Page 683 of Coal Hearts

Didn’t know that Henri was as complicit as us.

He would survive.

He has to.

There’d been too much death.

Far, far too much death.

It was over for me.

I knew that as surely as I felt the binds holding me on this altar.

But it wasn’t over for Henri.

He could go on.

Could do what we had failed.

Please don’t give up. I begged with my twin flame-connected heart. Please get them out...somehow.

Henri staggered and came toward me.

No one said a word as he took my other hand, looking at Peter across the table as both men crowded over me and gave me the same heart-wrenching look.

I’m going to get you out of here. Henri’s ashy gaze vowed.

You can’t. I shrugged. Don’t give yourself away.

His lashes snapped closed as if he couldn’t breathe.

He clutched my fingers with agonising pain.

And then, Victor started the countdown on my life.

“Friends, welcome.”

The Masters stopped rustling.

Their breathing quietened.

Even the surf outside seemed to soften.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to bring you all here this evening. I’m sure you’ve been wondering what my theme for tonight has been, and...I’m ready to tell you.”

Coming toward Henri, he cupped his elbow and tugged him away from me. “Mercer, if you will. Come stand with me, please.”

Henri stiffened.

For a second, I saw a different reality where he whirled on Victor and ripped out his throat. I pictured him as a hurricane of violence like the night of the treasure hunt. He transformed into something unbeatable and slaughtered every Master and guard in here.

But then reality replaced that fantasy.

Eight guards.

Ten Masters.

Completely outnumbered.