CHAPTER 1

LUCY

Looking at the machete on the man's head, I first moved it around, and then I pulled pretty hard. "Marco Marquez, you have been removed from my list," I murmured to his lifeless body.

"You were a shitty man." I felt disgusted as I stared at him. I held my machete close to my face. It's been years since I last drank human blood, and during that time, I had to force it down. I ran my tongue along the edge of the blade and licked any dripping blood that was on it from Marco.

"Even if you are a jerk, you taste good." I took a look at him.

I don't miss being human because people are so fragile.

I mean, look at this guy. He's lying there lifeless. His head is chopped off into several pieces, and his body is turned into something that will make your turn stomach upside down. I feel that I trashed all means of his identification. It doesn't look like he has any tattoos, so I am done.

I don't participate in any activities done in this modern world. I feel like a ghost, going through the motions of remembering what I once was. I do have a cellphone, but I use it sparingly. I am not into activities of the Gen-Z either.

On the other hand, there is no way to track who killed Marco anymore because I work neatly but brutally. I kill for money or favors. This is the job I am good at. I will not accept any assignment for someone if they cannot give me something in return that I want or anything better that they can offer.

I want something other than money for my job. My needs regarding it are different from those of other people. I can force others into doing anything I want them to do or provide me with what I need. Perks of having mind control.

But nowadays, ignorant humans act as if favors do not mean anything. Yet, I have no problem asking for everything I want. If I choose to, I can even ask them to take their own lives.

I have a friend who is a witch, and she is the one who provided me with these unique contracts. If you sign it, you will owe me the thing I will request. The contract is done once the favor is granted.

Isn't it hospitable? I gave myself a wicked grin in the mirror.

"So, Marco." I got into a crouching position next to him. "Where do you want us to put you? My patron requested that I hang you in public, but that will burden me." I suddenly had a wicked plan that came to mind. Oh, Marco, you are going to have quite an adventure. I grabbed Marco's body and tossed it over my shoulder.

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I smiled with satisfaction as I checked the finished product of my labor. I put him on a cross and hung him from the outside of a church.

"Wait a minute, Marco! You are Jesus at this point." It made me laugh. Since it was still nighttime, nobody could see me walking around. The fact that I was also wearing black leather helped me not be seen. I cannot wait for the town's people to learn about this. Sadly, I cannot be here to see how they will react.

I made my way over to where Marco's body was hanging. "Listen, buddy, shit happens to all of us. You have gotten yourself in trouble with the wrong people." I gave him a sly grin.

"You are missing something." I take a look at my artwork. It was impossible to recognize his face at all. I even severed his ears, fingers, and toes just in case something went wrong. I wanted the process of identifying him to be drawn out and terrifying for as long as possible.

"Now I know what is missing." As I pulled the machete from its holster on my back and swiftly hacked open his stomach, a sneering grin came on my face. I felt a surge of satisfaction. His internal organs began oozing out of his body, and blood splattered all over my face. The poor kids who have to watch something like this.

Have I mentioned that I despise children? They are all obnoxious little shitstains in different places.

I looked at Marco emotionless. "My work in this town is finished. I will never see you again, Marco."

I started running as fast as possible, although I was not going anywhere. Because of my fast speed, getting around anywhere is easier. Because I do not need a car, I do not need money for things like gas or bills, although I am starting to feel pretty hungry now. The phone in my pocket began to vibrate. I had to come to a secluded place to answer the call.

I found myself in the middle of the woods. I need to find out where this is. I turned my attention to the night sky and noticed that the moon was in its full phase. I will more likely come across one or more werewolves. I cannot remember the last time I did. It would be interesting to see one of them.

I reached into the pocket of my leather jacket and pulled out my phone to answer the call.

I waited for the caller to start the conversation. I will only talk if he tells me the secret code. "The devil's door is in heaven." I responded, "Here I come, so you can run," in Italian.

The man addressed me as Miss Nevermore, "I have a task for you."

"Tell me more," I replied with a chilly tone. I should maintain my composure. I do not tolerate shits from humans or other being.

"We shall meet in New Jersey in two days." He went on further. This person gave off the impression of being powerful and piqued my interest. On the other hand, I heard his voice somewhere before. I responded, "Copy," and I hung up the phone.

New Jersey is a state that I visited a long time ago, a little over a hundred years ago. I started racing towards New Jersey, with the wind blowing through my hair and my hearing on high alert for any wolf-like beings that could be hiding in the night.