“This is really good!”
I tune him out, glancing occasionally at the screen, watching as he progresses, but my nerves are shot.
Light fades, and the sun sets, finally plunging us into darkness and the bitter cold of winter. But the lights, the candlelight glows, illuminating strangers and friends alike.
My stomach churns. Will it be enough? Will they forgive my deception?
Chapter 33
Cordelia
I’ve waited until I think I’m going to go insane. The cream jacket has kept me warm, but my fingers are numb.
“Am I last?”
“We thought you might need some more time.” Lorelei says. “Are you ready?”
I look up at her and see the concern on her face.
“I am. I’m going to tell them everything.”
“Okay, good luck.” She pauses. “Cordelia?”
“Yes?”
“I’m proud of you.” She pats me awkwardly on the shoulder.
Lorelei steps back and turns to face the waiting crowd, transforming into a Pack Maker. “Our final match. Sebastian Sol, Fenix Blizzard, Katsu Blizzard, and Cordelia Lake. Will they find their truths? Will they choose each other? Are they a light in the night? Let’s find out.”
I stand up and walk to the stairs, following the path of glowing lights. The beach is lit up. In between the lights on the white satin are rose petals that I suspect came from my mother’s flower dyeing business.
I walk quickly, but it feels like forever, and maybe that’s exactly the point. Perhaps I’m supposed to think, to question, to have doubts. But I don’t have any.
I’ve made my decision.
I see them waiting for me in that beautiful circle of light. The fake candles look remarkably like real ones, and behind the guys is an arch of red roses.
“You can do this,” I tell myself, and I know I can.
I get to them, and they look amazing. Perfect, even.
“I-” Sebastian starts, but I hold up a hand.
“You look-”
“No, please let me speak first,” I say, cutting Katsu off. “Please, if I don’t say it now, I won’t.”
Katsu nods. “Okay. We’re listening.”
I take another deep breath. “The fact is that I love you. I do, totally and completely, with everything in me. I love your quiet strength, Katsu, and how you take care of everyone. The way your kindness just radiates out of you is what drew me to you. But I think you need someone to take care of you, too. Fox, you have the kindest, most gentle soul, and I want only the most beautiful things for you. You both captivate me.”
Sebastian stares at me as I turn to him.
“You have been my every waking and dreaming thought. The strength I needed to fight, the push in the right direction. You challenge me, and I am yours. It is that simple. You know I am.”
I hold up a hand, stopping him from speaking again. “But there is something I have to tell you. And it’s really important.” I pause to breathe because I feel like I can’t. I feel like I’m about to screw this whole thing up. But I have to do this. Rip it off, do it quickly. I inhale, and on the exhale, I confess. “I am Lynn Marino.”
The crowd erupts from the street, I shift uneasily and try to drown them out.
