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HANA

My whole life, I’ve thought it was hyperbole when people talk about their heart “aching” when it “breaks”.

Hearts don’t break. They can’t. And they don’t ache unless you have a serious medical condition.

But now I know I was wrong. Because my heart is ripped in half, and it fucking hurts .

I sit alone in the dark, empty penthouse, curled up on the couch, my knees to my chest. I hug myself as I rock quietly, my heart aching so bad I feel like it’s going to kill me.

I hate myself for what I just did.

But it was the only way to save him.

There’s a dull knock at the door. I don’t answer: it’s unlocked. Sure enough, a second later, I hear him enter.

“You did well, Hana,” he says quietly.

I squeeze my eyes shut.

“You should have been an actress?—”

“ Please shut up ,” I choke.

“He hates you now, doesn’t he?”

My eyes squeeze harder. “ Yes ,” I whisper. “You’ll keep your word?”

“I have no interest in hurting Damian. A deal is a deal.” He inclines his head. “Come. It’s time to go.”

“My brothers…” I say quietly. “Annika and Freya…Sota…Kai…”

“ I won’t hurt them,” he murmurs. “But wars are messy, Hana.”

Tears bead in the corners of my eyes.

“How could you do this?” I whisper.

“Very easily. Power comes to those who take it , not those who wait for it. And it’s past time for me to take what I’m due.”

My eyes close tightly, tears running down my cheeks.

And my heart breaks, aches for the man I just pushed away so cruelly to save.

He sighs. “Time to go, Hana.”