didn't he? Oh, Dennis…

  A weak smile creeps onto my lips.

  Dennis, you loveable idiot… I won't leave without you.

  "Go ahead, I'll be waiting right here." Rhys tells me in a stern tone.

  Slowly nodding, I enter the men's toilets, which are shockingly spotless. Don't think I'm complaining, this is a miracle in itself. This place is definitely fancier than its exterior looks.

  After using the toilet, I take my time washing my hands then splash some water on my face.

  I desperately needed this time out, it's far too overwhelming out there…

  As I dry my hands, I suddenly feel a warmth exuding from my blazer pocket. Baffled, I warily reach inside it, pulling out the warm object. Yet it's not just any object, it's one of the dice being used on those gambling tables.

  How did this get in my pocket? Surely it wasn't here to begin with. I feel I'd be in a lot of trouble getting caught with one of these. Do I hand it in?

  "Please don't, I beg you." A feminine voice pleads, startling me.

  What the hell? There's no way…

  I hold the die a little closer to me, examining it in awe.

  She read my thoughts, right? Does that mean I heard her voice in my head, too?

  "Yes, please don't speak aloud, I can't go back there." She cries, instantly pulling my heartstrings.

  Phillip did say they were like lifeforms, but I had no clue they were so intelligent and talkative.

  "And it sounds like they're holding you here against your will?" I ask in my head, feeling a little silly doing so.

  She begins to glow a deep shade of blue, the warmth dissipating. "Every one of us is. We're imprisoned and manipulated by the game master to con others for their monetary gain."

  My jaw drops at this information, my blood running cold as ice.

  Oh, god... That's beyond terrible. They're living beings!

  As I'm standing there horrified, I hear footsteps then a bang on the door. I nearly drop the poor dice from the jolt that sprang through my body. "Hurry, Arthur, he won't be pleased if you take much longer." Rhys commands.

  I carefully tuck her in my inside pocket and approach the door anxiously. "I'll help you, um, do you have a name?"

  "Each of my sides cannot thank you enough. I am Diana Dyson, lady of Boramist. I look forward to our days ahead, Arthur."

  A smile lifts my lips as I open the door even though an impatient Rhys is outside it. He hastily regroups me with Phillip, who surprisingly isn't bothered by how long I took. He simply scoots over and glues his arm to my waist yet again then continues to chat.

  No one included me, but I wasn't bothered at all. I was too busy getting to know Diana, relieved to know at least one of us is safe.