Declan places a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his grip firm. “I’ll be right back.”
After he leaves the room, I sink into the chair beside the bed, my gaze locked on Delilah. She doesn’t look any better, and each minute that ticks by brings her that much closer to death.
The Order lives by its own rules and ascertains its priorities, but tonight, I’m creating mine. I’ll sacrifice whatever andwhoever I have to, and the thought isn’t as unsettling as it should be.
A knock sounds at the door, and without a word, June steps inside, followed by Declan. I ignore her and focus on him, taking in the small, rectangular piece of paper in his hand.
“That’s all of them,” he says, handing it to me.
I glance at it quickly.
Five names.
Five addresses.
Five chances to save Delilah.
I look up at him. “Thank you.”
He nods.
“What are you going to do? June asks, her gaze flickering from me to Delilah.
I don’t look at her, my eyes locked on my little raptor. “What needs to be done.”
“That’s unethical. X, you can’t kill those people.”
I turn to her, my expression devoid of emotion. Except rage at her trying to persuade me not to save my girl. “Watch me.”
June’s face pales and her eyes widen. “But?—”
“It’s the only way,” Declan cuts in, his voice calm and even.
She spins to face him. “There’s always another way.”
“Maybe,” he replies, “but she doesn’t have the time. At least none that X is willing to risk.”
June frowns, the crease in her forehead deepening. I dismiss her, turning my attention to Declan when he says to me, “I’m surprised you’re not offering yourself as tribute.”
“I’d rip my heart out of my fucking chest if it meant she’d live,” I say. “But then who would protect her if I’m dead? I won’t leave her alone.”
“Fair.”
“How do I do this properly to ensure the organ remains viable?”
Declan shrugs. “When you kill them, aim for the head. Not the chest.”
“No fucking shit.”
He squints in concentration, his expression serious. “Generally speaking, the heart must be harvested and cooled within four to six hours after death to remain suitable for transplantation. Is that better?”
I nod. “Four hours is plenty of time.”
“Good luck,” Declan says with a wry grin. I turn to leave, but his voice stops me. “I have the initiation ceremony tonight, but I’ll come here afterwards. I’ve told the staff about the upcoming transplant, and the entire surgical team will be waiting for you to arrive.”
“No questions asked?”
Declan shakes his head. “They won’t say a fucking thing if they want to keep breathing.”
