Queen of the Capuano Empire.
A blade runs through the center of each wing, pinning them into the wall.
Bruno’s words echo in my mind:I saw your wings…painted…butterfly wings on the floor…dead.
Beneath the wings, painted in blood are the words.
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”
Taking Gigi into my arms. I climb out of the traincar.
I can’t stay here any longer.
Voices call my name.
Adjusting to Gigi’s weight, I carry her away from the car, and through the trainyard.
All the early mornings at the gym are paying off.
I cradle Gigi close to me.
Matteo and Lucia are up ahead, running to me.
Mom comes around the corner, screaming.
Matteo takes Gigi from my arms.
Everyone is yelling she needs to go to the hospital but the words are a blur.
Someone takes my arm, leading me out of the railyard.
I can’t erase the image of the dead wings.
I thought Bruno was delusional at first, but it’s becoming more and more clear that his dark omen may come true.
All these death threats against me and still no appearance of the queen piece.
Chapter forty-three
I’ve put bullets in people without a second thought.
I’ve commanded men to kill.
I’ve ended bloodlines.
But here in the emergency room, I’m not in charge of anything.
Hands reach for Gigi.
A gurney appears out of nowhere and I’m forced to let her go.
Nurses ask questions. Name. Age. Allergies.
Gigi’s fingers slip from my grasp.
She’s wheeled away down the hall. Her skin pale under the lights. Her eyes closed.
She disappears behind doors I can’t kick down.
