And can I live withouthim—the dangerous man with a riveting scar, who makes my heart flutter, who has secretly loved me all these years?
“I promised him I’d stay,” I whisper more to myself than to the girls.
I chose him in the dungeon. I chose him again after unlocking the secret room. But this time, it’s different. This time, I’ve felt what he’s trying to protect me from—what it’s like to be this close to dying.
Yes, I’m terrified, but fear doesn’t change my decision.
Mom’s words flit through my mind. She said I was the strongest, the one capable of carrying the burden. Maybe this is what she meant.
“But…you could die,” Scarlett says. “Is that worth it?”
Blowing out a breath, I look up, finding twin concerned expressions. They each take my hand and I squeeze them back, grateful for them.
Images crowd in—the elm tree with our carving, the music box, Elias reading, stargazing with me.
He’s protected me all these years, even when he thought he hated me.
Even when he knew I had a role in his family’s deaths.
It’s time I do my part.
“Some melodies,” I whisper, “you only need to listen once to remember forever.”
“Oh, Lana.” Aria squeals and hugs me tight. “So romantic.”
“Just have Blake say that stuff to you. I, on the other hand, have no one,” Scarlett mutters, a grin tugging her lips when she joins the group hug.
I laugh, a weight lifting off my chest.
Determination surges through me, sparring with the leftover jitters until strength wins.
After pulling back, I grip the pendant over my chest and take out my phone.
I’m not completely helpless.
I have one more card left to play.
Lana
Are you ready for a deal? Because if you are, I want to talk.
Tristan’s response comes minutes later.
Geraldine’s Chocolates
Paperwork’s finalized. Immunity provided no additional capital offense. The best I could do. Let’s meet.
I stare at the screen, my heart thrumming.
Maybe I can save Elias this time.
Chapter 50: THE MASK’S LAST GIFT
“She’s going to befine,” Sofia murmurs from the passenger seat. “Lana is tough. Anderson genes. Stubborn as hell.”
I nod, knuckles white on the steering wheel as I speed toward Chicago Memorial for my meeting with the masked phantom.
Time to put an end to this cloak and dagger shit.
