My eyes snap open. Her crumpled face hovers over me.
The light that saves me from the monsters I could never defeat.
“What is this, Salvario?”
She’s crying now.
“What’s hurting you like this?”
“There’s a child here.” I slam my fist into my head.
She catches my fist. “Whose child?”
“Nine-year-old Salvario De Falco.”
I stare at the ceiling, eyes empty.
“He doesn’t want me to live.”
She cups my face, forcing me to meet her eyes.
“What does he want?”
He wants me to kill Alexander. And kill myself. But I can’t tell her that. I can’t tell her I’m still planning to kill her uncle—even when I don’t want to. But I have to.
“He wants me to die.” I give her half the truth.
She wets her lips, steadying herself. “Listen to me. He can’t do that. He can’t control you like this.”
“He shows me memories when I don’t obey.” I whisper, eyes closing. “I hate them.”
Tears slide down my temples.
“I want to live with you, Elowen.” My voice splinters. “But he won’t let me.”
She hugs my face tightly, her tears soaking into my hair.
“Please help me.” I beg her through sobs. “I want to live.”
I break,hugging her waist to my chest.
Chapter 38
Salvario
Her heart thrums beneath my ear, its rhythm folding into mine, quieting every storm inside me.She drags her fingers through my hair, nails grazing lightly against my scalp.
We haven’t spoken in half an hour, but even this silence is soothing. Every second in her arms holds the same weight, whether we’re talking, making love, or lying in silence. These are the only moments I feel truly alive.
“Do you feel him all the time?” she whispers.
I humin response.
“Have you talked to a psychologist about it?”
I hum again. “They tried therapy. It didn’t work.”
“I want to talk to the psychologist who treated Zo. Will you come with me?” She asks softly.
