Page 111 of Emperor of Havoc

She sags against me, her eyes rolling back. I cradle her, so fragile in my arms, my grip firm but gentle, as though she might shatter if I’m not careful.

For a moment I just hold her, my heart racing as I feel the warmth of her against me. She’s here. Finally, she’shere.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I murmur, brushing a strand of coppery blonde hair from her face. “But don’t worry. We’ll fix this. I’ll make you remember.”

Her eyes flutter, half-lidded and glassy, as she struggles to focus on me. She doesn’t speak but her fingers twitch, as though she’s trying to make those strange motions again.

“It’s okay, my love,” I croon, my voice low and soothing. “You don’t have to say anything. Just rest, Marianna. I’ll take care of everything.”

The streets are empty as I move quickly, carrying her in my arms. The city feels like it’s holding its breath, the silencepressing in around us as I make my way to the car parked just a block away.

No one sees us. No one stops us.

I place her gently in the back seat, adjusting her so she’s comfortable. Her head lolls a little to the side, her breathing shallow but steady. I pause, my fingers brushing her cheek as I take one last look at her before closing the door.

This is how it was always meant to be.

I slide into the driver’s seat, the engine purring to life. The road ahead is dark and empty, a perfect void leading us to the safety of the place I’ve prepared for her.

She doesn’t know it yet, but she’ll be grateful. She’ll remember. Then she’ll see.

This world doesn’t deserve her.

But I do.

35

TAKESHI

It’sthe sunlight that wakes me.

It creeps over my eyelids, filtering in through the wide windows of the Ishida living room. A dull ache throbs in my neck, and I grimace, running a hand over my face as I sit up.

Apparently I fell asleep on the couch after talking to Hana on the phone. Great.

I roll my tight shoulders, my mind drifting to the conversation with my sister last night. The truth of it cuts deep: I shove it aside as I stand and stretch.

Fuck, I need coffee.

But first, I need Katarina.

I head back down the hall to our room. When I step inside, a quick glance shows the bed empty. The sheets are rumpled but cold, and there’s no sign of her in the bathroom.

I glance at my phone. Later than I thought. She must already be out.

Her absence twists something in my gut, but I shake it off, my focus narrowing on what needs to be done today.

Proof.

Because two parts of me are at war with each other, and I need to settle things before they rip me apart.

One part wants to burn Kolya Ishida to the ground, leaving nothing but ashes. I’ve cherished that dream ever since I tracked Akira’s last steps back to Kat’s father, and stoked the fire with every memory of the mentor and friend I lost.

Akira was the only one who saw me for who I really was and didn’t flinch. Where everyone else feared the darkness in me, he taught me to harness and channel it.

Kolya stole him from me.

That’s not something I can forgive, no matter how much time passes.

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