without_hesitation | (no subject)

For a significant period of time now, Ilithyia has been slowly moving within the ranks of the men she has decided to take under her employ. They have not always understood her, though since their initial meeting there has always been a sense of respect, one she has cultivated carefully over time, and she finds she's quite satisfied with the way things are going when several of her men end up dead.

For a time, she is furious. It doesn't fade, simply turns into something else, something she will find a use for in time. There are still men who trust her, those who will keep her safe, but many of those she had come to rely on to fund her lifestyle are gone.

She is not well pleased to once more be working for the respect and power she knows she deserves.

It is on the street with Albinius that she finds herself coming upon Kaine at the same moment a man from a rival gang she knows little of approaches her. She appraises him, sensing danger, though she suspects there is little to be done on the street in the middle of the day.

"Kaine," she calls, greeting her friend. "Would you care to join me?" Perhaps the man approaching will take the presence of another as suggestion not to come closer or make any trouble.

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I don't know about this guy but I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't want to be in his position. If I had ever doubted it before I know without a doubt that Ilithyia is a ruthless bitch. I have no doubt that she'd cut his tongue out if she thought it necessary. I really hope she doesn't ask me to do that to anyone.

"I'm not-"

I hit him, hard. Hard enough to shatter his jaw and spray blood onto the alley wall. I don't even know what he was going to say but that's not the point. The man tries to scream but he can't and it comes out as just a wailing moan.

"Just nod your head."

The man screams through his jaw but he nods.

The sudden show of violence excites Ilithyia and she finds herself smiling again, knowing the man's jaw has been broken, that speaking and eating and existing will be painful for many months to come. Her hand ghosts out, fingertips trail across the edge of his jaw and though her touch is light, it produces another scream of pain.

"I will not be so kind," she repeats, making sure he's heard her words and that he understands. "I am not a woman you wish to have as enemy."

Then she smiles at Kaine and holds her hand out toward him. "I think message received, yes?"

"I'd say so," I say with a nod. I don't feel bad, either, considering the guy was probably going to kidnap Ilithyia while she was with her kid. Whatever Ilithyia might deserve for getting involved with all this her kid doesn't and maybe it's just because I was there when the kid was born but I feel protective of him.

"Besides, if not I know where he lives and can pay him a personal visit."

"That is very kind of you to offer," Ilithyia says, taking Kaine's arm once more. In his carrier, Albinius kicks his legs, but makes little sound, staring up at Ilithyia and then at Kaine, a smile on his face.

"And you have my gratitude," she adds as they walk away, leaving the man in the alley. "Truly."