Page 144 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

“I know what you’re thinking,” Callan spoke for the first time since they had set off. Amelia hoped he was only guessing because what occupied her mind was not pleasant.

Destruction, she mused, was far simpler than salvation. Impulse, decision, action, death. Done and dusted. The brain releases dopamine. That fleeting sense of satisfaction.

“You don’t,” she said.

“Guilt weighs on you.”

She lowered her gaze to the dried blood beneath her nails, despite having stopped at a petrol station earlier to clean up. No, Callan was wrong.

“In war, there are no innocents. Anyone who steps onto the battlefield forfeits their innocence,” the driver of the car said.

Amelia noticed him only then. He was a solid man with a modern haircut and an eyebrow piercing. Of course, she’d seen someone driving the vehicle before, but hadn’t registered his presence for more than half a second.

“What’s your name?” she asked.

“Karo, madam.”

“You’re right, Karo. Whoever can’t stomach blood shouldn’t pick up a knife,” Callan said.

The man nodded and started humming along with the heavy metal music blaring from the speakers.

Callan took advantage of his distraction and leaned towards Amelia. “How long have you been able to do this?”

Their bodies were close, but instead of unease, the nearnesssparked a quiet warmth in her chest, tempting her to open up her soul. And yet, she wasn’t ready to reveal herself to him. “Since I took it,” she said, brushing the two snake heads.

Silence fell once more. They were driving along a three-tiered road between Sliven and Nova Zagora when they veered towards a low hill and parked in front of a wooden arch. Behind it stood a spacious multi-storey house built in the traditional Bulgarian style, with a stone façade and a tiled roof. Armed men patrolled the grounds.

“Welcome toAt Presiyan’swinery!” Presiyan announced as they got out of the cars. “Everyone, settle wherever you like best. There are rooms and drinks for all. My boys patrol around the clock and will shoot anyone daring to enter without my permission.”

“Is that aswimming pool?” Alex stuck her head out of the lowered car window.

Jasmina stood in front of Amelia and nodded towards the winery. “Come. I’ll show you the room. I left you some of my clothes.”

Amelia was already following her when Zacharia stepped out of the car with Kathrine’s help. His face was pale, with sunken cheeks and cracked lips.

“Wait!” Amelia ran to him. “Are you all right?”

“Nothing a bag of blood can’t fix.” Zacharia tried to move, but his legs gave way, and he had to lean on Kathrine for support.

Kathrine frowned. “He’s lost quite a bit of blood, but…”

“But he’ll be fine in a few hours,” Zacharia said.

Mikhail approached. “What’s going on?”

“Recovering from the fight, brother. Nothing to worry about.”

“Seems like you’re not doing so well if you’re using the reptilian as a crutch,” Presiyan interjected. “I have somethinglike an improvised medical room. We’ll check you there.”

Amelia blocked Presiyan’s path. “Who will examine him?”

“One of my boys …”

“I’ll do it,” Mikhail said.

Amelia crossed her arms. “I’ll come, too.”

Presiyan raised his open palms. “Of course, doctors. I just assumed you both might need some rest after the fight. No offence, but you both look like pigs who’ve rolled in mud.”