The danger of the situation increases tenfold. “We have to go,” I say to Lysander. “Now.”
Lysander nods.
“He is unstable,” Favian warns as we turn to leave, “and he is heading toward the grounds.”
“Thank you.” Then without another thought, we race down the hallway toward the back doors.
“May you reach her before he does,” Favian calls after us, “or may God help her.”
Chapter 16
Haven
Holding up my skirts high above my knees, my heeled boots sink into the deep snow with every step. I need to move fast, run faster, but the depth of the freshly fallen snow slows me down and makes it harder.
Emma struggles to keep up at my side. Bursts of frozen breath appear and vanish before her pale lips, and her green eyes are wide with panic. We both aim for the forest line. Our salvation.
The weapon in my hand feels heavier now, my palm slippery around the handle. Then, I hear the very thing that shatters my world.
“Haven!”
Henri.
He’s coming after us.
I can turn around and fight him. At least then, Emma has a chance to get away, but then what? What will become of me?
“Emma,” I gasp against the wind, “do not stop running.”
Her eyes snap my way.
“No matter what, don’t stop running!” I stop suddenly, and when Emma begins to slow, I wave her on. “Go Emma. Run!”
Emma picks up her pace, her blonde head down to hide the tears streaming down her face.
I turn to face my own demon head on. Sucking in as much frigid air as my lungs can hold, I raise my sword.
Henri is taking long strides to reach me, his black hair whipping wildly around his face. He looks deranged. Like a madman. When he spots the blade in my hands, a wicked grin transforms his face.
He’ll be on me in seconds.
“Haven,” he calls to me in a song-like way. “How did you get that sword?”
I shift on my feet and hold the weapon with both hands in front of me. I point the tip at him as he hurtles toward me.
Impossible. There’s no way I’m going to be able to fight him and win. All he’s going to do is rip the sword from my grasp and drag me back to his bedroom to have me tied up again.
Dread seizes me. I’m never going to escape him. I’ll be his slave forever.
No, I would rather die than go back with him.
Lifting the blade, my reflection shines back at me with fierce determination.
I would rather die.
The realization of what I have to do hits me.I would rather die.
Without another thought, I flip the sword around and plunge it into my own stomach. The pain is instant and all-consuming, sending me to my knees.
