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“Everything was a lie? Getting close to me, to Valik”—my eyes burned into her—“the attack? Ryzen attacking you? All made up?”
“Now you’re catching on.” Ryzen leaned against the fireplace and crossed his ankle over the other one. “When I found her all by herself all those months ago, I was just planning on killing her to get back at this schmuck.” He pointed his gun at Kaviathin. “But then we struck a deal instead. I’d help her kill her family, and she would help me get you and Blackwood once and for all. I tell you what, Nova”—he shook his head—“I didn’t think you were going to fall for it, but you’re too soft. You want to help people too much. And that’s where you fucked up.”
My mind raced as I thought back to all the times we had spoken, all the fears I had shared with her. Then to that day in the store, when Valik had had our costumes with the masks. That had been her. Ryzen attacking me at the club was all her fault. I clenched my fists, my nostrils flaring at all the revelations.
“But why, Milliani? Why did you do it?” I hated the way my voice shook, how desperate I sounded.
“Because, Nova,” she sighed, “you cannot kill an entire Mafia family without consequences. I would be hunted and killed for my crimes. But this way”—she pointed her gun between Ryzen and me—“this way I get to live, and the actual monsters get to die.” She cocked her gun, pointing it at Kaviathin’s head. His expression was unreadable. “May the soil be light on you, brother.”
My entire body went rigid; I had to do something to stop her. “Wait,” I shouted. “Where’s Juliet? Did you fucking hurt her? Did you?”
Milliani rolled her eyes and dropped her hand. “She and Althazair were too busy trying to save your friend. They didn’t even notice when I slipped past them.” A crooked smile formed on her face. “But rest assured, I will make it quick and painless for her. I promise.”
“And Thora? What about her, you bitch?”
Her brow furrowed, and she glanced around the room, as if just realizing Thora wasn’t here. She turned to Ryzen. “Do you have her?”
Ryzen straightened and visibly swallowed. “No, I thought you took care of her. That was the plan,” he huffed.
“I thought she was with you. Fuck.” She wiped her forehead. “Where the hell is she, then?”
“I’m right here, bitch.” Thora burst through the door, her rifle aimed at Milliani, and Kaviathin pushed me to the side as shots rang out all around. Milliani let out a blood-curdling scream as Thora fired, hitting Milliani in her chest. She stumbled to the ground, and Thora fired again, hitting her right in the neck.
“Fuck!” Ryzen screamed and shot wildly around the room, hitting Thora in the leg. She screamed and fell to the ground, rolling over behind the couch.
“Now, Nova,” Cian roared.
I didn’t hesitate as I pushed myself up and launched myself at Ryzen. It was like time stood still, his eyes widening as I lunged at him. He turned his gun towards me, shooting as I pushed him with all the force I could muster, a burning sensation running up my shoulder. He stumbled backwards, crashing into the fireplace, which instantly ignited his snowsuit. I rolled to the side, a piercing scream escaping his lips as the flames consumed his body, setting his hair on fire. He flailed his arms around, shooting erratically as he stumbled into the curtains, catching them on fire too. Within mere seconds, it had spread, and the living room became engulfed in a raging inferno.
Ryzen rolled around on the ground, swatting his body to get the flames out. Kaviathin grabbed Milliani’s gun and shot him in the back, and he stilled. Black smoke filled the room, and I covered my mouth as I rushed over to Cian and untied the ropes.
“Kaviathin,” I yelled and pointed at the back room.
He nodded, understanding immediately. Cian stood and almost stumbled to the ground. Blood was gushing from the wound on his stomach, and my heart stopped. Ryzen had fucking shot him. “Oh, my God, baby. Hold on,” I screamed.
Hands tugged me backwards, and I twisted frantically, trying to get them off me. “Nova, move,” Juliet yelled in my ear. I stumbled backwards, Althazair rushing past me and dragging Cian towards the front door as the flames spread. Juliet tugged on my hand, and I looked up to see Valik and Orin holding each other as they ran out the front. Kaviathin picked up Thora from behind the couch and carried her outside, Juliet and I right on his heels.
We collapsed in the snow, and I gasped for fresh air. My entire body was covered in soot. Althazair ripped off his jacket and held it on Cian’s stomach. I crawled over, the snow making my hands numb as tears streaked down my face.
“Cian,” I sobbed. His eyes were closed, blood covering most of his body. “Cian!” I screamed and stroked his cheek. “Just hold on.”
Sirens echoed in the distance, blue and red lights filling the black void of the night as the vehicles approached. Sophie and Elsie ran towards us, their eyes wide at the mayhem unfolding in front of their eyes.
“Nova,” Cian wheezed and gripped my hand in his. There was barely any pressure, and my heart slammed into my chest. “I love you, little star.”
“Shh,” I whispered. “I love you too. Just hold on, Cian. Just hold on.”
I couldn’t fucking lose him.
Not now.
Not after everything.
The windows exploded out from the cabin as the fire raged on, and I shielded him from the flying debris. As smoke enveloped the area, I sent a silent thank you to the universe, knowing Ryzen was getting exactly what he deserved as the cabin burned.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Nova
