“You’re a Nephilim,” he snapped. “A goddamn mother freaking Nephilim, and you didn’t tell anyone? I don’t know whether you’ve got guts,” he gave an exasperated sigh, leaning back against the wall, which let out a pained creak, “or if you’re just plain stupid.” Lucas ran a hand through his dark hair, like a bird preening. He turned his copper gaze back towards me with a sneer. “You do realize how bad this is for you, right? I mean, hell, I thought I’d have to come up with something to turn people against you- but you’ve done everything for me!” The boy gave a gritty laugh, throwing his head back as I snarled.

      “You do realize how bad this is for you, right?” I shot back, my vision hazing as my anger grew. “If you so much as piss me off, I could smite you back to hell where you belong, coward. Don’t forget who’s the strongest being alive-”

      “BULLSHIT!” he screeched, cutting me off. “You know damn well you couldn’t hurt me, kid. You wouldn’t dare try. I rule this place. My word is law. You know very well what would happen if you turned on me. You’re my little bitch, and you better listen to my orders. Clover, you made a mistake coming here, because now,” He grunted, pushing himself off the wall, and towards me with a smirk. “You’re my new weapon. If you don’t do your job and bow down to me, I’ll kill you. Otherwise, you’ll be used in battle as our mindless weapon. Got that, kiddo?”

      The dim torches cast an eerie crimson glow over our two forms, sending armies of shadows to dance around our legs, threatening to trip me as I backed away from Lucas. I hit the wall with a wheeze, and as quick as a snake strike, he was there, a hand on my throat, and the other on the wall. He had me pinned, and there wasn’t much I could do. A choked gasp escaped my lips as I leaned away from him. It was clear he was trying to scare me, but not permanently damage me either.

       “Listen, kid,” he hissed in that snake-like tone. “I’m going to rule the world one day if I don’t already. I’m a rising king, and if you so much as throw a pebble in my path I will destroy you and everything you hold dear, got it?” his grasp, and leaned away from him. My words seemed to fail me, even though I knew he wasn’t intending to kill me then and there. The fact that he could, and I was so vulnerable, terrified my more than that.
       “Got it?” He repeated, tightening his grip on my neck. Instantly, I choked out a muffled ‘yes’, and my hands shot up to his, trying to pry them away.
       “Yes…?” Lucas cocked his head towards me, a smug grin on his handsome face. God, I hated him.

       “Yes, you-” I gagged on my smartass tongue, releasing a pained whimper as I struggled. He loosened his grip just enough so I could speak.
      “Yes, sir,” I mumbled in defeat before he let me go. I rubbed my sore neck with a wince, staring at the ominous figure, walking towards the door.

     “Remember this, Sparks,” he cooed. “I rule this world.” And with not another word, he walked out.