Welcome back The Puppet Monsters everyone I hope that you enjoy the chapter. Please remember to VOTE and COMMENT it means a lot to, plus I like chatting with you guys. Also please watch the video it goes with the chapter. ~XOXO BUTTERBALL~

The song is:  American Horror Story Theme

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-Taiga-

Corina whimpered her body shifting in my grip as she buried her face in my bare chest. It was dark outside the half-moon allowing only the smallest sliver of light into the room. Opal laid on the windowsill his black fur looked dark blue in the moonlight.

As Corina whimpered again in my arms I reached out and began to stroke her hair, gently running my claws through the familiar soft golden strands.

Ever since she met the Four horsemen she's been having even more trouble sleeping, while Corina's mind doesn't remember Zyglavis her soul remembers being taken by him. If Colette's accounts are anything to go by Corina may have nightmares for a while.

"I'm right here Corina," I assured her as I carefully pulled her closer. I felt the softness of her bare breast push against my chest, her legs tangled with mine underneath the sheets

Yesterday Matthew had nearly burst my and Corina's eardrums as he yelled that I'd soiled her, and damned her soul. When I told him that it was a hundred years too late for that he'd stormed off.

"Stupid bastard he seems really stuck on following human rules," I muttered.

Corina shifted in my arms again letting out a soft yawn as she looked up at me with half-lidded eyes. "What time is it?" She asked slowly.

I let out a chuckle. "One in the morning, mistress. You should get more rest, you have a busy schedule today after all."

She stared at me, blinking slowly. "Your right I'm so exhausted, it feels like I didn't even go to sleep."

I frowned at her. "It's because your soul remembers Zyglavis," I informed her.

Her eyes widened slightly as she yawned. "My soul remembers...do you mean like how I sometimes remember things from my past lives?" She asked softly.

I let out a chuckle. "In a way yes, Zyglavis is the one who holds onto your soul for me to make sure you get reincarnated. Your soul remembers what it's like to be in Death's grasp."

For a moment or two, Corina was silent. "Hey Taiga...if, by some chance I win this whole competition does that mean that I caused the apocalypse. That I'm responsible for the deaths of everyone just because I tried my hardest to survive?"

I could hear the faint fear in her voice, as she spoke her voice trembled slightly.

"No," I answered as I stroked her hair. "Zyglavis, War, Colette and Ichthys are their own people; they know what happens even if you don't win. I highly doubt that revealing supernatural creatures to humans will cause the apocalypse, but even if it does it's not your fault for wanting to live."

"Thank you Mikleo," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around me.

