My mind drifts as I fight to stay conscious. It’s an internal war. I so want to give up, but there is a fire burning low in my gut that refuses to quit.
It’s that survival instinct that kept me alive through six years of torture. Even when I knew things were bleak, I couldn’t make myself quit.
Then I see Kira. It’s a kaleidoscope flashing through my mind. Memories of her.
And her scream just before I lost consciousness.
I open my eyes again.
I will die. I know that, but I can save her from a brutal death. Could I kill her to save her?
I have to. I will not let her be tortured. I know what that feels like. For her, it would be far worse.
I drag myself upright, using the wall for support. My legs barely hold me, but I force them to work. I move to test the cell door.
Still locked. Still solid. Still impossible.
Viktor's words echo in my head:"Your precious Kira never lifted a finger against you."
The familiar feeling of powerlessness threatens to drown me. This is Georgia all over again—locked away while terrible things happen, unable to stop any of it.
Except this time, the woman I love is the one suffering because of my failures.
Then I hear them.
Chapel bells.
The sound drifts down from somewhere above, clear and mocking. Beautiful bells announcing a wedding. Or two.
My blood runs cold.
It's happening. Right now. Roman is marrying Anya while forcing Kira to watch. Destroying both sisters in one calculated move.
And I'm locked in a cell, bleeding and useless.
I slam my fist against the wall, ignoring the fresh pain. Scream until my throat is raw. Pull at the bars until I have no more strength.
Until I hear
footsteps in the hallway.
This is it. This is when I die.
I turn as the cell door opens. I will look my executioner in the eye.
Viktor stands there, looking older than death itself. He's holding a gun—small caliber, suppressor attached.
"You?" My voice is raw. I thought Roman would want the satisfaction of ending me.
"I’m here to finish it." He steps inside. "This is my wedding gift to Roman. You, permanently silenced."
"He's going to kill you too." I lean against the wall, too weak to fight properly. "You know that, right?"
"I know." He raises the gun. “But this buys me time.”
“Time to do more evil.”
Viktor's smile is bitter. "You were the perfect weapon. Aimed at exactly the wrong target."
