The silence after Aaron's cruel declaration sat like ice in the squad's lungs. Their questions had been wasted—snatched away with the ease of a cat toying with cornered mice. He leaned back against the shadow of his throne, utterly satisfied, as though no one present could alter the course of the night.
For several tense breaths, the squad said nothing. Even Hiro, usually quick to bark orders, held his tongue. To demand answers again would be pointless. The devil had closed his fist around their bargain, and he would not open it.
It was Mia who broke the silence. Her fists unclenched at her sides, and she took a deliberate step forward. "So that's it, then? No more answers. No more games."
Aaron's grin sharpened. "On the contrary, girl. The games have only just begun."