A few moments later her breathing deepened, I smiled slightly pressing my lips to her forehead as I gave her a gentle kiss. "Sleep tight Corina, we have a long day ahead of us."

~~~~

"God help me I need coffee," Corina grumbled as she ran a hand through her hair. She sat at the dinner table next to Matthew as she ate a cup of chilled fruit with yogurt on top.

I walked over and poured Corina a cup of her favorite french vanilla coffee. She shot me a smile as she instantly grabbed her mug and took a sip. "Ahhh, that feels a lot better." She practically moaned.

Matthew flinched. "Corina you don't have to make those noises its just coffee," he sighed as he read the newspaper. Gentle music flowed through the room from a nearby radio that sat on the center of the table.

"Matthew, I spent all of last night waking myself up from nightmare after nightmare

even though I slept I don't feel rested at all," She mumbled before taking another long drink.

Matthew frowned as he folded up the newspaper and passed it to me. "Take a look at this."

I scowled as I picked up the newspaper. The headline immediately drew my eyes, "Police say a man was beaten to death using wax sculpture. Eighteen-year-old entrepreneur Daniel Thompson was found dead in his apartment next to the blood-covered arms and feet belonging to a wax sculpture, body nearly unrecognizable." I read aloud.

"Holy shit, I thought only things like dolls and puppets could be made into Puppet monsters," Corina whispered with wide eyes.

I shook my head. "Sculptors, mannequins, and even taxidermy can work all the object needs is for a Puppet master or Toymaker to give life to it."

Matthew shuddered. "Apparently Disney is going to release a new form of mascot in four years, I think a business associate said that they called the mascots animatronics. They're robots made of cloth and metal, I'd hate to imagine a creature like that gaining sentience."

Corina bit her lip. "Doesn't that mean that there's a puppet master in this town? I mean I was attacked, this man was randomly attacked both by puppet monsters it can't be a coincidence." She sighed.

Opal stretched on the floor beside her chair, letting out a soft meow as she handed him a piece of fish. Opal meowed loudly, his face lighting up as he trotted off the piece of meat between his teeth.

"Throw those bones in the kitchen trash when you're done, I'm not cleaning up after you," I growled.

I heard Corina let out a snicker, before she began laughing. "It'll be almost a year since we met and yet you and Opal still despise each other."

"Actually we've moved from despising each other and have come to accept our mutual hatred." I informed her.

She smiled at me as she got to her feet. "I better go to the dance hall my instructor is probably waiting for me by now." Corina gave me a quick kiss before leaving the room taking her mug of coffee with her.

Matthew shuddered again as he glared at me. "I swear if you get my sister pregnant with your demon spawn I'll take your head."

I smirked at him. "I'm sterile while I'm in this form, however, if you're that eager to be an uncle I try my hardest."

I sidestepped the knife he threw at my head as I walked away laughing. I instead chose to join Corina in the dance hall as her partner.

"My, my, look who appeared. Are you done teasing my brother," she asked as she placed her hand in mine. I wrapped one arm around her waist pulling her close as she smiled up at me.

"I'm never finished fucking with Matthew, it's incredibly easy to wind him up. I came to help you with your dancing lessons so that you wouldn't have to use the instructor's dullard of a son." I told her, smirking.

She chuckled a grin covering her face.

"Too close! Taiga you and Miss Corina are too close. I need you to put space between each other and loosen that grip around her waist. This is a place of elegance, not a whore house!" The instructor called out, clapping her hands together.

I rolled my eyes letting out a huff as I relaxed my grip and took a step back, Corina shot me a pitying smile as she also rolled her eyes. "The detectives will be coming tonight around dinner time." I informed Corina.

Her face twisted up in a mixture of irritation and disgust. "Of course they are."

For a moment she copied my movements seemingly lost in thought. Then she smiled up at me. "Taiga let's make sure to cook them dinner in our own way."

My eyes widened then I smirked as I automatically understood what she meant.

That's one way to get rid of them, that's two plates of food for each of us demons in the house.

~~~~

"Welcome to the Dupont estate gentlemen, please allow Taiga to take your coats," Matthew greeted false cheeriness coating his voice.

"Why hello there Mr. Dupont, I see that your hair returned to normal," Detective George chuckled.

"You know how Europeans are full of jokes but not enough vinegar," Matthew snorted as he ran a hand through his freshly dyed hair.

It was its original blonde color causing him and Corina to once again look almost like twins."My darling sister prepared a lovely pot roast with mashed potatoes and snap beans. She also set aside some chill vodka and whiskey."

"Your sister would definitely make a good wife for ol'Bruce here poor man can't cook his way out of a paper bag." George said as they entered the house.

Bruce laughed as I carefully took his coat, biting the inside of my cheek so that I wouldn't snap his neck, something about them both just rubbed me the wrong way.

It's probably because they're causing Corina unnecessary stress.

"What need do I have to cook when a woman can do that work just fine," Bruce said.

George laughed as he followed Matthew and I. Corina had curled the end of her hair affixing a ribbon to it making it an over the shoulder ponytail. She stood at the dining room table next to her roast carefully cutting it. She wore a dark brown sweater and a sleek black skirt. She gave off this aura of a beautifully composed woman who let nothing in the world bother her.

For a moment Bruce stood there staring at her, his mouth gaping slightly. "T-thank you for inviting us to dinner,'' he stuttered out. He quickly walked over to the dining table, sitting down in the chair closest to Corina.

"Sorry about that, as I said before ol'Bruce needs a wife badly." George whispered to Matthew.

Once everyone including Corina was seated I began to cut everyone a piece of pot roast placing a nice heaping of mash potatoes on the detective's plate.

I could feel George's eyes on me as I worked his finger methodically tapping the space beside his plate.

"Now that I think about it I don't think we ever got properly acquainted with your staff here. We talked to the maids and some of the gardeners but we didn't really get a chance to talk to the kitchen staff or the butlers," George said after a moment.

