Page 273 of Coal Hearts

I waited for it to end.

For the pop of a trigger and then nothing.

But...time dragged on, screeching, stretching.

My heart picked up the longer they didn’t kill me.

I bristled and wished they’d get it fucking over with.

Least I could rest then.

Rest just like I’d predicted.

Alone. Always alone.

Guests shouted at Victor to give the order.

Ily said something that was lost in the mutterings of other jewels.

My world drew to a pinprick of just Victor.

Waiting...

Waiting...

“Any last words, Henri Ward?” Propping his elbow on the table, he ran his finger over his bottom lip. “Any words for your superior officer? Want to tell me what police force you work for? How long you’ve been undercover? If there’s any more of you disgusting little rats trying to gnaw their way into my paradise?”

The guard on my left shifted, pressing the muzzle of his gun harder into my skull.

Victor sighed heavily as if it genuinely pained him to do this. “You know, Henri...you’re the first to fool me. I have a knack, you see. A gift at seeing predators where others only see men. And you...you are a predator. I see it even now. Maybe that’s why you were chosen for this assignment. Maybe your captain saw that in you and decided to throw you into our den...or perhaps you’re the best fucking actor I’ve ever seen, and I should present you with an award. Either way, the fact remains...you lied—”

“I didn’t lie.” I growled. “Not to you anyway.” I shrugged. “At least...not about everything.”

“Kill the snitch, Vic. Blow his fucking brains out.” A guest I hadn’t spoken to sidled up to Victor. “I’ll do it. Always wanted to know what it felt like to shoot someone point blank.”

Victor held up his hand, stilling the guards and their shaking arms from the weight of outstretched guns. “Patience, everyone. He’s dead. But...I do have a certain fondness for him, and so...I’ll let you speak, mon ami. One last time.”

One last time.

Those words echoed in my empty mind.

One last time to breathe.

To exist.

What I’d fucking give to have one last sip of Ily’s blood and one last taste of being inside her.

The icy stillness inside me solidified into a glacier. Everything began to sparkle as frost and icicles formed.

What would I give?

Honestly? Truly?

I’d give fucking everything.

Just like I’d been willing to give everything to a brother I didn’t know and a girl I’d only just met. I’d spent my entire life trying to live according to others, but here and now...I had to make the choice to live for me.

And the only way to do that...