Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 105: I’ll Decide Their Punishment.

Chapter 105: I’ll Decide Their Punishment.

As she raised the rope, Scarlett whispered internally, Hold on, Garvin. I’ll save you all. I just need to bide my time.

Her eyes locked onto Garvin’s, her heart racing with a storm of conflicting emotions. She knew she had to play the role of Ayra flawlessly, but the thought of hurting Garvin, even if it was just an act, made her stomach churn. The weight of the situation pressed on her, but Scarlett steeled herself, her resolve firm. There was no room for hesitation.

With a steady hand, Scarlett raised the rope, her gaze never leaving Garvin’s. She could see the fear and uncertainty flickering in his eyes, a sight that tore at her resolve. Still, she was determined not to let her emotions betray her.

"I’m sorry," she whispered under her breath, the words barely audible even to herself.

As she brought the rope down, Scarlett ensured her aim was precise. The rope struck the chains binding Garvin with a sharp, metallic clang, creating the illusion that she was hitting him directly. The sound echoed in the room, harsh and unforgiving.

Garvin’s eyes widened, and a guttural grunt escaped his lips, not from pain but from fear and confusion. He had kept his gaze lowered to the ground, avoiding Scarlett’s eyes, but the unexpected nature of her actions forced him to look up. His questioning eyes met hers, filled with bewilderment and silent inquiry.

Leaning close enough so only he could hear, Scarlett whispered fiercely, her voice laced with urgency, "If you value your life, keep screaming. Make it convincing, even though I’m not hitting you."

Her words sent a shiver down Garvin’s spine. The shock and puzzlement were plain on his face, but he quickly masked them, understanding the gravity of the situation.

What’s going on? he wondered, his mind racing for answers. The question lingered, but he knew it wasn’t the time to seek them. Not with Austin and Jones watching intently, their sharp eyes fixed on every movement and sound. Whatever Scarlett’s reasons were, Garvin realized it couldn’t be good. Yet, for now, he had no choice but to trust her.

Scarlett raised the rope again and repeated the motion, striking the chains with calculated force. Each blow rang out as though she were mercilessly beating Garvin, the performance unnervingly convincing.

Garvin did his part, releasing anguished cries that echoed through the chamber. He writhed and flinched with every strike, his body moving as though reacting to real pain.

Scarlett’s hand trembled slightly, but she forced herself to stay composed, biting back the guilt that threatened to overwhelm her. Each clang of the chains felt like a betrayal, a dagger twisting in her heart. Yet she couldn’t stop. Not now.

The oppressive silence between each strike was filled with tension, broken only by Garvin’s well-executed cries and the murmured comments from Austin and Jones.

"Good," Austin muttered, his arms crossed. "That’s my girl!"

Jones nodded approvingly. "Ayra’s as ruthless as always."

Scarlett risked a glance toward them, her expression cold and impassive, the mask of Ayra firmly in place. She then turned her attention back to Garvin and continued hitting. Although the rope was hitting the chains but still hitted Garvin’s body slightly.

Garvin clenched his jaw as he screamed, his mind working furiously. Why is she doing this? The thought burned in his mind.

With every clang of the rope against the chains, Scarlett and Garvin danced on a knife’s edge, their unspoken alliance a fragile thread in a room filled with enemies.

The others watched in horror, their gazes fixed on Scarlett as she appeared to revel in Garvin’s suffering. Her strikes were fierce, her demeanor cold and unyielding, and yet none of them could detect the subtle truth behind her actions.

With a final blow, Scarlett let the rope fall from her hands. Her chest heaved with exertion, her breaths sharp and controlled. Garvin slumped against the wall, his eyes closed in feigned exhaustion, but Scarlett knew he was unharmed.

"Well done, Ayra," Austin said, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. He leaned against the table, clapping slowly, a smug grin plastered on his face. "You’ve always known how to make an entrance. Though, I must say, your strikes were... lacking. Not enough force. I bet you didn’t hit him hard enough to even bruise, did you?" His gaze wandered to Garvin, who remained motionless. "But I suppose I can understand. You’re a woman, after all. Maybe your punches don’t pack the punch we need to draw blood."

Scarlett shot him a cold, withering glare, stepping forward with an air of authority. Her voice was icy, each word deliberate. "He’s lucky," she said sharply. "If it weren’t for my so-called weakness, his skin would already be peeled off his bones from my beatings." She straightened her posture, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Now, let’s leave. I’m done here."

Austin raised an eyebrow, clearly disappointed. "Why?" he asked, his voice carrying a tinge of amusement. "You’re not done with him or the others. They’re traitors, Ayra. You said it yourself."

Scarlett’s expression didn’t waver. Her tone grew colder, her resolve unshakable. "I’ve changed my mind. Their punishment can wait. I’ll deal with them tomorrow and pass judgment when I see fit."

A scoff came from the corner of the room. Jones, leaning casually against the wall, stepped forward with a mocking grin. "Really, Ayra?" he sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "This is just starting to get fun. Their screams, the fear in their eyes... I enjoy it. Especially the woman." His smile twisted into something darker. "I plan to visit her again tonight. Maybe she won’t survive the kind of attention I have in mind."

Scarlett’s eyes flashed dangerously, her fists clenching at her sides. She turned sharply toward Jones, her voice a venomous hiss. "Are you deaf, Jones?" she spat. "You shouldn’t have laid a finger on them in the first place. But I’ll pardon your actions this time. I know you acted out of desperation, thinking I was dead. But now that I’m back, I’ll decide their punishment. No one else."

Tension thickened in the room, the air crackling with animosity. Scarlett’s icy gaze bore into Jones, daring him to challenge her authority.

Jones’s smirk faltered, replaced by a scowl. "What the hell?" he barked, turning his glare toward Austin. "Are you seriously going to let her speak to me like this? This bitch..."

"She’s right, Jones," Austin interrupted smoothly, a smirk tugging at his lips. His tone was calm, almost lazy, but it carried an undercurrent of menace. "The fact that you touched the female traitor without informing me already warrants punishment. But I’m feeling generous. Now that Ayra is back, I’ll let her handle the matter however she sees fit. The traitors are doomed, of course, but their deaths will be by her hand." His eyes flicked to Scarlett, a glint of amusement and admiration in them.