497: DESPERATE MEASURES

LUKE'S POV My mind raced, searching for answers as I tried to make sense of Harriet's intentions. Was this a trick? A trap? Or something entirely else? Harriet took a step forward, her eyes glittering with manic gleam. "Luke, don't you see? We're all just playing a game. And you, Ariel, have been the stars of my little show. But I've grown tired of the same old routine. It's time for something new, something daring." She turned her attention to Ariel, her expression shifting to one of false concern. She wanted to touch Ariel, but I held her hand, stopping her. "Don't you dare," I growled. "I have no idea what you're doing or what plan you have in that head of yours; bit enough with this shit. Don't think I'm some goddamn fool." Harriet's hand froze in midair, her expression shifting from feigned concern to a cold, hard rage. "Do you still possess the courage to tell me nonsense?" she hissed, her tone of voice shrieking to a degree that was more menacing than a scream. "You're a f