Page 734 of Coal Hearts

Peter’s voice echoed in my ears from when I’d watched the guards strap Henri onto the altar in the Temple of Facets.

“Not yet, jaanu...not yet.”

I still didn’t know what he meant or when not yet would be.

But...not yet.

I wouldn’t give up.

Not yet.

A particularly bright star glimmered above, twinkling in its freedom. It looked like one of the stars I regularly visited in my meditations.

I found comfort in its brightness.

A tiny pinprick of light in a cloak of black.

All it took was one.

Just a single dot of light to break the oppressiveness of the night.

Pressing my fingertips to the glass, I stared at that glittering diamond in the sky and made a wish like I used to when I was a child.

I closed my eyes.

I found that centre of calm and begged someone to hear me.

“Please...come for us. We can’t do this on our own. We tried. We failed. If you’re out there...please hurry—”

The door swung wide, cutting off my prayer and wrenching my eyes open.

“Time to go, little jewel.” The guard who’d shoved me into the bedroom waved his arm toward the corridor. “Quickly now.”

I’d contemplated asking him if he was one of Stewart and Ben’s friends. I’d stared into his eyes, doing my best to see if he played two roles. But I hadn’t dared ask. Not because he might tattle on me but because the cameras certainly would.

If he was on our side, it didn’t matter.

There weren’t enough on our side, and as long as it remained an unwinnable fight, no one would stand up against Victor because everyone had seen what happened to Henri.

A Master turned slave.

Yet another jewel at the whim of Victor’s monstrous mercy.

“Get. Now.” The guard snapped his fingers, his brown hair spiked with gel.

Standing on hunger-shaky legs, I left my blanket behind and padded barefoot toward him. I’d found a single piece of clothing on the bed after my shower and chose to wear it instead of letting pride keep me bare.

The guard’s dark gaze raked over me. He grinned. “That colour suits you.”

Smoothing down the tightest, slinkiest silver teddy, I held my chin high even as my nipples pebbled the satin and cool air licked between my naked legs.

Victor had dressed me in silver.

Dressed me like the star I’d just wished upon.

It was up to me to continue glowing...for just a little longer.

* * * * *