Erika Szántó
I finally arrived at the old sanctuary. I wasn’t even in the organization yet when they abandoned it for good. And yet, decades later, the secret door was wide open. The traitor should be here. At least I can finally put an end to his madness.
As soon as I entered, the smell of decay and rot hit my nose. The lack of furniture and tapestry made every little sound echo, and I knew I couldn’t stay hidden from him for long. Just as I started to advance, I heard his sickening voice resound through the chambers.
“Is that you? Oh, I knew you would come for me! Send the best to defeat the best. Boss knew her stupid brat couldn’t slay sly silly me. All right, so poor me attacked that harlot! But what’s a fool to do, when slandered and mocked? Surely one would understand.”
It’s a shame that he heard me coming. It only made my work harder.
I continued searching for the traitor in this unfamiliar place. Though it wasn’t particularly hard. I just had to follow his giggles.
“Ha ha ha! You found me! You caught me! I surrender, of course I do.”
There he was, crumpled up, bleeding. Wonder how he’s still alive.
“There is only one cure for madness, traitor. You know that, right?”
“Hah! Listen to this – let poor old me live. I attacked that wrench, I did! And I’d do it again! Return to the boss, tell her I’m dead! Tell her you strangled me with my own entrails! Ha ha! But lie! Lie and let me live!”
I hesitated. I shouldn’t have. At least I should let the traitor die with grace. That much he deserves. I would have done the same in his place, madness or not.
I didn’t kill him. What a grave mistake it was.
…
Months have passed since then. I thought I’d never have to see his disgusting face again.
“It’s good to see you, old friend.”
“Oh yes, it’s poor old me, all right! To spare me was a fool’s idea. What made you assume that I would appreciate the assistance? Ha ha ha ha, you should see the look on your face!”