Page 712 of Coal Hearts

Victor smiled. “Thank you.” Taking the box, he placed it beside Henri’s hip. Tapping Henri’s cheek, he waited for him to wake up.

He didn’t.

Victor huffed in disappointment, but his navy eyes narrowed as the Masters gathered closer.

Ferdinand asked, “You gonna give him the Kiss, Vic?”

Victor shook his head with a regal sniff. “I’m afraid any Diamond Kisses have been postponed for the evening. My deepest apologies.”

“What?” Larry coughed. “But—”

“Why not three Diamond Kisses?” Ian asked. “Her, Peter, and him.”

“Because I have a better idea.” Victor grinned as he opened the box. “And I need them alive. For a little longer.”

My heart fell out of my chest as the glint of gold bounced around the cave.

I froze on the cave floor, drowning in a puddle of icy seawater.

“No.” I scrambled to my feet, but a guard kicked my ankle, sending me down again. “Don’t do this. Don’t—”

“It’s already done.” Victor smirked. With tender fingers, he pulled out the golden collar and, without a word, snapped it into place around Henri’s bruised neck.

I gagged in horror.

I couldn’t breathe as he nodded at a guard who held up Henri’s slack hand. With a grin, Victor secured one cuff, then two, shackling Henri in gold just like every jewel on this island.

Wiping his hands with a smug smile, Victor said, “Take him to—”

“You bastard!” I lost myself.

Soaring upright, I launched myself at him.

I managed to send him tripping backward.

Until something struck me in the head.

And everything went dark.

Chapter Three

...............................

Henri

––––––––

FOR AN ENDLESS ETERNITY, I existed with one foot in this world and one in the next.

Some days, I woke with coherency. I’d stay awake long enough to follow the black roof of the dungeon, trace the walls dripping with icy dew, and focus on Ily and Peter shackled by their collars across the small cell.

I’d count the bars locking us from freedom.

I’d trace the scratchy woollen blanket I lay on and groan as every bone throbbed as if they’d splintered into pieces.

But then the thickness in my head would win.

The fog would return...and I’d slip away.