Page 543 of Coal Hearts

I hadn’t been summoned.

I’d waited until two a.m. before going back to her, grateful to find Ily asleep in our bed.

She’d faced my side.

Hugged my pillow to her chest.

I’d slipped under the covers and stared at her. I’d memorised every eyelash, then fallen asleep...

I shuddered.

My other nightmares had been of sisters I couldn’t save.

Mothers I’d abused.

They’d been absolutely agonising, but this one? This one tore me into motherfucking pieces.

She chose death over me.

She hates me.

I sucked in air.

I gagged on oxygen.

Smashing my way out of the fortress, I broke into a sprint toward the battlement wall. Moonlight splashed so bright, it lit up the gardens like a silver midday. Pewter shadows and monochrome grass blurred as I ran faster, faster.

She hates me.

Hates me.

Said my mind.

You love her.

Love her.

Said my heart.

Make it stop.

Make it stop.

Begged my soul.

Only one person could do that.

Only one brother who’d promised to end me.

I was ready for peace.

I wanted it over.

Reaching the wall, I sucked in huge heaves of oxygen and searched for the cameras.

No blinking red lights.

No guards and their snipers.