Flames tore through what was left of my soul, consuming every droplet of guilt and grief. These people had been ina cage...like me. They’d been trapped for years...like me. Yet, unlike me, they’d lived in squalor and sickness and Ihatedmyself.
I hated how wronged I’d felt. How powerless I’d been. How I’d had it so fucking easy compared.
Rook had given me my freedom, butthem?
I wasn’t enough.
Ifailed—
Bowing over the dead girl, I tore at my wrist with my teeth.
My lungs filled with glass as the dregs of my ashen blood welled. Not much left, and completely gold—as if the fire alchemised my life-force into pure flame.
It was barely enough for a spoonful.
I couldn’t heal anyone but Rook, but...I had to try. Had to hope.
“Drink.” I pressed my wrist to her slack lips.
My skin split with tiny fissures, criss-crossing my arms to reveal glowing muscles beneath. My mostly dead heart strained against the pressure—remembering how to beat...just for a little while.
I choked on a sob that I’d never see Rook or Whisper again.
I’d chosen this path.
Vengeance destroyed me.
But the girl never drank.
She never opened her eyes and the fire kept building,building.
Curling over her, I coughed up a mouthful of blackened blood. Not gold or even crimson; it splattered against the earth like old oil.
I was dying.
I knew that.
I could feel it creeping, claiming.
And I hated that I regretted my decision.
I was selfish enough to want to reverse time and never leave Rook’s side. Never put her in danger by leaving her. Never be so arrogant to think I could survive.
I failed.
Failed her.
Failed everyone.
Gathering the little girl into my arms, I rocked her as if lullabying her to sleep.
All of this suffering was because of me.
No matter if Marcus had other mountains like this one—if he had more cages and chains—I could end everything with a single swipe.
He needed me.
Whatever he was doing all hinged on my blood.
