Page 672 of Coal Hearts

I dug my fingers into his back. “I know but you’ll love someone far deeper than me. When you find her, you’ll understand.”

Sniffing back grief, he murmured, “Do you know he said he’d step aside if you ever chose me?” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “Fucking bastard showed me in one sentence he wasn’t faking how he felt. He didn’t threaten me. Didn’t even tell me to back off.” He stepped away and rearranged some of the layers of my dress with tender fingers. “The fact that he put your own happiness above his own told me everything. He loves you, jaanu. So much. And...fuck, if I can see it, then everyone can.” He flicked a look at Victor who toasted Roland as a waiter topped up their wine goblets. “He can see it. He knows.”

Henri brushed aside the fabric, his eyes narrowing at how close we stood to each other. “Everything okay?” His hand twitched toward me, but he snatched it back.

Giving me space.

Giving me to Peter for a few seconds.

If I didn’t love him already, I would’ve for that alone.

“We’re fine. Just...two minutes.”

It cost him.

I saw it in his eyes, but he nodded and turned his back, guarding us from cameras and Victor.

“You think Victor knows more than what he’s showing?” I whispered, a cold draft howling down my spine.

“I think he’s used to keeping his cards close to his chest and likes the hunt.” Peter slouched. “In the five years I’ve served him, he’s always the happiest when he’s got a winning hand. H-He’s hiding something.” He crossed his arms, hugging himself. “I just don’t know what.”

“If he knew about our presents and plans, surely he would’ve—”

“Nah, I don’t think it’s that.” He shook his head. “Faiza checks the locations each time she cleans. Nothing has been touched or moved.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t know. But something doesn’t feel right. It feels like a storm gathering on the horizon. Don’t you sense it too?” He ran his hand over his arm, rubbing at goosebumps. “It’s building. The energy in here is off the fucking charts.”

“Give me a sec.” Grounding myself, I visualised silver roots growing out of my feet and feathering deep into the ground. Closing my eyes, I shivered as golden light cascaded through my chakras and—

“Oh my God, how could I be so blind?” Peter gasped.

My eyes ripped open just in time to see him stagger back, his gaze locked on my face.

“What...what happened?” I reached for him.

Henri suddenly appeared. “See what? What didn’t you see, Pete?” Grabbing Peter by the elbow, he fought the urge to shake him. “Spit it the hell out.”

Peter let out a guttural groan that tore at my insides. “The masks. The crown she’s wearing...they’re...he’s dressed us in fucking diamonds.”

Henri gave me a horrified look.

I touched the crown atop my head and swayed as I studied Peter.

His mask.

His outfit.

Not an angel.

A diamond—

“He knows.” Henri grabbed me. “He knows about the chit.”

I trembled. “But—”

“Gentlemen!” Victor’s voice cut through the classical strings and stopped my heart. Through the hazy shimmering fabric, all three of us froze as Victor stood on a small stage and raised his goblet. “Happy Halloween!”