Until the tremble in her hand stops.
When her chest falls with her last breath, I slide off the side of the bed, still holding her hand. My knees hit the hardwood floor. My whole body shaking, I bury my face into her sheets to muffle the sound as I fall apart.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
VERA
The tiny window at the bottom of my door opens and someone slides a tray inside. Right before it closes again, a speckle of light catches my eye.
Slowly, on my knees, I inch towards the tray.
In the middle there’s a bowl of cold gruel. No spoon, as always. Carefully, I slide my hand over the rest of the tray.
Could I have imagined it?
No.
My fingertips pause over something smooth and cool. Sharp edges.
Immediately, my heartbeat picks up.
She did listen to me.
Clutching the sharp shard of what I assume is glass close to my chest, I retreat to my corner.
My heart races in my chest. The sound of it fills the still darkness around me.
This is it.
My moment to protect Savage King. To take away Reizei’s chance at winning.
All I have to do is slash my veins open.
This way, he’ll never succeed in breaking me.
I’ve been alone in the darkness for so long, I almost miss him materializing next to me.
“You must endure, my love.” Kitajo’s words caress me.
I shake my head weakly. “I cannot.”
“Vera…”
His hand is at the back of my head, holding me. I’m startled by how realistic it feels. His touch. As if he’s truly here with me.
“Vera, please.” His words are a whisper against my forehead.
“If I endure, they’ll win.” I manage to get the words out. My body is cold. “This is the only way.”
I’m in his arms, my back to his hard chest. He holds me close.
Slowly, I bring the shard to my wrist. When it breaks the skin, it hurts. But the rest of the way…the pain dulls.
I make sure the cuts are deep, vertical.
Once it’s done, I rest the back of my head against his chest. His breathing ruffles my hair.
I can relax now.
