Page 235 of Barbi and the Villain

I loved an illusion.

Once more, I fell in love with a character, not a person.

His cold gaze is the last thing I see as he pushes me off him.

My eyes flare in shock. I am unable to muster any strength to fight for my life. Disappointment and despair are my two companions as gravity pulls me down into the abyss. My mark consumes my flesh as pain consumes my soul.

Still, I watch him, wanting to remember this heartbreak forever. Even if my soul somehow dies, and even if Mo takes over my body, I want this pain to become ingrained in my flesh and every atom of my being.

“I hate you, Nykander v’Kyró,” I whisper. And as I get close to the water, I close my eyes, readying myself for my demise.

The red water swallows me.

There is no more consciousness. No more awareness.

Just the emptiness of not being.

TO BE CONTINUED

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