I could have you on my back and into the woods before they realize you’re missing, Oberi offered.And by the time they begin the search, the Demigod Guardians will have you in a safe place. The Warden and his men will never find you.
My throat tightened as I tasted freedom. It’d be so easy… the simplest run from the law I’d ever made, and here it was, right within my grasp.
Charlie had told me to leave if I had the chance. He’d made mepromiseto escape if there was even a slight possibility that I could.
It’s up to you. Oberi blinked at me with her full, black eyes.
Something crinkled in my pocket. I looked down, opened the letter that Hemlock had given me. I read the scrawled handwriting, before I wrinkled my nose and crushed the paper within my hand.
I rolled toward the window. I leaned out and tasted the salty air, inhaling a fresh, cleansing breath as the wind kissed my face.
The way the breeze caressed my hair away from my eyes reminded me too much of him. In one brisk movement, I put my hands on the pane and slammed the window shut.
* * *
A half an hour later, I rolled back into the courtroom with Oberi at my side. Takahashi followed behind solemnly— he’d been sad, and yet, understanding. We hadn’t spoken a word, but I knew how that’s how he must’ve felt. At the same time, a semblance of pride had shown on his face when he’d found me still hanging around the waiting room. Maybe his counseling sessions had done some good after all.
A sour taste muddled the effect of any moral high ground I might’ve felt from my decision. I remembered the words the Warden had written on the letter Hemlock had given me.
It doesn’t matter you’re outside my walls. No matter where on this earth you go, no matter where you plan to hide, you will never be able to outrun me.
I will always be inside your head. And for the rest of your days, that will be a prison you will never escape.
The Warden knew me better than I thought he did. That’s why he’d agreed to allow Takahashi to be my only escort. He was certain I wouldn’t be able to let this go, and I’d have to see this trial through.
He knew, above all, I couldn’t leave Charlie behind. I would never run from the Institute, not without my friends or my husband. That’s why he didn’t send a guard with me. He wasn’t worried about me breaking free, because he knew I’d come back.
And he was right. I was still his prisoner. No matter where I was, I’d never be able to escape the Warden, because he was a part of me now.
But I was a part of him, too. And I hoped that piece of Ava-Marie that festered inside of the Warden poisoned him every day.
The judge called everyone to order, and John stood, waiting on the verdict. Tension filled the courtroom, and it infected my limbs like ice. I knew if anyone were to touch me at that moment, I’d shatter.Ancestors, please, hear me. Don’t let him get away with this.
Judge Tellus opened his mouth, but all I heard was white noise, and the sound of the whispering voices in my head. There was action in the courtroom— applause, people jumping to their feet. I heard the distinct sound of Rosary wailing, and I watched as the judge left the stand, almost in slow motion. The feeling in my veins changed from ice to wading through water.
Wha…. what? I thought vacantly.What did he say?
Thirteen years in Kinpago Penitentiary, Oberi said, satisfied.Eleven for the attempted murder on Miss Flynnia, and two for the crime he committed against you.
He didn’t give John any time for the four other girls he attacked?
Unfortunately not,Oberi replied grimly.He stated there wasn’t enough evidence.
I fixated on John’s expression. His mouth was slightly open, and the color had completely drained from his face. Fear shone in his eyes as the bailiff proceeded to put his shaking wrists in handcuffs and take him away.
He glanced back over his shoulder at me. The terror left his eyes for a brief moment, to be replaced by the darkest flash of hatred I’d ever seen. He blamed me for this.
I didn’t look away this time. Instead, I allowed our gazes to connect.I’m not afraid of you anymore, I thought.And now, you’re finally getting what you deserve.
I gave my signature Ava-Marie smirk to send him off, because I wanted it to be the last thing about the free world that he remembered. Then, he was gone from my life forever.
The girls around me had mixed emotions. Two of them were hugging. The girl who’d nearly been killed cried harder, clearly out of relief. The girl beside me clenched on to her tissue, her lips set in a thin visage of rage, like she believed John had gotten off easy.
I touched her arm. She looked down at me, then gave a short nod.
“I guess it’s something,” she replied. “That’s what matters.”
“It is,” I said. “And it took all of us to bring him down together. I’m glad that you were brave enough to come forward.”
