I choke out a sob as I hurl myself at her, hugging her with one arm before I lean down and press my lips to the little bundle at her chest.
I’ll see you soon, Lark.
I swear it.
I'm truly sorry we can’t all go together.
“I love you,” I choke against my infant daughter. Then I pull away.
“Keep her away from him!” I sob again, tears streaming down my face as I hold Dove to my chest. “Promise me, Agatha!!”
She's sobbing as she nods, hugging Lark close to her body.
I swallow and turn to the two men. “Take them!Go!”
I stand with Dove in my arms on the black, moonless beach, the wrath of a furious god crashing around us, watching as half of my heart motors away into the night.
Iwillsee them again.
I’ve arranged for two separate escapes. Agatha will take Lark and meet the Obsidian Syndicate’s people in Canada. Dove and I are being driven through the night to Chicago. Eventually, the four of us will meet up in London and start new lives.
Dove starts to cry as I run back up the beach, my breath ragged as I battle the roaring wind. I pause for a moment at the cabin where my daughters were born barely three weeks ago. A tight smile pulls at my lips.
We’re getting out, my darlings.
We’re starting over.
I lean into the wind, clutching Dove tighter as I rush up the gravel driveway to the main road.
Please be here.
Please don’t be late.
I round the last corner past the dunes, and when lighting splits the sky, I see the SUV waiting for us. The driver flashes his headlights when he sees me, and my heart surges.
“It’s okay, baby girl,” I coo into the top of Dove’s head. “We’re safe now. We’re going away. I can’t wait to show you the world.”
The back door swings open.
“Right on time!” I smile. “I’m so glad you?—”
No.
This can’t be happening.
“Hello, Lydia.”
My husband stares blankly at me from the back seat.
“Is that my daughter? Is that our Dove?”
I shake my head, my heart thudding even louder than the storm against my chest. “No,” I choke. “She’s not yours. She’llneverbe?—”
I scream, flinching and turning away to shield my baby from the gun he’s just pulled out.
“Lydia!” he barks. “Give her to me. Now!”
I shake my head, sobbing into the wind and holding her close.
