Page 548 of Coal Hearts

“We’ll play within the guidelines from now on, never fear.” Another laughed.

“Good, I’m glad.” Victor bounced on the balls of his feet, brimming with energy. “In that case...I have gifts for you. But first...how has everyone been?”

“Better now we’re all back, Vic!” someone said.

“Come on, show us the new stock, mate!” Another snickered. “I caught a glimpse of them when you arrived, and a couple looked right up my alley!”

Oh God.

My skin pebbled with frost and fire.

How many?

How many had been trafficked into this hellhole this time?

How many more do we need to save?

Another bang in the foyer followed by a pitiful cry.

Sickness crawled up my throat.

Henri stiffened.

Peter rolled his shoulders across the room, knowing better than I did what was coming.

I’m no longer the new girl...

“So impatient.” Victor laughed. “But...seeing as you’re all so keen to see what I’ve brought you, fine. We can catch up over dinner later.” Clicking his fingers, he raised his voice. “Bring them in.”

The floor beneath my knees turned into an arctic tundra as two guards shepherded nine new faces into the ballroom.

Nine?

The room swam.

God, nine?

Peter sucked in a breath, his stare snagging mine with matching horror.

The past month of preparing for a jail break seemed utterly pointless as seven girls and two boys were prodded at gunpoint toward the stage.

Even if we managed to claim our freedom in four months, the amount of abuse these poor souls would endure. The terror they’d feel. The pain—

A sharp gasp ripped my gaze to Mollie. She kneeled beside Roland’s polished shoes, her hands balled on her bare thighs. We just nodded at each other. Our plan had to work. There was no other option.

I couldn’t exist in a world where men like Victor got away with using people like throwaway toys. Even if we got out, I would never stop hunting others like him, doing my best to prevent anyone else from living this awful, awful nightmare.

Henri inhaled sharply, his knee digging harder against my shoulder as if he needed to touch me. Needed that connection so he didn’t do something ill-advised.

Glancing up at him, I flinched.

His jaw clenched so tightly, the tendons in his throat popped like ropes beneath his skin. Sweat glittered on his temples. His slightly longer hair curled a little over his forehead, making his hollow cheeks all the more severe.

“And here they are, gentlemen. It has been a successful hunt, I must say.” Victor chuckled as the nine new jewels all shuffled and sniffled, herded at gunpoint through the ballroom.

Jittery steps, wet cheeks, wild eyes.

The flash of newly fastened collars and cuffs.