Page 71 of Envy

I lift my chin. I know my fate. This is how I die. I exhale. “If you’re going to kill me,” I whisper, “make it quick.” He pause like he’ s listening. Waiting. “And tell Garret…” I swallow hard. My voice drops to a whisper. “That I love him.”

I close my eyes. Silence. Then—soft pressure on my wrists. The chains loosen. I wait for the pain. For darkness to drag me under on last time.

I let myself dream. Of a different life. Of Garret. Of our child.

Something cold and damp wipes my lips. The cinnamon is gone. My eyes snap open.

He’s there.

Just like in my dreams. The man with the mask. Dressed in black. With no face.

He leans close, his voice soft—so soft, I almost miss it. “I promised I wouldn’t let anyone hurt you.” His glove drops to the floor as his bare hand presses against my lower belly. His touch is warm, possessive. “This is me saving you, my love.” His lips brush my ear. A whisper. A decree. “Welcome to the Order, Mrs. Nox.” My eyes widen when he lifts me.

A loud voice cuts through the heavy silence.

“The fuck, Garret? Is she okay?” Melody’s voice shakes as she rushes inside, flipping the light to a harsh white. The sudden brightness burns my eyes.

She falls to her knees beside me, her fingers trembling as they brush my face. Her eyes brim with tears, her lips parting in a silent apology. “I’m so sorry…”

She turns to the shadow in the doorway.

“Valen!” she calls out, panic lacing her voice.

A familiar figure steps forward. His voice is calm, but the edge in his tone slices through the air like a blade. “He has her, Melody. Chill.”