Upon reflection, drinking first thing this morning only to have a hangover by evening wasn’t the wisest choice. Along with Bale’s endless chatter, it’s simply too much. I rub my temples, trying to discern the dark goddess’s rambling. “Have another drink,” Bax says. I can hear the laughter in his voice. I’m tempted to punch the self-satisfied look off his face. That is, if I didn’t think it would cost me in the end. “Enjoy my misery, mutant. It’s the last time you will.” Rattling causes my eyes to pinch closed as Bax climbs to his feet, his chains making an ungoddessly ruckus. “Listen to me, Prince.” And now I hear the serious undertone. “Have another drink.” When I peek one eye open, I glimpse his wide eyes, his black pupils dilated, unblinking. For whatever reason, I reach for the bottle on my desk and pour a slosh of amber liquor into my tumbler. Maybe it will help soothe the aching if I don’t overdrink this time.
