Page 398 of Coal Hearts

Blinking away my yearning hollowness, I smiled. “Sure.”

“You know what? You can do it.” Victor gave my shoulder a kind squeeze. “I’ve noticed how out of sorts you’ve been, my friend. You came to us alone, and I’m sure it hurts to remain alone, even amongst your own kind.”

A group of Masters, crowded at a nearby table, chose that moment to laugh obnoxiously. Proving that for all my willingness to become one of them, the chances of that happening were probably fucking zero.

For one, I needed a jewel who wasn’t broken.

And two, I didn’t like many people.

“I’m not alone, though.” I braced myself, shaking off his touch. “I have Ily.”

“Yes, your nightmare.”

My lips quirked. “She’s certainly living up to that nickname.”

“Unfortunately.” Victor pouted. “But...I wonder if she’s the right choice for you. Haven’t you begun to suspect she might not be worth the trouble?” He pointed at a few jewels currently serving. A couple kneeled by their Master’s feet. Others on the laps of those who’d finished their breakfast and felt like a different sort of snack. “There are so many other gems to sample. Much better-behaved girls and boys who would be honoured to accept your attention.”

“Yes, well, you know my answer to that.” My eyes swept back to the sliding doors where Ily had disappeared. “I’m still rather attached.”

And, if I’m honest, I would give anything to be free.

I didn’t want to feel this way anymore.

I’d done my best to sink back into my monster’s darkness, but each time she looked at me, that flare of fear and longing kept me awfully fucking...human.

Instead of being free to be who I truly was, it felt as if she’d wrapped a net around me. A net that kept tightening and tightening—a noose that kept strangling, strangling—tying me up in knots and confusing the goddamn shit out of me.

If only the treasure hunt hadn’t happened.

If only I’d found her first and fucked her on the lawn.

If only I didn’t bloody kiss her!

I could’ve remained a beast—as deplorable and as depraved as that was.

Perhaps he’s right.

Maybe I do need to discipline her.

To re-establish our roles in this new life and find my way back to that exquisite sensation of being home.

Sucking in a deep breath, I prepared to step back into the shoes I’d purchased. I might have made my bed by calling my brother and telling him I was staying, but I hadn’t fully dressed in the clothes of my new self.

Today...that changes.

Today, I would be free again, and that jackass part of myself that howled for love would be well and truly slaughtered.

Good fucking riddance.

Grinning, I asked, “What do you want me to tell them? I’m ready to play. I think it will be good...for all of us.”

“That’s the spirit.” Victor slugged me on the arm. “Tell them that I’ve improved Emerald Bruises and increased the stakes. They’ll know what you mean.” He glanced at his diamond-encrusted Rolex—a stark difference to my chipped old Casio. “Announce that the game will begin at the drawbridge, and I have gifts for everyone.”

At the drawbridge?

What on earth did this game entail?

Almost on cue, a procession of guards suddenly marched over the daisy-splashed lawn, spilling from one of the many side entrances of the gothic stronghold. Two pairs of black-suited men carried a heavy crate between them.