“Marry me, Daniela,” I say.“Please.I love you so much.Marry me and make me the happiest man in the world.”
For a moment, she doesn’t breathe.
Then she nods, the tiniest movement, and whispers, “Yes.”
I slide the gem into her palm and close her fingers around it.
Her hand is warm.Mine is shaking.
I quickly blow out the last candle that’s still burning.
Franco is dead.
Belinda is safe.
Daniela is alive.
For the first time in months, maybe years, the world feels still.
In the middle of all the wreckage, covered in blood and dust and candle wax, Daniela smiles.
And I crush my mouth to hers.