Bruce let out a small huff as he looked away from Corina, a scowl on his face. "We're guests here. It couldn't hurt to enjoy ourselves especially when they've been so courteous."

George scowled for a moment after a few moments he sighed and nodded. "Alright although you'll be the one filling out the paperwork for this later."

"Yes sir," Bruce sighed.

Matthew chuckled. "Not a fan of paperwork?"

"I doubt anyone is," Bruce grumbled.

Opal poked his head through the dining room doorway letting out a soft meow. Corina looked down at him with a slight smile on her face. "What is it sweetie?"

Opal looked at me and let out a longer meow as though he were screaming at me.

"He's probably hungry, I'll take care of it, Mistress," I said, forcing a smile. As I began walking Opal continued to meow as I picked him up I clamped my hand down over his mouth.

I felt Opal's teeth graze across my palm and I tightened my grip a bit.

I know you've found something you shrieking furball. I heard you the first time.

I saw a small smirk on Matthew's face as he watched with interest. I looked at Corina. "Excuse me Mistress, this will only take a moment."

I left the dining room closing the door behind me, I kept my grip on Opal until I reached the stairs.

Letting out a sigh I removed my hand from Opal's mouth and glared down at him. "How good are you at landing on your feet?" I asked slowly.

He meowed softly, his eyes going wide as he shook his head. "Then be quiet. I heard you after the first meow. I told you to come to me discreetly as well," I sighed as I placed him on the floor. "You're lucky I didn't throw you on top of the chandelier especially after biting me like that now show me what you found."

Opal huffed his fur bristling as he began walking toward the hallway closet. I followed after him grumbling under my breath.

He sat down in front of the door, before looking up at me expectantly.

"You know you could've moved the step stool and opened the door with your paws right? Even if you had to bat it open," I pointed out as I crossed my arms.

Opal made a noise between a meow and a growl, the noise dragged out and honestly it sounded almost painful.

Ignoring him I glanced up and down the hallway checking for any of the other staff. The house was mostly quiet with many of the workers going back to their homes.

Well some of them do seem to believe that this house is haunted...they're not exactly wrong.

I slowly opened the closet door, when I did Opal darted past me. Flipping the light switch I saw him sitting beneath the coat rack. He was standing on his hind legs the upper half of his body stretching up as he eagerly pawed at the brown trench coat above him.

"You found something in the detective's coat?" I asked as I carefully closed the door behind me.

Opal meowed again nodding as he continued pawing at it. He seemed very intent on getting the coat down himself for some reason.

Normally he'd just let me do it... I wonder...

"Opal, is there something in the coat that I can't touch?" I asked him, a scowl on my face.

Opal stopped pawing at the coat and slowly looked back at me. He meowed and coughed slightly. "Y....es," he dragged out his mouth contorting oddly as he spoke.

Something I can't touch even in this form so not a bible...

I sighed. "Is it something sharp?"

Opal shook his head again.

Not an angel weapon, but then again if it was I would've been repelled the moment I took the coat from him. So what...wait...that disgusting smell!

As the thought crossed my mind Opal let out a satisfied meow before coming over to me. In his mouth he held a small, white feather that seemed to glow ever so slightly in the low light of the closet.

Almost immediately I was hit with an awful smell, like the scent of rotting corpses that'd be left in a swamp. I couldn't help but shudder slightly.

Opal meowed softly around the feather, looking slightly confused when he saw me flinch.

I shook my head taking a step back, well as much as the small space would allow. "It's not you, in fact, you did very well Opal. I'll grill you a fish later if you like."

Opal's eyes widened, a look of mild concern on his face. "W...wr...ong? Sssss...something wr-wrong?" He dragged out nearly swallowing the feather as he tried to speak.

"Yes, angels just smell horrifying," I sighed, shaking my head. "I'm going to go get Corina so just wait in her room."

An angel feather is undeniable proof, considering it was stuck to the jacket it must've fallen on to him when an angel flew away.

Opening the closet door I began making my way back to the dining room as Opal ran off to Corina's room.

They must be very confident to waltz into enemy territory like this. Still, I wonder which one between the two of them is the master or the puppet...

