Molly and The Hunted: Hall of Doors, #9

By zachary chopchinski

Being the chosen one sucks butt!

 

Ypsilon never asked to be the key to saving the universe. But with the Synod closing in on them and time running out for everyone, she must make a choice: get her revenge, or become the hero everyone wants her to be.

 

But the Synod isn't the only battle the team faces.

 

When the gang finds out that the Synod teamed up with not only the Senate, but several other baddies, they resort to teaming up with the lesser of two evils. Will they stand a chance at defeating the gods, or will the universe pay the price?

• Language: English
• Publisher: zachary chopchinski
• Release date: Jan 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224628070

Book preview

1

The Assassin

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Ypsilon sat straight up in bed. Sweat dripped off her chin and landed on her blanket, creating dark spots on the light blue bedding. She wiped the cold sweat from her face with the edge of the blanket then slid out of bed. 

On the small round table across from the bed in her rooftop apartment sat a cup of coffee left over from the day before. Ypsilon pulled a small, clear bottle of alcohol out of the basket at the foot of her bed and poured some into the cold cup of coffee. She scooped up the mug and downed the disgustingly tepid contents. 

Placing the cup back on the table, Ypsilon pulled her black pants on and tried to force her thoughts away from her dreams. Maza had haunted her exhausted mind every night since he died, and every morning it was becoming more difficult to shake the wall of emotions that plagued her. Depression, guilt, longing, and anger had taken up permanent residence in her body, and her vices only managed to take the edge off. 

The Engineer chief had told herself she’d try to be a better person to honor Maza. She tried to get in touch with her feelings and not push everyone away, but that didn't stop the undeniable nausea she experienced everytime she forced herself to acknowledge an emotion. 

Then there was Eigen, the Ukufa assassin chief that made her feel things she never thought she could feel. 

Guilt caused Ypsilon’s face to warm as her heart thundered harder behind her ribs. She shouldn't be feeling what she felt for Eigen, but she couldn't help that every time he walked into the room she gravitated towards him. She had this deep, unwavering need to be near him, to touch him, like they were magnets forced together by their opposing attractions. North and south, positive and negative, pulled together by some primal scientific need that she didn't understand but couldn’t avoid no matter how hard she tried.  

Ypsilon sighed as she pulled the door open and stepped onto the roof. The cool morning breeze pushed her rainbow-colored dreadlocks behind her back, and Ypsilon closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of the wind on her face. After a moment, she sucked in a deep breath then headed for the stairs that led down into Mecca. 

As Ypsilon climbed down the stairs to the common space, she wondered what Maza was doing right now. Was he still on Duat, watching her live her life and looking back at his memories, or had he been moved to his permanent resting place? 

Hopping down off the last few steps, the Engineer chief headed towards the Tekaha training room. She needed to get her mind off everything, and punching things always focused her thoughts. 

As she turned the corner to the training room, Eigen caught her attention. She stopped in the doorway to the training room and waited for him. 

Just like magnets. 

Hey, Eigen said as he jogged up to her. 

Ypsilon gave him a half smile then turned and walked into the room. The Tekaha training room had large blue mats that covered the floor. Along one side of the room was a set of two tables. The other two walls were covered in various weapons displayed using black metal brackets.  

Hey. Ypsilon let out a low sigh. 

The Ukufa chief studied her face for a few moments before asking, Are you okay? 

Ypsilon shook her head, causing her dreadlocks to shake around her face. No.

Eigen plopped down on the floor mat and patted the ground next to him. Want to talk about it? 

Not really, Ypsilon said, but she sat on the floor next to him anyway. The last thing she wanted to talk to Eigen about was Maza. But she was trying to let more people in as a way of honoring her deceased boyfriend. Ypsilon picked at the skin around her fingernails as she played a mental game of tug-of-war.

Eigen nodded. Did I ever tell you about the mission Saden and I went on together?  

