Carson's silence was colder than steel. When he finally spoke, his voice was flat, all friendliness gone. "That will not necessary."
He moved slowly, deliberately.
Every step echoed in Augustus' mind. When their eyes locked, Augustus' breath came short, fast. He knew that look, it was the look of death itself. Panic clawed at him and his lips quivered with the ghost of a plea. But words could not save him now.
"Do it quick." He whispered, surrendering.
Carson nodded. "With pleasure."
The steel of the blade flushed, swift and final. Augustus gasped once, then slumped, his eyes wide with terror. Carson wiped the blade with calm as though he had just swatted a fly.
"Clean it up boys and make sure every part of him is turned to ashes." He ordered. "Tonight, you finally get to sleep in your own beds."