When I came into the dining room I felt both Bruce and George's glance at me as I walked over to Corina. Leaning down I spoke softly. "Opal has something for you in your room," I whispered in her ear.

She sighed. "I'm not surprised." Corina placed her fork off to the side before climbing to her feet. "Excuse me gentlemen, I'll be back in a moment."

George frowned as he looked between Corina and I. "Is something wrong Ms. Dupont?"

Corina let out a small laugh. "It's nothing too troublesome, my pet cat is stuck in the window screen once again. Taiga tried his best to remove him but Opal isn't exactly a fan of him."

"That is a massive understatement mistress," I muttered.

Corina giggled at my words. "You two have been getting along better lately. Give it more time." Corina left closing the door behind her.

"You two seem close," George said as he stared at me with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Sir," Bruce sighed, his tone sounded slightly disappointed.

"My mistress and I?" I asked slowly.

Who the hell do you think you are?

"You two seem very familiar with each other, the staff agrees apparently," George said.

I let out a small chuckle. "Ah I see, that's surprising." I saw Matthew roll his eyes as he took a drink.

"Sir, is this really the time? They've been incredibly welcoming," Bruce grumbled a scowl on his face.

"It's fine. You're not the first person to be curious about the relationship between Taiga and Corina, I'm sure you meant no harm," Matthew said, giving a small shrug. There was a small smirk on his face.

Careful Matthew or Corina will have to stitch your arm back on after I rip it off.

"Taiga?" George muttered scowling. He chuckled slightly as he looked up at me. "I meant to ask when we met, especially considering your name sounds...strange. You from America young man?"

I forced the most pleasant smile I could manage. "Yes I am. I've lived in this country my whole life."

If the depths of hell count then I've lived in every country honestly.

"Any family? Friends?" He asked as he tapped his finger next to his glass of liquor.

Family...

I shook my head as I frowned. "I have no living relatives and not many friends as I tend to keep to myself. Many of the staff seem almost terrified of me."

"Really?" Bruce said, sounding shocked.

Matthew said nothing as he took another drink, an odd look on his face. Picking up the bottle of wine from the ice bucket on the table I carefully opened it placing the cork off to the side.

As I was refilling everyone's wine glass Corina came back with a cigarette between her fingers as she grumbled softly under her breath. Her sleeves were rolled up to the elbow and her hands looked wet.

"Is something wrong Corina?" Matthew asked her slowly as he watched her sit down.

"Hmm?" She huffed as she put her cigarette out. She looked at me and frowned for a moment, I saw confusion flash across her face. Her eye had a strange, almost dull look to it.

Something isn't right...

"Is something wrong Ms. Dupont?" George asked leaning forward a bit more as he stared at Corina.

When he spoke Corina looked at him as she slowly blinked, then suddenly her eyes went wide for a brief moment before she smiled.

"I am fine." She said softly, her gaze no longer looked hollow.

Matthew seemed to notice Corina's odd behavior as well. "Are you sure? If you need to go rest it's okay."

Corina shook her head. "I said that I'm fine Matthew. I was just concerned, the radio said that due to the severe thunderstorm there were two landslides." She explained waving away his concern.

As if on queue I saw a flash streaked across the sky, a loud boom echoing outside seconds later as droplets of rain began to fall against the window.

That's odd... I didn't smell rain earlier like I usually do. Did Corina...

I saw Bruce wince before he turned to look at Matthew. "Would you mind if I used your telephone to make a call?" He asked, biting his lip.

Matthew opened his mouth to answer but Corina spoke before he could. "Of course not, there's one down the hallway. Taiga please show him the way." She said with a slight smile on her face.

"Yes Mistress," I answered instantly before turning to Bruce. "If you would follow me please."

As he and I left the room I couldn't help but notice the mischievous glint in Corina's eyes. For some reason however it sent an odd chill up my spine.

