Page 704 of Coal Hearts

Whatever pulse he thought he felt—

“Again,” Victor commanded. “Get another bucket from the rockpool.”

With an obedient nod, the guard vanished behind the stone-carved podium—heading in the same direction where we’d followed Peter a few months ago while doing our best to avoid Emerald Bruises—then came back with the bucket glistening and dripping.

“Roll him onto his back this time. Dump it on his face,” Victor ordered.

“Yes, Sir.” Kicking Henri’s shoulder, the guard tripped back as Henri’s dead arm slapped against his boot. His legs remained crossed as his shoulder blades landed against the dampness of the cave’s floor.

“Do it.” Victor rolled his eyes. “I don’t have all night.”

Without a word, the guard upended a waterfall of ocean directly over Henri’s bruised and bleeding face.

Peter stiffened beside me.

My heart stopped beating.

And in a moment of sheer joy and absolute despair, Henri groaned and choked. His chest convulsed upward as if he’d been shocked with electricity. His mouth parted and gasping, his eyes flaring wide as he drowned.

And then, the waterfall was over, and the only sound in the entire cave was Henri learning to breathe again and a few snickers from the Masters.

Larry stood close by, his eyes glowing with filth. “Seems he lives.”

“Seems so,” Victor said quietly.

Roland groaned. “Just kill him and be done with it, Vic.” He planted a pudgy hand on Peter’s head, making both of us twitch with hate. “I want to get to the Kiss. Henri’s a traitor, just like he was when he first arrived. Get rid of him so we can have the fun you promised.”

Peter gave me a tragic look. His left eye black and swollen. A red cut striping his bottom lip. His collar glimmered with red specks, and his arms were covered in contusions.

I probably looked the same.

But our injuries were nothing compared to Henri’s.

“Perhaps we should just wrap up this evening and return to The Great Hall?” Stewart said, wrenching my gaze to his. He’d torn off his mask, as had most of the Masters. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’d rather be somewhere warm with a jewel to fuck.”

I struggled to remember the pact we’d all made in the maze.

How he and Ben were on our side.

They hadn’t lifted a finger in our defence.

Either they realised the odds weren’t in our favour or they’d torn up their promises the moment Victor brought us down here.

Throwing Stewart a pissed-off look, Victor scowled. “Always thinking with your dick, Stewart. I have a good mind to revoke your exclusive access to Penelope. You’re getting as pussy-whipped as Henri.”

“Pussy-whipped?” Ben laughed. It sounded genuine, but his eyes flickered warily to his friend and business partner. “Stewart is many things, Vic, but whipped by a woman is not one of them.”

“You know what?” Victor dropped his gentile mask and revealed the absolute monster within. “I am sick to fucking death of people lying to me. Do you think I’m a complete fool? Do you think I’m not aware of how you feel about your jewels? How the games you play with Penelope and Abigail are a fucking joke? Do you think I don’t hear you ask for consent before you whip them?” He shook his head. “You act as if you’re in a relationship with them instead of being their motherfucking Master, and it’s pissing me the fuck off!”

Victor’s tirade bounced off the cave walls.

A few Masters stepped back warily in case they were next in the firing line.

Stewart cleared his throat. “We met you through our dark-web company, Vic. We’re the reason you’re so protected with your technology scramblers that no civilian can buy. You know our background. You know—”

“That you made your wealth being digital warmongers? That you’re the best hackers I’ve ever come across? Yes, I know.” He chuckled. “I also know you hide your wealth in a company that prides itself on philanthropic endeavours and building shelters for women and children. A company that’s public! A company funded by the very underbelly you claim to protect your clients from.” Victor sneered. “I’ve always found you two amusing. It’s why I allowed you to have a membership. But that amusement is swiftly fading.” He tipped his nose. “You’re both getting soft, so don’t think for a fucking moment that I don’t know every single thing that you do. Stop treating me like a fool, both of you.” His eyes scanned everyone. “All of you.” His gaze landed on me. “Especially you.”

His entire face blackened. “I’m sick of all the two-faced fucking liars in this place.” Pointing at me, he laughed. “In fact, you’re the only one who’s never lied to me. You’ve been upfront about your hate for me, even while pretending submission.” Stalking toward me, Victor bent and grabbed me beneath my arms.