Page 10 of Moth & Flame (Gothika & The Blackspire Empire)
HELLA
“ T his is by far the most disastrous idea you’ve ever had.” I’m sitting across from my magistrate, Balthazar, who’s peering at me from over the rim of his round, wire-framed spectacles.
“The only consequence that concerns me is that spending my life with Allister will be the death of me.”
The delicate, bejewelled chain dripping from the stems of his glasses tinkles as he massages the bridge of his nose and heaves a sigh. “Darling, I admire your determination. Really, I do, but I’ll fear for your life more if you try to leave him than stay with him.”
“Balthazar, I’m fairly certain that once we do marry, it’ll only be a matter of time until he disposes of me, just as he does his mistresses. I will not be dissuaded.”
Balthazar’s brows pinch in distress as he nervously twists the dramatic curl of his auburn moustache. “Darling, I’m sure that’s not true. Come now, you can’t say things like that about your future husband. The man is on the chair of numerous charitable organizations.”
Truly, it’s a testament to my self-restraint that flames don’t spew from my nostrils on every exhale.
“I will not be dissuaded.”
He shakes his hand in dismay. “I supposed as much. You’re aware your family will likely disinherit you, and that you’ll be voted out by every chair on the board of Blackspire Blood Vaults.”
As much as I already knew it, hearing it aloud makes something in my heart fracture. Watery emotion burns my eyes, forcing them away from Balthazar’s to the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, overlooking the Dreadmere Grand–one of the few verdant sanctuaries amidst this stony city. My mind drifts to Draven, and my heartbeat lightens to pitter-pattering in delight of its own lovesickness. Stealing away the heartache over a family I could never trust and a company I’ve poured my life’s blood into being taken from me.
Balthazar’s voice bleeds with trepidation.
“Hella… You’ve got this peaceful look about you. It’s terrifying.”
Inhaling deeply, a sense of peace washes over me as the words rise to my lips.
“The board needn’t bother with any vote. I’m resigning.”
Balthazar’s jaw falls so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t hit him in the cock.
“Hella, surely there’s an easier way? One that doesn’t involve this grandiose self-sabotage.”
I proceed to examine my crimson nails.
“If I’ve learned anything in life, it’s that one must suffer an end in order to have a new beginning.”
Balthazar splutters. “Darling, but— please . Have reason.”
Rising from my seat, hope swells bright and voluminous in my chest, like the rays of the rising sun painting the sky as it claims its victory against night. Regardless of the fact I may meet my own death in this endeavor, excitement bubbles inside me as my eyes pass over the sprawling city below and settle on Moth & Flame’s facade in the distance.
“Balthazar, I need you to draft a letter declaring the dissolution of my engagement contract and my letter of resignation.”