That look...I've seen it before but where?

~~~

"If I lived here I'd probably get lost rather frequently," Bruce chuckled, sounding slightly embarrassed.

"You are not the first person to tell me those words," I sighed as I glanced at him a frown on my face.

However, despite the fact that I clearly did not want to speak to him, he continued talking.

"I can see why my home is rather modest truthfully. I'm convinced that the dining room could fill two rooms in my house alone," he told me, awe coating his voice.

"Hmm," I hummed softly as I flipped a nearby light switch. However, the light didn't come on down the hallway in front of us.

I'm sure all the light bulbs were working earlier. Unless the storm tripped one of the fuses.

"Is Corina seeing anyone?" Bruce asked suddenly.

I flinched nearly breaking the light switch as I quickly turned to look at him. "Excuse me?" I hissed.

"Oh, I was just wondering since she's an incredibly lovely woman. But from your reaction...her brother did say you two were close," Bruce said softly a frown covering his face.

I glared at him. "You really are an idiot aren't you," I grumbled.

His eyes widened as he crossed his arms. "So it's not true?"

I rolled my eyes as I opened a drawer on a small black table in the hallway. "I'm saying it's none of your business so keep my mistress's name out of your mouth," I growled as I grabbed one of the candles and lighter inside.

After lighting the candle I shoved the lighter back inside the drawer, it rattled slightly as I closed it a bit more forcefully than I would've liked.

I wonder if he is a puppet monster, if so there's a high chance that he can see in the dark.

Bruce let out a soft hum as he continued to follow me down the hallway. The house walls seemed to groan as the storm raged outside, the soft thumping of rain hitting the windows echoed in the hallway.

I stopped as we reached the telephone that sat on an end table close to the bookshelf. "Here, since brain cells seem to be wasted on you make sure to dial zero for the operator," I instructed him.

"Is this how you normally act when no one's watching? You seemed very pleasant the other times we've spoken." Bruce asked, scowling.

"You've insulted my Mistress, and seem very intent on upsetting her with your so-called investigation," I sighed doing my best to keep my voice level.

Bruce's eyes met my own as he stared at me. "Is that the same rage you showed to Corina's mother?" He asked his voice calm as he watched me.

I smiled slightly as the image of me choking Corina's mother filled my head. "I wish I could've shown her this rage, sadly she managed to take her own life before I had the chance to," I admitted a strange calmness washing over my body.

He narrowed his eyes. "From what the staff says she was a very proud woman. I don't believe she'd take her own life, especially considering that self-immolation is an incredibly terrifying way to do so."

I shrugged but said nothing else as I watched him pick up the phone. The moment he came closer I heard something shatter like a porcelain vase falling on the floor, for a moment my vision wavered.

Something glinted in the darkness as Bruce yelped then there was a familiar-sounding click. I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment as I tried to focus my vision.

When I opened my eyes I was staring down the barrel of a gun that Bruce held at me. The phone was still in his other hand the cord had sprouted thick, thorn-covered vines that wrapped around his hand and wrist. The vines held him in place and the more he struggled the tighter the vines seemed to get.

"You! You're the Toymaker aren't you?" He snapped as he glared at me.

Those vines...so that's what Corina was doing. Setting a trap, she must've cast multiple spells in a row. No wonder she was acting strange, spells affecting the weather used to tire Rose out as well.

I smirked as I looked at him the same way a cat would a trapped mouse. "Why don't you shoot me and find out?" I taunted as I allowed my threads to snake toward him. They wrapped loosely around his throat, refusing to tighten despite the fact I badly wanted to wring his neck.

So he's the one giving orders. Interesting...

"Your eyes...you're not..." he whispered with wide eyes. He shook his head. "Which one is it, Corina or Matthew?" He demanded however the gun in his hand shook.

I took a step closer allowing the cold metal of the gun to touch my forehead. "So you specialize in dispersal magic, considering you shattered my glamour with a single touch you're very good at it. Although those filthy angels probably should've given you all the information you need about us," I chuckled as a grin spread across my face.

"Shut your mouth you filthy demonic bastard," he practically snarled, however, he didn't pull the trigger. Whether because he was scared or because he knew it wouldn't do anything I didn't know.

