“What are you saying?” I ask anyone who will answer.
“If you move the wood, you’re going to kill him,” Harrison answers simply.
I sit heavily on the stained floor. “There has to be a way.”
“Magic, maybe,” Simon says. He barely has enough strength to hold his head up, and his words are slurred.
“Terrin!”I yell through our connection.“Terrin! Lucien, anyone!”I call countless more times. Each time met with no response.
“Violet,” Cyrus whispers, barely audible.
“I’m here.” I turn my attention back to the man in front of me. “I’m here.”
“I’m sorry,” he continues. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”
“No one ever intends on death,” Phillipe says.
“Callum?” Cyrus asks.
“Dead,” I answer. I don’t go into detail, and he doesn’t ask.
“Terrin?”
“He and Lucien escaped.” I fight the tears threatening to fall.
“I’m going to die.”
I don’t know what to say. Instead, I lose the battle with my tears. Cursing them on their way down. “I’m here,” I finally answer.
A weak hand covers mine. “You’re amazing, Violet.”
“Leave us!” I shout to the entourage standing behind me. They do as asked without argument.
A stray tear falls to his cheek. “If I’m amazing, it’s because of you.”
He laughs, spitting a stream of blood down the side of his mouth. “I’ve seen many new vampires, and you are the best.”
“At least I’m good at something.” I tease.
“You have to let me die.”
“No,” I answer without hesitation.
“I’m ready. I’ve lived a long life, Violet. It’s time for that to end.”
“What about me?” I ask selfishly.
“Harrison will take care of you. He contacted me about purchasing you back before we left St. Augustine.”He coughs as he speaks, wincing as his chest moves.
“Now is not the time for jokes.”
“I’m not joking,” Cyrus answers. “He respects you and will keep you safe until you are ready.”
“I’m ready now.”
The look in Cyrus’s eyes makes me smile. “We both know that’s not true.”
Cyrus coughs again, closing his eyes as he focuses on being still. “It’s time,” he whispers.
