Page 39

He was letting me go. Letting. Why?

It didn’t matter. I’d take the opportunity.

I slid out from under him without looking back. My legs barely cooperated as I crawled toward the cliff edge. I didn’t want to risk that this was a trick. So I decided to get as far from the assassin as possible, as quickly as I could.

So that meant jumping.

The assassin didn’t move to follow.

He simply watched. Fascinated.

Below, the water darkened beneath the cliff's shadow. I prayed it was deep enough and that I could outswim the currents.

Then I plunged off the edge and into the water.

“Until next time, my bunny.” His words followed me down.

Next time.

Age 35

Present

The memory faded.

For a moment, the scent of damp earth lingered, even though there was nothing around me except blood and concrete.

I was on my knees at Aleksandr’s feet, blood pooling around my legs from my dying dolls. Neeve clutched my face, her mouth moving, but I couldn't make out the words.

I squinted at her.

Maybe she wasn’t yelling. Maybe she was just talking

It was unclear.

After several blinks, the room finally steadied enough for me to nod. “I’m okay.” I cracked my neck and stood.

I was unmoored, like a ship lost at sea with no motor, no sails, and no working anchor.

And all of it unsettled me.

I was a ruthless killer. My victims didn’t get to me. They never affected me… and yet, now?

Now I was ripping at my seams.

Aleksandr looked far too pleased with himself. I glared at him.

“Smile, but it won’t matter. Let your assassin come. Let Damon come. I will end him like I’m going to end you.”

The bravado in my voice was entirely false. Aleksandr Volkov wouldn't see any more of my fear. But I was terrified.

Damon—the Russian mole and the hacker fucking with me—was also the assassin who had once almost killed me. He knew my real name. He knew exactly who I was. And if that were true, did he know what I was?

Did he know I was a Fury?

Did he know my weaknesses?

And if he was Aleksandr’s man, why wasn’t he working with Severin? Why hadn’t he told Severin who I was?