Page 111 of Whispers of Fire

I need it for me.

“I forgive you,” I say without a sound, watching his eyes widen.

He got it. After two years, he knew how to read lips but he hid it from me. Because I didn't matter. I was just the shadow of the daughter they wished they had. I stand back, my hands shaking.

That's it, there's no more to say anymore.

“Rose?” Vox's worried tone makes me warmer, wanting to go into his arms and hide myself in the crook of his neck.

“I’m okay,” I whisper to him, his eyes glued to my lips. Looking down at my father, his soft gaze switches to a dark one. He grips his neck, holding him so tight the veins of his forearm swell.

“Now just cause Rose’s a fuckin' angel and she’s gonna have to watch you die, I'm gonna give ya a quick death,” he says to my father. I’ve never heard him talk like that, with so much violence and coldness.

It’s a part of him, Rose. You can’t have his light without his dark side too.

Fear plagues the eyes of my father, locked on mine, his lower lips trembling.

“Cause despite you bunch of fuckers, she's as pure as the day she was born.” Vox’s voice carries so much love for me it makes my heart pound in my ears, watching the love of my life about to do what I'll never be able to.

“Now say Thank you, Rose for her mercy, cause she’s the only reason I’m not skinning you alive.”

I know I should run away, but I stay still, wanting to fulfill the deal Vox made for us.

“The doors of the Ascendium will burn your souls and our Shepherd shall be reborn from the ashes of–” my father answers, his eyes empty of any emotion.

“Shut the fuck up and say ‘thank you, Rose’ or I’m gonna cut your tongue with a razor and let you bleed to death in this fuckin’ basement,” Vox threatens him with so much anger a shiver runs down my spine. Noticing my small jerk, Vox’s gaze glances once at me, his warm look reassuring me, telling me he’s only playing the part.

My father freezes at his words, lowering his head like the coward he is.

Unable to face me.

“Thank… thank you, Rose,” my father whispers. I never thought I would need to hear those words but somehow it makes me feel better.

Vox looks at me, a question in his eyes. And because I'm done with this life, with the abuse, with all I had to go through, I don't let myself weaken. Not now, not after they left me dying in the holy bath like an animal. The old Rose would have tried to stop this but not anymore. Vox helped me find who I have always been.

A fallen angel, embracing the light of my darkness.

So I make the smallest nod.

I’m ready.

“Eyes on me, sweetheart,” his rough voice orders me firmly, and yet I hear the words carrying so much love for me. I know he wishes I didn't have to witness what he's about to do.

I hold on to his gaze like a lifeline with watery eyes because he's the one I want.

The one who's not afraid to show me his darkness.

The one who will do what's necessary to set me free.

Even if he's afraid of it, even if he thinks I won't forgive him.

His body shifts behind my father’s. My heart’s pounding in my ears, my body fully aware and anticipating what’s going to happen.

Deep breath, it’s going to be okay.

Soon it will be over.

Vox’s body moves gracefully, as if he had done this so many times it had become routine. I wish I could look away, but I’m mesmerized by him.

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