Page 110 of Forbidden Fate

The word tears through me before I can speak it.

I feel it first.

That animal instinct I learned in Vega’s world surges up my spine.

We aren’t safe.

Why the hell did I spend this time talking to Robin, making plans? Telling her my damned life story? I knew better. I knew we needed to get out of here.

“Hide,” I say to Robin.

“What?”

“Hide. Now.”

“Cruz—”

“Now,” I say through gritted teeth.

Something in my voice must reach her because she moves. She steps back, scanning the room, and then darts toward the narrow space behind an old cabinet near the corner. It’s not enough.

“Take the back stairwell,” I hiss. “Go to one of the girls’ rooms.”

Then I move. Leave the room, head to the foyer.

Señora V is smoothing her dress as she reaches for the door.

“Wait!” I call.

She turns her head.

Her eyes meet mine.

For a moment, I see her as she was when I was fifteen. Strong. Beautiful. Untouchable. The woman who told me I was hers now to take care of.

She reaches for the knob.

“No!” I shout.

Too late.

The door opens.

A gunshot rings out. The sound is so loud in the foyer that it blanks everything out.

Señora Valentina jerks backward.

Not far.

Just a small, horrible movement.

Her hand flies to her chest. Her mouth opens. No sound comes out.

Then she collapses.

She falls onto the marble tile.

Time stops.