Page 257 of Sinister

“I love you, too. So damn much. Now we can be together. The two of us and . . .” he trails off as he places his hand to her stomach. “And our baby.” He takes a deep breath. “I can’t believe we made a baby,” he whispers.

“We did,” she replies. “We’re going to be a family.”

They continue to hold each other tightly. Despite my reservations about Arnoult, he seems to really care about her. I suppose that is enough for me—for now.

As they break apart, Leah turns to me, her eyes misty. “Thank you, Petra. Thank you for everything,” she murmurs in a low, broken voice.

“Of course. I told you I would help. I just want to see you happy, Leah.”

She smiles and glances at Arnoult. “I will be now. That I vow to you. He’s all I need to be happy.”

The sight of the two lovers, so clearly in love, warms my heart and, in turn, makes me happy.

“We should leave,” Sin says, but no sooner does he speak than a low, malevolent laughter reverberates through the stillness of the night.

We all freeze in place.

A slow clap follows, then another bout of laughter.

“Thank you, my dear Leah, for finally bringing me face-to-face with this snake,” Snowden reveals, stepping forward.

We watch, stunned.

Had he been here the entire time?

No. That’s not possible . . . is it?

Was this all a ruse? Her note? Was it all a trap?

Arnoult’s expression is one of shock. Leah’s is one of disbelief. Whatever this is, I don’t think it’s of her doing.

The gates swing open, and Snowden casually struts toward us. Behind him trails a shadowy figure.

My breath leaves my body as I realize who it is.

The creature. The undead creature.

Arnoult pushes Leah behind him, ready to protect her with his body.

“So naughty of you to get my daughter pregnant, Sinclair. That’s not what old friends do, is it?”

“Sin, take Leah and Petra and get out of here. This is between me and Snowden.”

“No, no,” Snowden replies in a singsong voice. “I’m afraid I can’t let you do that. You’re not going anywhere with my property.”

His gaze goes from Leah to me, implying we both belong to him.

He is insane!

“I should have realized there was something amiss with you, Petra. Your presence always gave me a headache.”

“I’m glad,” I grumble under my breath.

“You’re not the docile little thing your father advertised. Too bad. I suppose I shall have to recommence my search for another bride. After I get rid of you, of course.”

“You really think you’re going to get away with it?” Sin challenges, brow raised. “Without Arnoult, you are nothing.”

“Perhaps. But I still have this,” he says as he holds up his hand, and the walking corpse moves next to him.