Chapter 968
“Calliope, isn’t Black Spider supposed to be seriously dangerous? If we go there, is it safe?” Damien asked, anxiety clear in his voice. “Or maybe you could just tell me what to do, and I’ll go get him myself p>
Truth be told, he’d wanted to go alone from the start. But he knew showing up without backup was suicide. So when Calliope offered her help, he was relieved, though still uncertain about what she could actually do. Could she really pull Nigel out of there? And what if she got into trouble herself? The thought left Damien uneasy. Maybe it made more sense for Calliope to just tell him her plan and let him handle the rescue.
“There’s always some risk,” Calliope replied, glancing over at him. “Are you scared p>
“How risky it is depends on just how far gone Black Spider is. If my guess is right, he hasn’t snapped completely yet—still acting more or less rational p>
She almost smiled. “He might even be… oddly charming right now p>
“Charming?” Damien frowned, skeptical. Black Spider might’ve been striking, but charming? That seemed impossible for someone like him.
“Yes,” Calliope replied, offering nothing more. “Gather your things. You’re coming with me p>
“Okay.” Damien didn’t hesitate and hurried off to pack.
Not long after, he returned, bag in hand. Calliope was already prepped and waiting. She gave him a quick look, then nodded toward the car. Without further discussion, they got in and set out.
It was just the two of them. Damien had assumed she’d bring extra muscle, but she hadn’t asked anyone else along.
“Shouldn’t we bring some guys with us?” Damien ventured.
“Black Spider has plenty of men on his side. Do you really think our team could take them on-in their ownL backyard? Calliope said evenly “No! The two of us will be fine. The plan is to settle this with words, not force p>
Damien considered that. “You know, that does make sense,” he said slowly, a look of trust settling on his face.
Calliope took the wheel, retracing
their previous route before turning onto a narrow side road. The lane was rough barely wide enough for single car. But Calliope drove confidently, picking up speed instead of slowing down.
Damien grabbed the handle above his window, knuckles white with nerves.
“Careful, Calliope! There’s a river up ahead!” he called out.
“I know,” Calliope replied calmly. “Don’t worry, I won’t dump you in the river. Black
Spider’s base is this way. Once we get past here, it’s smooth driving p>
He eyed her, curiosity finally getting the better of him. “How do you know Black Spider, anyway p>
Damien had heard of him-everyone had-but Black Spider was more rumor than reality, a shadowy figure
Qaliope be so familiar with
few had actually met ne
someone like that? Ordinary people would never have dealings in a place like this, but his boss acted as if she’d seen it all before.
“We go way back,” Calliope replied. “In fact You could say he was once a patient of mine p>
“You saved his life?” Damien asked, relief coloring his tone. If Calliope had done Black Spider a favor that big, things might actually work out. He’d owe her.
“The opposite, actually,” Calliope said quietly. “He’s one of the few I couldn’t help. One of my rare failures p>
“What?” Damien blanched, color draining from his face.