I slam my forehead into Vladimir’s face—hard.
The crack of bone echoes through the warehouse.
He staggers back with a curse. “Blyat’—!”
I twist free and lunge toward the doorway.
“Noah!”
Hands grab me before I make two steps.
One of the guards punches me hard in the ribs. Air explodes from my lungs.
Vladimir wipes blood from his nose.
“You really are spirited,” he says.
He steps forward again, knife raised.
Across the room Noah is sobbing, reaching for me.
“Mom!”
The blade lifts toward my throat. My whole life flashes before my eyes.
I’m sorry, Noah. I’m sorry I was such a bad mother. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a better life. I’m sorry I didn’t get to say“I love you” back this morning.
I’m sorry I won’t be there for you.
But your father will be. I’m sure of it.
Nico… He will come for you.
Like he was going to come for me.
I squeeze my eyes shut. Tears stream down my cheeks.
I’m sorry, Nico.
I’m sorry I wasted seven years.
I’m sorry I won’t be able to have that future we talked about with you. That I won’t get to be your queen after all.
Goodbye.
Then—
The warehouse doors explode inward.
Metal crashes against concrete. Every head in the room turns.
And Nico’s voice cuts through the chaos like thunder.
“Hands off my queen, you piece of shit.”
22
NICO