I blew out the candle tossing it off to the side as I forced myself to focus. Closing my eyes I could see the soft glow of his soul pulsing in the darkness. Letting out a hum I opened my eyes.

"Your soul is rather young," I said with a smirk. "How many times have you reincarnated once maybe twice at the most? No wonder they didn't have any faith in you."

I heard multiple loud crashes down the hallway where the dining room was. Bruce froze his eyes going wide as a horrifying screech echoed out.

"George..." he whispered his face pale. His arm fell to his side, the gun falling from his hand.

I wonder which one took care of the puppet, Opal, or Matthew.

I looked up as a soft humming entered my ears. I saw Corina walking down the hallway gun in hand as Opal followed close behind his enormous monstrous form taking up most of the hallway.

Corina wasn't wearing her eyepatch; her red iris seemed to glow brightly in the darkness. Combined with Opal's imposing form looming over her like an enormous shadow, a large Cheshire cat-like smile on his face that exposed his mouth of sharp teeth it was a truly horrifying sight.

Corina smiled at me although her eyes still had a slightly hollow look to them. "Matthew is taking care of the puppet," she informed me. A moment later there was a loud roar followed by another horrifying screeching. "He said that he's going to and I quote 'throw the bastard of a wax figure into the fire to watch him burn." She told me with a slight shrug.

Bruce whimpered but I ignored him. I didn't bother holding back a soft chuckle as I looked down the hallway. "That definitely sounds like Matthew." Turning back to Corina I gave her a once over. "You're not hurt are you? I know you must be tired from using so many smells in such a short amount of time."

For a brief moment, surprise flashed across her face only to be replaced by a warm smile. "I'll be alright. I'm a bit tired and my head hurts but we have more important things to worry about."

Opal picked up Bruce's gun turning it over in his paws a second later before he shoved it in his mouth. Corina watched him expectantly tapping her foot.

Opal spit out the gun letting it fall to the side as he let out a soft purr. "No taste...no magic," he told Corina.

"He used dispersal magic on me, so while he doesn't have magic tied to that weapon he may have others," I warned Corina as I crossed my arms.

She smiled. "I was wondering why your eyes were glowing Taiga. Normally they just looked gray." Letting out a soft hum Corina walked a bit closer to Bruce one hand tucked behind her back.

"If you wanted to fight so badly you should've just pulled me into an arena when you had the chance," she informed him looking slightly bored.

Bruce shuddered. "I...I didn't want to fight," he whispered. He shook his head. "Despite what the Angels said you seemed so nice and welcoming. They said that as long as I didn't do anything wrong it would be alright."

I rolled my eyes and sighed.

He really is young. The poor, poor fool.

Bruce flinched as Corina began laughing. "And you just believed them? You believed me?"

That was when Bruce lunged, lashing out like a wild animal the rage clear on his face. Before Opal or I could move he bounced off of the space in front of Corina, small blue sparks flying into the air as he smacked into her barrier. He yelped as the vines tightened around him even more.

"Corina are you alright?" I asked immediately as I rushed over to her.

She smiled up at me. "Yes, I'm okay. The barrier did its job." She assured me.

Turning back to Bruce her smile widened a look of manic glee in her eyes. Behind her Opal bristled slightly, his fur standing on edge, as a chill crawled its way up my spine I resisted the urge to shudder.

Corina usually doesn't act like this. She can hold a grudge but even when fighting Elise I never saw her look like that. Even her movements seem different somehow...

"I was thinking of releasing you, maybe checking to see if my spellbook had anything relating to wiping memories. But after that little stunt, you just pulled..."Corina trailed off letting out a soft hum. She closed her eyes for a moment biting her lip.

"Mistress?" I said slowly.

"Ah, I've got it!" She suddenly exclaimed her face lighting up.

"You've got what?" Bruce growled clearly past giving any attempt at being nice.

Ignoring him she turned to Opal. "Can you go to the kitchen and fire up the big oven? I'm sure it's low on fuel as well, especially since we were having dinner, so make sure to put a lot of wood inside," she instructed.

Opal nodded slowly letting out a low meow before he turned and lumbered away.

I must've had an odd look on my face because Corina turned to me next. "I was going to shoot Bruce if he tried to attack but then, I thought of something...a lot better," she explained looking slightly pleased with herself.

"It's not the first person I've cooked alive," I sighed. "Colette tends to be very particular about her food."

Corina frowned as she watched me. "Then what's wrong Mikleo?"

It wasn't a question, more of a demand.