Ypsilon raised one eyebrow. No, I thought you refused to go on missions with your brother? 

I did after this one. Eigen laughed. We were supposed to kill a low-level politician. I had just become chief, and I thought I'd take my younger brother out on his first mission to show him the ropes. Big mistake. 

What happened? 

Saden was in charge of getting our credentials to enter the party. It was his only job. I figured it was the one thing he couldn't screw up. Eigen shook his head. He forgot the paperwork. I ended up having to steal a few ball gowns from a trailer so we could sneak in with the dancing girls. 

Ypsilon laughed, the stress melting away from her shoulders as she listened to the comical story. I would pay good money to see you two in ball gowns and heels. 

Eigen smirked. You think that’s sexy, you should have seen me in the corset. 

Laughter bubbled up as a smile stretched across Ypsilon’s face. Eigen always knew the right thing to say to make her smile. He never pushed her to talk if she didn’t want to, but he always made sure she knew he was here for her. Ypsilon’s mouth suddenly turned down in a frown. Bile rose in her throat as the all too familiar feeling of guilt flooded her stomach. 

What's wrong? Eigen placed his hand on hers, his fingers tracing her knuckles. 

Ypsilon pulled her hand away. I think I feel guilty. 

Eigen laughed. "With all the dirty things we've done, this is what makes you feel guilty?" 

Yeah, I mean sex is sex. Maza knew we weren't exclusive. But sitting here and just talking with you feels... 

Eigen nodded. Yeah, it feels too domesticated. Too much like we’re an actual couple. He leaned towards her, one eyebrow raised. If you want, we can go back to just having sex. He licked his lips. I mean, if it's going to make you feel better. 

Ypsilon laughed and pushed him playfully. Let's train. I need to get some of this energy out. 

She stood and walked to the center of the mat. In all honesty, Ypsilon still didn’t know what she wanted from Eigen. Yesterday they slept together. Ypsilon hoped it would quell her curiosity, but it only made her need for him greater. Since then, she’d done nothing but replay the sensation of his hands on her. But she couldn’t let herself be with him. Not after vowing to be a better person for Maza. So for now, she would let his presence comfort her. Having someone to flirt and laugh with was helping her healing process. Ypsilon raised her fists and waited for Eigen to attack her. She focused her breathing, allowing her lungs to fill completely with oxygen as she readied her body. 

Eigen threw a punch. 

Ypsilon, jerked her head to the side, dodging it. She let out a puff of air as she forced his arm to the side, then she punched him in the kidney, making him double over. 

Ypsilon forced her knee into his face. A spray of blood peppered the ground from the impact with his nose and mouth. A small smile formed at the corner of Ypsilon’s lips as a droplet of Eigen’s blood landed on her cheek. 

Eigen stood, a toothy grin on his face. Blood seeped into his mouth, outlining his teeth. He raised his fists and charged. 

The assassin landed a punch to Ypsilon’s stomach, pushing her backwards with the force of the hit. She dodged his next punch, aimed towards her face, and swept her leg around, knocking him over. Eigen dropped to the ground, landing hard on his back. 

He rolled to his side. 

Vibrations shot up her leg as Ypsilon slammed her foot down on the mat where Eigen had been laying. A jolt of pain spread through her heel, and Ypsilon sucked in a breath. 

The pain centered her, focused her, and made her feel alive. There was nothing like the feeling of a good fight in Ypsilon’s mind. The adrenaline rush she got from showcasing her strength and outsmarting even the toughest of opponents was the most addicting feeling she had ever experienced. 

Eigen stood. His chest heaved as he raised his fists.  

Done getting your ass kicked? Ypsilon asked as a small smile formed on her face. Face it, Eigen, I’m a better fighter than you. 

Eigen slid out one of his blades. That might be true, but I could cross this room and slit your throat before you even registered there was a fight for you to win. He licked the blood from his lips. 

