Page 78 of Save Me

“They have their roles to play.” The certainty in his voice chills me to the core. “And they know it.”

Turning to look at them, I see it then: the resolve etched into each of their faces. They signed up for this. It’s the endgame to end all endgames. Fuck. That’s some forward fucking planning. Jesus.

“Understood.” I nod once, firmly.

Dad nods, satisfaction clear in his stance. “You will shine,” he murmurs.

“I hope so,” I murmur back.

The moment stretches, taut as a wire. I turn away from Dad and go to my guys.

“Everything good?” Harry’s voice cuts through the hum of post-ceremony chatter, a low rumble that doesn’t betray the weight behind the words.

“Define ‘good,’” I quip, but there’s no laugh following, just a heavy silence that hangs over us like a storm cloud. “You are all a bunch of pricks.”

“We know,” Callum states. “But you love us anyway?”

“I do,” I say with a smile, unable to stay angry with them.

There’s a heartbeat of silence, and then Quentin steps forward, his presence grounding. “We’ve got you, Vogue. Always.”

Thayer grins and says, “We’re part of your life. That means we’ve got a stake in this too.”

“Damn right,” Harry affirms, and the fierce loyalty in his eyes burns bright enough to chase away any lingering shadows of doubt in my mind.

“Thank you,” I manage, the words thick with emotion I don’t have time to indulge.

Their nods are all the answer I need—solidarity without suffocation.

“Then let’s get ready to play the game,” Cal says, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. “And win.”

“Play and win,” I echo, letting the power of those words sink in. My pulse steadies, determination crystallising with every second. This isn’t about stepping into darkness; it’s about owning it, shaping it to my will.

I feel the full weight of my decision settles around me. It’s heavy, but not unbearable. I square my shoulders, ready for whatever comes next. The Crowned Syndicate might be a beast in the shadows, but I’m not just any piece on the chessboard anymore—I’m the Queen now, and I will topple anyone who tries to come at us, without hesitation.