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His voice is soft and wrong in the best way.

“I love you,” he says to me softly.

Three words. He spoke to them as if they were a promise. Or maybe a lie.

Anger and longing mix in my chest, fighting over which one my mind will choose.

But I can’t choose because the light is changing. The blue sky is fading into a pale shade. The flowers are drooping, and the warmth bleeds away.

His face starts to flicker like a dying projection.

“No. No, not yet.”

I reach my hand out to feel his warmth one last time, but he’s gone.

I’m cold.

I’m dead.

Dante

The machines keep a steady beat.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

It’s the only thing I have listened to for the past 48 hours. I fully emerge into the room, and I am met with vicious eyes.

“Get out. Get the fuck out of here.”

Astra glares at me. Lucien cuts in, “Let him explain.”

She transfers her murderous eyes towards Lucien.

“There is nothing to explain.”

“There is…. It’s fucked up, but he has a reason.”

She rolls her eyes, letting out a frustrated groan. I close the door behind me.

“Fine. Just know I’m never forgiving you for killing her.” Her eyes glisten, filling with water at her frustration.

I lean against the wall, crossing my arms across my chest. I get right to the point.

“My father gave me two options. Kill Evelyn or Amara. Its choice was simple.”

I clench my jaw at the reminder of the fucking bastard.

Her expression softens as the tears roll down her bruised face.

“W-what…..w-why?”

“He didn’t think I would pick. He doesn’t want me with Evelyn— well… he didn’t.”

“He doesn’t care anymore? Now that my fucking sister was used as a sacrifice?” Her voice cracks.

“No— he doesn’t. Because he’s fucking dead,” I spit the words out of my mouth, clipping the last one.