Fear

Fear gripped Iris's heart as she listened to the Mayor's words. She knew whatever he wanted her to do couldn't be good, and the way he was looking at her made her skin crawl. Her hands trembled slightly, and she wrapped her arms around herself as if to shield herself from his gaze. Her mind was racing with possibilities, each more terrifying than the last.

The Mayor's smile widened as he noticed her fear. "Oh, don't be afraid, darling," he said, his voice dripping with false reassurance. "It's a simple job really. All you have to do is use that pretty voice of yours to help me with a... little problem I have."

Iris swallowed hard, her mind racing with possibilities. "What... problem?" she managed to ask, her voice hoarse.

The Mayor chuckled, a knowing gleam in his eye. "Oh, it's a rather delicate matter," he said, leaning forward in his chair. "You see, I have a few... associates who have been giving me some trouble. And I need someone with your... persuasive talents to help me change their minds…"

The Mayor's smile was almost predatory now, his eyes fixed on Iris like a cat contemplating a mouse. "You see, darling, I believe that with your natural... charms, you could convince them to... cooperate with me. Wouldn't that be fun? Helping old me out?"

The Mayor's words sent a shiver down Iris's spine. He wanted her to use her singing voice to influence his associates, to make them do as he pleased. She knew the power of her voice, but she had never used it for such manipulative purposes before.

"You have a lovely voice," the Mayor repeated, his gaze roaming over her. "And I have no doubt that once my associates hear it, they will be putty in your hands."

The Mayor's confidence was unnerving. He seemed sure that Iris would agree to do as he asked. "So, what do you say, darling?" he said, leaning forward. "Are you willing to lend me your... services?"

Iris's mind was still racing, but she knew she was in no position to refuse the Mayor's offer. She was trapped in this room, surrounded by his men, and she had little choice. Gathering her courage, she took a deep breath and said, "Yes, I'll do it."

The Mayor's smile widened into a wolfish grin. "Excellent," he said, his voice thick with satisfaction. "I knew you would see things my way, darling."

The Mayor stood up from his chair, his eyes never leaving Iris. "You will sing for my associates, and you will use your voice to sway them to my side. And if you do a good job, darling, I can assure you that I will generously reward you."

Iris steeled herself and asked the Mayor, "Who are these associates you want me to sing for?"

The Mayor leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers together. "Oh, they're a nasty bunch, darling," he said, with a hint of disdain. "They run a few of the local businesses in town. Bars, restaurants, that sort of thing. But they've been causing me some trouble lately, refusing to pay their dues or follow my orders."

The Mayor's voice softened a bit as he continued. "They can be rather... difficult to deal with, darling. But I have no doubt that your lovely voice will have a soothing effect on them. They won't be able to resist your charm and... persuasion."

Iris dared to ask the Mayor, "But what are their names? I need to know who they are if I'm going to sing for them."

The Mayor chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Oh, you don't need to worry about their names, darling," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "You just focus on singing and leaving an impression. I'll handle the rest."

The Mayor's response set off alarm bells in Iris's mind. Why was he avoiding the question of their names? What was he hiding?

She swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady as she said, "But how am I supposed to approach them without knowing their names?"

The Mayor chuckled again, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mockery. "Now now, darling," he said, "don't play coy. You're a smart girl, I'm sure you'll find a way to approach them. Besides, it's not about their names, it's about the power of that charming voice of yours."

The Mayor's response was evasive, and Iris could sense that he was hiding something. But she was in no position to press the issue further. Instead, she tried to sound compliant. "Yes, of course," she said, her voice shaky. "I'll do my best to charm them with my voice."

The Mayor's smile broadened, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "That's the spirit, darling," he said, his tone almost condescending. "Just remember, I'll be watching you closely. And if you succeed, I'll reward you handsomely."

The Mayor's words made Iris's stomach knot. She knew the Mayor's reputation. He was a dangerous man, and she was putting herself in perilous territory by agreeing to work for him. But she had no choice.

"I... I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper..

The Mayor's smile widened further, pleased by her submission. "Good girl," he said, his tone almost mocking. "I knew you'd see things my way."

He stood up from his chair and clapped his hands. "Now, let's get you ready to meet my associates."

The Mayor snapped his fingers, and the door to the room opened, revealing one of his armed lackeys standing there.

"Take her to the back room and get her ready," he ordered, gesturing towards Iris. "And make sure she looks pretty."

The lackey nodded and gestured for Iris to follow him. "Come with me," he said, his voice gruff.

Iris stood up on shaky legs and followed the lackey out of the room, leaving the Mayor behind.

The lackey escorted Iris down a dark, dingy hallway and pushed open a door, revealing a small room. Inside, it was sparsely furnished, with just a chair and a mirror. The lackey nodded at her to enter.

"Wait here," he said, his tone gruff. "Someone will be in to get you ready soon."

The door closed behind her with a thud, and Iris was left alone in the room. She looked around, her stomach twisting with fear and uncertainty. The room was small and cramped, with a single bare lightbulb illuminating the space.

She took a deep breath and looked into the mirror, her own reflection staring back at her. Her face was pale and her eyes were wide with fear.