Page 347 of Coal Hearts

The man who was my eternal enemy.

Henri fucking Ward.

I hated that my heart clung to his image.

An image before his lies crashed like a house of corrupted cards.

He might’ve fooled me into thinking he had feelings for me. I might’ve fooled myself into thinking I had them for him. But there, in a storm with demons surrounding me, I truly accepted that I was alone.

I’m alone and...about to die.

Unless...

Sex was sex.

My body was just a body.

They can’t touch me...not truly.

No matter what happens to my mortal form.

I’m the watcher within.

And...I don’t have to watch.

Raising my head, I prepared to step into battle, just like Peter.

This would probably destroy me.

I would never be the girl I once was.

I would hate every moment.

Die every second.

But...I’d do it because I was brave enough.

Brave enough to fall in love with thirty jewels and be willing to trade my body, my life, my very soul so they could be free.

Reaching down, I caressed Peter’s wet cheek just as another sheet of lightning turned midnight to daylight. The answering thunder throbbed in my teeth as I gave him a quick, quavering smile. “I’m okay. I’m choosing this. You don’t have to fight for me.”

The three Masters chuckled and crossed their arms. No doubt waiting for me to spout my undying affection and pledge us as soulmates.

Peter wasn’t my soulmate, but he was my friend and purpose.

I’d been brought here to save him.

And so...I’ll save him.

As many times as I can.

“Ily...” He clamped his hand over mine. “Don’t.”

“It’s okay. I’m fine. Everything is fine.” Tugging my fingers back, I wriggled my feet deeper into wet earth.

I visualised a cord of grounding light.

A cord that would keep me safe until all of this was over.