Page 395 of Coal Hearts

“Six weeks or so.”

“So, it’s yours.” Henri crossed his arms. “She’s carrying your child.”

“And I don’t want it,” Victor snapped, tossing Rachel toward him. “So...do something about it.”

Henri caught Rachel and gently pushed her into the chair he’d vacated. Breathing hard, he scrambled for something to say. “Back in your office. The day you made me talk to my brother. Do you remember what you said?”

“Is this your way of trying to get out of your duties, Mercer?”

“Just answer the fucking question,” Henri snarled. “What did you say to me?”

I shot a look between them, remembering the way Victor had softened and looked at Henri with almost wistful eyes. I’d struggled to breathe. Winded from Victor’s backhand and cradled in Henri’s arms...but I remembered.

It’d given me chills.

Filled me with horror.

The thought of a child being raised in this place...good God.

But if it saved Rachel’s life...

“You said you were in need of an heir,” I whispered. “You said that you created this island because you don’t fit in anywhere else. Henri reminded you that sometimes...you still feel that loneliness.”

Henri threw me a look then nodded. “Ily’s right.” Pointing at Rachel, who sat slouched and crying, he snarled, “There’s your goddamn heir, Vic. Your blood. Your kin.”

Victor crossed his arms.

His face remained unreadable as he studied the jewel he’d so callously asked Henri to dispatch.

It took forever.

His decision came with so many terrible consequences: accept his offspring and innocence would be born into hell. Don’t accept his offspring, and Rachel would die, and Henri would be the one to do it.

Tears stung my eyes as I reached for Rachel’s shaking hands.

I squeezed her.

She squeezed me back.

Finally, Victor nodded. “Fine. If she doesn’t miscarry from the beating I gave her, and survives today’s game, then I’m open to discussion.”

My mind raced.

He’d beaten her hard enough to warrant a miscarriage?

What game?

Maybe it’s kinder to end her.

To just free every jewel in this place and be done with it...including me.

A horribly morbid thought filled my head.

Henri could be our executioner.

A black-hooded, axe-wielding executioner, beheading all of us in one long line.

Henri glanced at me. He flinched at whatever he saw in my eyes.