Ypsilon sucked in a breath. Sweat dripped down her forehead. Something about that is doing it for me. 

Eigen laughed. He flipped his knife in the air, drawing Ypsilon’s attention to the weapon. Then he lunged at her. He pulled his other knife and forced her against the wall before she could react. A small gasp escaped Ypsilon’s mouth as the Ukufa assassin pressed the tip of the knife to her throat. A wicked smile creased his face. 

Ypsilon locked eyes with him. Her heart thundered behind her chest, threatening to burst through her ribs. The last time they had been in this position, the two of them ended up in bed together. It was a memory Ypsilon had tried–and failed–to push out of her mind. In fact, she’d replayed the encounter over and over again since it happened. 

After the last time, Ypsilon told him it couldn’t happen again but, deep down, she craved his touch. She reached out and smeared the blood on his face with her thumb. Then she brought her thumb to her mouth, licking the blood. The fast, intense hammering of her heart caused her vision to tunnel. 

Ypsilon pressed forward into the tip of the blade and allowed it to pierce her skin. She closed her eyes, letting the pain quiet her tormented mind as a warm trickle dripped down her neck. 

When she opened her eyes, Eigen was staring at her, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. The pressure on her throat lessened as he slid his free hand to her neck. He gently pressed his fingers into the sides of her throat, restricting the blood flow to her brain. Her pulse increased as the comforting, familiar buzz settled into her mind. 

Ypsilon needed to redirect her energy before she ended up doing something with the Ukufa chief that she told herself she wouldn’t do again, no matter how much she wanted to. The thought of where this could go forced her already fast-beating heart to increase its pace. She wanted to sleep with him. But she wouldn't let herself indulge. She needed to stay focused on being a better person for Maza. 

Ypsilon elbowed Eigen in the chest, making him stumble backwards. She swiped his legs out from under him. Eigen smacked the ground as he landed on his back again. 

Ypsilon kneeled down between his legs. Your speed is worth nothing if I can distract you long enough to get you on your back. 

Eigen sat up. He grabbed her around the hips, forcing her down on top of him. Ypsilon swallowed the lump in her throat. He pressed his lips to hers, his mouth hungry for her taste. 

The pressure of his lips against hers felt so good. His familiar taste and scent consumed her and pushed away her thoughts of wanting this to end. Ypsilon wrapped her hands around him, her nails digging into his back. She was overtaken with his touch and the smell of his hair as he kissed down her jaw to her neck. Stinging pain jolted through her scalp as he pulled her head sideways by her hair. It bit into her skin until a whimper forced its way out of her mouth. She both hated and loved how he made her feel. 

Eigen pushed forward until Ypsilon lost her balance and fell backwards. A gasp escaped her lips as her back smacked the training room mat.

One more time. 

Ypsilon silently granted herself permission to be with Eigen. She needed a distraction from her pain, and he could be that for her. But this had to be the last time if she was going to be a better person.  

He pulled her pants down, sending Ypsilon’s mind into chaos. Eigen slid the knife between her legs and pressed the tip against her inner thigh until she parted her knees. The cold blade against her skin sent shivers through her body. She wanted, needed, the pain to quiet her mind. Her whole life had been one form of pain or another, and yet, it was still the most effective way to silence her excruciatingly loud thoughts. 

A moan slipped out of her mouth against her will. She didn't want him to know how much her body craved his touch. Craved the pain. 

The Ukufa chief trailed his tongue up her thigh to her center. Ypsilon’s back arched at the touch, her thoughts falling away as he tasted her. 

I thought you didn't want to do this anymore, Eigen said, pulling away from her slightly. 

Ypsilon’s body shifted, bending with the motion of his mouth. I don't. She barely got the words out. Her mind was a blur of need and self-hatred. 

Eigen pulled back again. Then I'll stop. 

Ypsilon seized a fist of his hair, forcing his head back in between her thighs. Don't. You. Dare. 

