Page 275 of Ignite

“That’s what his threat was. He said something like he couldn’t stop the games and tried to get me back,” I gasp.

“I’m so sorry, Hallie,” Conan whispers.

“We thought we had solved the problem. But he already put the plan in motion; we couldn’t stop it because we didn’t know. It didn’t cross our minds that he would have any contacts with our games. Let alone enter you.”

“He’s a fucking asshole,” I seethe.

He cheated on me, in my damn house, and then did this to me. I have a good heart, I know that, but I can say this one time, I’m glad he’s dead.

“So they enter women…to get access?”

He nods once.

“Welcome to the world of illusions. Those men think they’re gaining power. They don’t care about the women they sacrifice. And those are the men we…remove.”

A cold shiver creeps down my spine.

“But the world has to believe we’re the villains, or it doesn’t work,” Conan murmurs against my ear.

I swallow hard.

“So that’s why you made us believe we’d die here? The men…they think we’re dead?”

Finn claps his hands together, impatience flickering across his face.

“The only ones who meet their end are them.”

Declan’s tone softens.

“We give the contestants new identities. New lives. We protect them.”

I blow out a ragged breath.

“Sometimes you have to do bad things to stop worse,” I say quietly.

“So they’re all safe?”

“Yes, baby.” Conan squeezes my hip.

“We’re sorry you got wrapped up in this,” Declan says, almost gentle.

“What made you start all this? It’s…creative.”

“There are higher powers pulling the strings. This was our spin on it. But it’s one we’re outgrowing.”

Finn’s jaw twitches, but he stays silent.

“Thank you,” I say, meeting Declan’s gaze. “For explaining. I don’t think you’re bad people. For what it’s worth. I saw how hard you fought for him. How much you love him.”

“Clean slate?” Declan offers his hand.

I look at it for a second, then step forward and shake it.

“I’d like that.”

It feels a little like making a pact with the devil. But this devil would die for the people he loves.

So maybe it’s worth it.

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