An unknown person is speaking to Messenger VII, telling them that they are taking over the operations. We wonder whether this person is working for the leader or for Apostle VII’s supporters. They leave the messenger with new directives.
At the APD interrogation room, two officers try to wake Elvira Lloyd, only to discover that she has been killed by golden viper venom.
Bella has just used this venom to kill Ryan Flemmings, apparently angrily. We speculate why. Kieran and Bella share an odd dynamic of youthful comfort but also distrust. It doesn’t take much convincing for a still-hurting Kieran to help Bella move the body. He also tries to dissuade her from sending Flemming’s body to his family, no doubt because of the guilt he feels over similar actions. They quote a Barbie line before heading to the morgue, where a somber Moriarty receives him.
Both Bella and Kieran seem to be fishing for information. Bella implies that Kieran is untrustworthy, and wonders why he keeps working for the Phantom Scythe now that his reason, probably the protectee, is gone.
They engage in a short discussion about the morality of their behavior, with Kieran saying they had no choice and Bella reminding him they could always opt out.
We learn they have some sort of agreement between them, and that Bella owes him something, but her ultimate loyalty is to the Phantom Scythe.
Bella once again pries, trying to find out if Kieran cares for Lauren. He denies such weakness but points out Bella’s own. She repudiates any affection but would also kill for Neyra, so…
We learn that Bella feels appreciation for the Phantom Scythe for rescuing her from being a Greychapel orphan and to Apostle VII for making her powerful.
We flash back to a younger Bella being abused by a drunk father, and returning to kill him.
Kieran and Bella debate on who is trapped, and Bella ends the conversation by claiming she needs to prepare for her next kill.
We discuss their character’s differing approach to morality and choice extensively, and end with horrible speculations about Kieran’s final words and their potential irony.
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https://archiveofourown.org/users/larosamorada85/works
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