Chapter 108: Ch106. Pain as a teacher (30) - Pain as a teacher
Miles’ breath came in ragged gasps, his limbs still locked in the Hatter-Miles’ spiked chains. His muscles screamed, his skin burned, but the pain was secondary now.
The moment the Hatter spoke those words, everything else faded into the background.
A deal...
Miles’ stomach twisted. He knew better than anyone what happened when you struck deals with the Devil. And if the Hatter-Miles in front of him was not a devil wearing his own skin, then Miles had no idea what a devil was.
Yet, his tone... It was different.
Not just mocking, not just playing. There was something else laced beneath it. Something reluctant.
The chains in his flesh did not loosen, but they did not tighten either. They pulsed like breathing iron. Waiting.
The Hatter-Miles leaned forward, resting an elbow against the long, grotesque tea table, his fingers drumming against his cheek. He regarded Miles with something dangerously close to amusement.
"You’re thinking it over," the Hatter purred. "How delightful. I do love a mind that works before it breaks."
"Fuck. You." Miles spat blood onto the pristine tablecloth.
The Hatter chuckled, but his chuckle trembled ever so slightly.