Zade is fucking terrifying. It’s impossible not to consider the possibility that if I ever were to fall in love with him, that he could turn on me too. For the fourth time, Mark's phone rings in the middle of the conversation. Every time, his face darkens when he looks to see who's calling. "Everything okay?" Zade asks, noting his odd behavior. Mark glances at Zade, forcing a strained smile before attempting to pocket his phone. Drunkenly, he drops it, and it’s almost painful watching him pick it up. I can hear his bones creaking from here. As alcohol takes control over his body, all I can focus on is how it seems to age him further. The liver spots on his balding head and darkened hands, and the bags underneath his eyes have formed a few more wrinkles. He’s an ugly man. On the inside and out. And it’s a wonder how his depravity has sunk so low when the man has everything most people could want in life. Money, power, influence, and a beautiful wife that might’ve loved him if he weren’t so evil. “Yeah, a few of my colleagues are freakin’ out over some ssstupid leaked video,” Mark slurs, finally getting the phone in his pocket. Zade stiffens beside me, though his face stays unreadable. “Leaked video?” Mark flaps a hand, attempting to gloss over what he confessed. I glance at Zade, noting the subtle tic in his jaw. “Yeah, but I keep telling them they don’t have to worry ‘bout it. Our Sossocciety will take care of it, and no one will be none the wissser.” I open my mouth, ready to pry, but a quick warning glance from Zade has me snapping my mouth shut. He must be talking about the videos from the rituals. “I’m sure they’re taking the necessary steps to make sure the video is handled, alongside whoever leaked it,” Zade assures casually, swirling his drink as if there’s spices resting in the bottom of the cup. “Are they ever!” Mark bursts out, slapping his hand obnoxiously on his ornate desk. “The video is handled, it’sh finding the pershon who leaked the videos that’s th-the problem. They’ve been interrogating an-and watching our every move for months now!” I didn’t think it was possible for Mark’s face to turn any redder, but he’s starting to look like the Kool-Aid Man. “Well, whatever the case, I’m sure itll be handled soon.”