Her body moved with his, her thoughts a chaotic buzz as he made her forget every horrible thing that ever happened to her. Electricity shot through her body, and her muscles contracted as a scream forced past her lips. 

When her body went limp, Eigen pushed forward and laid his head on her stomach. He reached the knife up to her throat. I think I won this round. 

2

It’s Time

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Arija tucked a lock of her long brown hair behind her ear as she bent over her pack to examine the contents. Bottle of water, power bars, a change of clothes just in case, a small pouch with various medical supplies, pistol, bowie knife, and a crap ton of ammo for both her pistol and her rifle. She let out a sigh as her gaze bounced from one item to the next, wondering if there was anything missing that would fit in the backpack. 

Arija zipped the dark green pack closed then stood, slinging it over her shoulder. She scooped up her rifle and headed for the door that led out of the Engineers’ room and into the common space. As she pushed the door open, her heart jumped into her throat as Adal jumped back away from the other side. 

Sorry, Adal said. You ready to leave?

Arija nodded. Yesterday, they decided that after a good night’s rest they’d head for the World Machine to try to talk some sense into Webley and Al. They could really use the Creators’ help if they were headed straight into the hornets’ nest. Even with the super suit they were building, Arija had a hard time believing they could take on all the Creators that made up the Synod without help. 

Great, Adal replied. Molly and Kip are at the front waiting. Van and Sarrelle are wrapping things up with Opi to make sure she’s ready to meet with the Scavers tonight about brokering a deal for control over Taraveil and the trade process to get things back up and running here.

Arija nodded. What about Eigen and Ypsilon?

Adal shrugged. No idea where they are. After a moment he added, And honestly, I’m not sure I want to know.

Arija laughed, and the two of them headed across the common towards the front of Mecca. As they approached the entrance, Arija spotted Van and Sarrelle talking to Kip and Molly. 

Hey, Arija said, waving. I’m going to go find Ypsilon and Eigen, are we ready otherwise?

Yeah, we're all packed and ready. Van slid a pistol into the holster that peeked out from under her long black coat. 

Adal dropped his pack on the ground at Kip’s feet. I’ll stay here. I really don't want to walk into whatever the hell they’re doing. 

Arija rolled her eyes. They’re probably just training. Ypsilon punches things when she’s stressed. 

Training. Adal made air quotes. Is that what they’re calling it these days? 

Sarrelle laughed, but Van shot her a dirty look, and the succubus covered her mouth with her hand. 

Arija spun on her heels. I’ll be back. Just try not to break anything while I’m gone, Adal. 

She didn’t stop to hear his response. Arija walked across the common space towards the Tekaha training room hoping she was right about what Ypsilon and Eigen were doing. 

Eigen was good for Ypsilon. He kept her focused on the mission while being enough of a distraction that the Engineer chief didn’t let her grief for Maza consume her. Even if they didn’t fall in love and live happily ever after, his presence made her happy and that’s what really mattered at the end of the day. Arija didn’t exactly know everything Ypsilon had been through in her life, but it was painfully obvious she’d seen some hard times and, after everything the woman had been through since Arija had known her, she deserved to be happy. 

Arija stopped outside the door to the Tekaha training room, her hand hovering over the handle as she wondered what she was about to walk into. She clenched her jaw as she placed her hand on the handle but, before she could open the door, it opened from the other side, and Ypsilon appeared in the doorway. 

Oh hey, Ypsilon said, her eyebrows shooting to her hairline. What are you doing here? 

Arija smiled. I came to get you and Eigen. We’re ready to leave for the World Machine. Are you both packed and ready? 

Eigen appeared behind Ypsilon. His lip was split, and a trail of dried blood ran down his chin. I am. I just need to grab my pack from my place, and I’ll meet you at the front.

Ypsilon nodded. Yeah, I’m ready too. Let me grab mine, and I’ll meet you up there. 

She kicked your ass, didn’t she? Arija asked