Chapter 83

Alyssa

The building is painted in blood-red and white, its main entrance leading directly into a dimly lit strip club. Fully naked women in heels swing from poles and dance on raised platforms, their bodies cast in flickering lights as if they're putting on a show just for us.

It's unsettling. I've never been to a strip club, and I definitely didn't expect my first time would be here—with my brother. A swirl of horror, fear, and intrigue rolls over me.

We sit at a large booth, and I scan the room, noting the shadows and corners, wondering if we're being watched. The guard reappears, his voice gruff and annoyed. "Bones will be with you shortly."

A tense silence fills the room as we wait. Suddenly, the music changes from something sultry to "Dethrone" by Bad Omens. My blood runs cold.

"Somehow, I don't think anyone can dance to this," I think aloud, trying to talk myself out of bolting out of here. "You know, I always imagined this being a song you'd request to be execu