I need to find him.
Despite everything, I can’t leave him behind.
The clock chimes six times.
I pace the foyer, clicking my lighter. Behind me, soft footsteps reach my ears.
Ren signs,“Why are you still waiting? You let her go.”
His words dig into my chest—like he’s reached inside, fisted my heart, and given it a hard twist.
“She’s innocent. She deserves a good life.”
“Then why are you still here?”
I don’t answer because we both know the truth.
Deep down there’s a kernel of hope, a selfish desire, that Lana will choose me despite everything.
“Life is too short not to go after what you want. One day,”he presses a hand against his chest,“the ticker’s going to give out. And when that happens…all you’ll have are regrets.”
Ren clasps my shoulder, then motions toward the door.“I’ll get the car ready.”
He walks outside.
I stare at the music box she left behind—twelve petals of glittering gems. I wind it and let our song play.
Beethoven was deaf, and he defied the world’s expectations and composed masterpiece after masterpiece, like this stunning melody, “Für Elise.”
I was lucky twice in my life. First, as a boy who had one unforgettable year with the girl of his dreams. Second, as a murderer who could make her dreams come true, even if it was only for a few months.
An anvil presses down on my lungs.
I snap my lighter shut, slide it into my pocket, and head for the door.
But before I can reach for the handle, it swings wide open, slamming hard against the wall.
I freeze.
A gust of frigid air blows inside. But no cold can stop the sparks racing up my spine.
Because she’s standing there.
Lana.
She’s still in the same outfit she wore earlier—sweatpants, sweatshirt, hair in a messy bun, jacket half-zipped.
“Lana…” My voice catches.
She’s never been more beautiful.
And she came back for me. Choosing me.
Again.
“Elias. Kian. Whatever you want me to call you,” she says, breathless. “I can’t leave. I know you want me to. I know I should. I know it’s stupid for me to stay…”
Tears shine in her eyes. The sight makes me want to rip my heart out and offer it to her as proof of my devotion.
