Page 173 of Ashes

I’d broken my own damn heart.

The stars swung above me as I was lifted on my cross from the ground. The guys quickly righted me into the hole they’d dug for the cross. Within minutes, I was hung as they stared up at me, pure loathing on each of their faces.

She’d been hurt. Raped. All because I couldn’t deal. Agony tore through me just thinking about her trying to survive it. Trying to overcome it.

It hurt. It hurt so fucking much.

My siren.

I’m so sorry, baby. I’m sorry.

“You’re dead to us,” Church whispered.

My heart ached at his words, but I knew they were coming.

“May God have mercy on your soul,” Ashes said, striking a match, the flame dancing in the night. “Because we fucking won’t.”

He dropped the match onto the pyre they’d placed in a wide circle around me. It ignited, the heat and smoke making me gasp.

I continued to sob softly as I hung from my cross.

Crucified for my own sins.

I’d lost everything because I was who I was.

I prayed I’d burn slowly.

It was less than what I deserved for what I’d done to siren. To my family. To myself.

I watched through swollen eyelids as the guys turned their backs on me and disappeared into the darkness, leaving me to suffer alone.

ASYLUM

Take her to them. Put her in his bed.

You better hurry.

Fuck off. This is me hurrying.

I’m serious.

Me too. Can’t you fucking tell I’m running?

I shoved the voice out of my head and burst from the dark forest and into the cemetery. The fire was growing around the cross they stuck Sin on.

I raced forward and jumped through the flames.

His head hung, his body sagging forward.

Fucker could already be dead.

Better fucking hope not.

Shouldn’t you be putting her in his bed?

Shouldn’t you be cutting that prick off the cross?

Seth, seriously. Shut the fuck up. I’m working on it.

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