Page 206 of Brutal Savage

“I’ll be right next to you.” With his hand still clasped to mine, we take a few steps toward her, Iseult not leaving Gran’s side.

“I’m sorry, Elara. I’m sorry I took your mom from you.” Tears fill her eyes, her words sincere. “I’m sorry about all of it. I never meant for it to come to this.”

I don’t know what to say except that I don’t forgive her, so I say nothing at all. How can I after what she’s done? My mother’s death. Betraying me and Tynan. It would take time, and even then, I don’t know if I can trust her ever again.

Her eyes press shut, and for a second it seems like she’s going to cry.

But she gives me a hug instead, and as she does, she whispers, “I’ll see you on the other side, sweetheart.”

Tynan lets out a groan. “Fuck.”

I jump back, eyes wide when I find blood.

So much blood.

On his hands.

His stomach.

“T-T-Tynan? Oh my God! Help!”

My heartbeats explode in my chest, unable to comprehend what just happened. That Gran’s holding the knife with his blood on it.

Her mouth curls.

His men come rushing.

“How could you?” I shout. “How could you do this?”

But she doesn’t respond.

“You bitch!” Iseult whips out a gun and shoots her right in the head.

She falls on the ground.

Oh, God. Gran’s dead.

I can’t process it all right now.

“Tynan!” My heart is literally breaking as the men pick him up. It’s all too much.

“Move!” Iseult screams at the guys. “Get him in the car and let the doc know we’re on our way!”

I’m right by his side, grabbing his hand, looking into his eyes and praying that he doesn’t die.

“I’ll be fine, mo chuisle. Don’t worry about me.” His voice…it’s low. Tired.

Please, please don’t let him die.

“Of course you’ll be fine.” A silent cry slips from my mouth.

Because I don’t know if that’s true.

I don’t know if he’ll make it through this.

And I wonder if this is it.

If our story is going to end before it ever truly had a chance to begin.

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