"You're a crazy bitch that's what's wrong!" Bruce snapped, his voice strained.

His outburst earned him a nice kick to the chest, a smile of satisfaction spreading over Corina's face as a crack came from his chest.

Bruce screams dissolved into coughs as he curled in on himself the best he could.

"If you want to be tenderized before I put you in the oven you could've just said so," she mumbled.

Down the hall, another roar echoed out rattling the windows.

"Geo-George," Bruce wheezed.

Corina winced her face twisting into a grimace. "Taiga can you lift him up for me, Matthew seems to be taking his time."

Stuffing down my worries I wrapped my wires around Bruce ignoring the way he pitifully struggled.

Corina giggled softly which made Bruce look at her. "Also one more thing since you seem to enjoy poking your nose in my business. In terms of your investigation you two were way off, that woman tried to kill my brother and I along with herself. When I woke up in the burning car she was already dead," she admitted.

At her words Bruce's eyes widened and he stopped struggling, his face pale as milk. "You...you mean..." he began his voice a small whisper.

Corina nodded. "You both probably would've left here alive if you hadn't been so determined in your so-called investigation, but you didn't listen. You came back like a fool and well, here we are."

As she laughed Corina began walking toward the kitchen, I followed her with a small smile on my face.

Seeing her like this is a rare yet wonderful thing. I'm glad that she's enjoying herself, it reminds me of Rose once she got used to the competition.

As we entered the kitchen I saw Opal sitting on the counter, his legs tucked under him. When he saw Bruce Opal licked his lips, his eyes wide.

"I'm surprised that you haven't broken the counter considering your size," I sighed as I stared at Opal.

Bruce began struggling earnestly, nearly hyperventilating as he stared at the oven. "Please! Please just shoot me!" He pleaded frantically tears streaming down his face.

"Oh, now you're begging for that bullet. You didn't think about that when you attacked me or Matthew at his factory, nor did you think about it when you attempted to attack me in the hallway," Corina grumbled as she walked over to the oven.

"I don't know what you're talking about, what factory?" Bruce whimpered.

Corina ignored him as she looked into the oven a scowl on her face.

Wait that's wrong, the puppet monster at the factory wasn't built like George. It had a strange energy clinging to it...

"Mistress...I am afraid to inform you that this fool didn't attack you at the factory," I said softly.

For only a second, I saw an odd yet horrifying look cross Corina's face. A look of pure dark hatred.

A chill surged up my spine and for a brief moment, I froze, my mind going blank under her gaze. Then she smiled but oddly enough it didn't look like Corina's smile.

"Well at least we're taking care of one of our problems," she said giving a small shrug.

"You're a monster! You deserve to burn in hell!" Bruce began shouting as he struggled feebly.

"Already will thank," Corina huffed.

I said nothing as I placed Bruce in the oven. His whimpering and cursing turned into ear piercings screams, his once feeble struggle turning violently as he thrashed against the oven door.

"Hmmm...not as good as a brazen bull but it works," Corina muttered to herself. "Cleaning it will be annoying though."

A smell similar to burning pork filled the air and I couldn't help but lick my lips.

"Don't worry, mistress I'll have it cleaned by morning," I told her.

Walking over to the oven I peered in through the slot, Bruce was still struggling. His eyes were wide open completely bloodshot from the smoke, his skin had turned a reddish-brown similar to that of an oven-roasted turkey. He still struggled, his limbs jerking and flailing slightly, each time he moved I could hear a small crackling noise as his flesh ripped from where it was burnt on to the bottom of the stove.

"I don't hear any more of that godforsaken screeching so I suppose Matthew must've won. Although even if he didn't George should be nothing more than a statue by now," Corina sighed. "Maybe we should've basted him and shoved an apple in the bastard's mouth," she grumbled as she took out a cigarette.

Opal let out a loud purr of agreement. He had returned to his smaller form.

Either way, the food will be delicious.

I let out a low hum before I looked over at her. "This was a wonderful idea, Corina, although it is a bit messier than your previous methods. Did Rose teach you how to do it or did you come up with it yourself?"

Corina's face twisted in disgust then she grinned. "Ugh Rose, no. Don't you remember Mikleo? I've done a lot worse than this before."

At the strange change in Corina's voice, my eyes grew wide. It felt as though I'd been dunked in ice-cold water. However, as she watched me her grin turning into a mocking sneer I could only say a single thing.

"...Millia?"