Page 682 of Coal Hearts

But in all the rest?

I screamed and screamed until my soul was hoarse, and every lifetime rippled back.

Tears trickled down my face as my heart cracked and bled.

I’d never see Krish again. Never kiss my mum or hug my dad. I’d never cook with my auntie again or ride my bike to visit my cousin at the local gem store. I’d never get to kiss Henri again or dance with Peter again or breathe fresh air or see the night sky again.

I had minutes.

Mere minutes.

And I wouldn’t waste them by screaming.

I couldn’t raise my head, but I could turn.

I looked for him.

Needed him.

I shuddered with relief as our eyes touched.

Henri.

God, Henri.

His grey gaze looked like ash. The fire in his soul burned out until nothing but coal and char remained. His skin pulled tight around worn eyes, his mask unable to hide his fear. His mouth so thin and his cheeks so stark, he looked skeletal in the harsh light.

I might live in terror, but he wore it.

Both of us painted forever by horror.

Now I knew why the velvet black capes all the Masters wore looked so familiar.

I’d seen them before.

In the chest where Caishen and I had found the torches and the chipped knife.

The Masters all fanned out around the cave, taking their places on the carved amphitheatre, their black tourmaline masks making them seem like spectres from hell.

Peter stepped stiffly to my side.

He grabbed my hand on the altar and squeezed.

Victor didn’t stop him.

He merely smiled as if all our secrets were exposed, and he took such pleasure in winning.

Henri dropped his stare where Peter held me.

He trembled as if he was moments away from snapping.

I was proud of him.

So fucking proud that he hadn’t lost his temper. Hadn’t revealed himself.

Victor knew Peter and I were up to something, but he hadn’t said anything about Henri.

I sent up a prayer that he didn’t suspect him.