Page 39 of Uprising

He casts his eyes over me. “Don’t look so shocked.” He mutters. “You think I’d leave it to chance? You think I leave anything to chance?”

“You rigged the vote.” I half whisper, as if I’m afraid to confirm it, as if I’m afraid of what these two will do to me if they know I know.

Carter grins leaning forward. “What else did you expect Rose?”

I can’t believe they’ve done it. I can’t believe they got away with it. But they have haven’t they?

“But all those people…” I stammer. There were so many of them, all cheering, all celebrating like this was real.

Darius grins squeezing my leg. “People can be hired, bought. You saw what I wanted you to see. What I wanted everyone to see.”

I don’t understand. He told my father I’d help him win this election, that marrying me would help his popularity but if he was just going to cheat anyway, then why put me through any of this?

“Don’t worry your pretty head about it.” Carter says patting my knee.

I jerk, almost kicking him from our proximity. “Don’t you dare fucking touch me.” I snarl.

Darius digs his hand hard into my leg in response making me yelp.

“I’m getting bored of your constant protests.” He states.

“Why did you do it?” I ask. “Why did you force me into this if you were going to ensure you won anyway?”

He grabs my face, pulls me so that I’m staring into those watery eyes of his. “Because I can Rose. Because I can do whatever I want. Have whatever I want. And what I want is you.”

I shake my head with the little movement he allows and the pair of them laugh harder than ever at my expense.

Roman

The place is a ruin. A complete and utter ruin. I stare out almost in disbelief at what they’ve done to it. The Montague House.

Being here is a risk. One I don’t need to take.

And yet it feels necessary.

Koen gave me enough men, bikes, and supplies to at least give us the ability to shoot our way out if this does go tits up but he made it more than clear what his feelings on this excursion are and exactly who he would hold responsible if it does end badly.

I can’t tell if he simply agreed because I didn’t go behind his back or if this is an easy way to be rid of me.

Ben opted to stay behind. I don’t think he could bring himself to see the destruction and in truth I think Sofia’s situation is hitting him hard.

I blink, shaking away the rush of anger, and guilt, and every emotion I feel at the knowledge of where she is right now and what Otto is undoubtedly doing to her.

Holden walks beside me.

In silence.

I can hear the birds singing from what was once a loved and tended garden. For a moment I wonder how it’s possible, how anything can feel joy when the world has ended, when everything worth living for is gone.

I let out a low breath, dropping my gaze, staring at the bits of debris strewn around our feet.

This house has stood for over two hundred years. It was one of the finest buildings in the entirety of Verona. And now, now it’s a wreck reminiscent of a war torn city not the glittering streets of Verona.

Someone set it alight. Torched the place after they’d murdered everyone inside and stole away my sister and child.

I can see the blackened out interior through what was once the great hallway, only the walls have collapsed inwards. Half the building seems to have crumpled in on itself and that great beautifully carved oak staircase is now nothing but ash.

Darius had a story put about that arsonists did this. That this was another tragic accident to befall our family but I seriously wonder how the population of Verona can swallow all these lies.