Page 19 of Finn
His words twisted something inside me, like a blade digging deeper.
I just needed to finish the job and get out. But something wasn’t adding up.
“So that’s it?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “I kill this… Angel, and we’re all good?”
“That’s all you need to know.” Scar downed his drink, his eyes gleaming over the rim of his glass. “His real name’s Gabriel. That’s what he went by before he got turned.”
The name hit me like a fist to the gut. My heart stumbled, then started racing, each beat harder than the last.
“What… did you just say?” I asked.
Scar gave me an impatient look. “Gabriel. This fledgling you’re supposed to take out? His name was Gabriel.”
My mind blanked, my chest tightening with a pain so sharp it stole my breath. Gabriel. The one person I’d never fully let go.
The one I’d mourned, blamed myself for losing, tortured myself over. And now, the Guild had sent me here to kill him?
“Are you sure?” My voice was a whisper, barely audible over the thudding in my ears.
Scar rolled his eyes, irritation flickering across his face.
“Are you slow or something? Do we need to ask the Guild for a replacement?” Scar demanded.
I forced myself to breathe, to shove down the panic clawing its way up my throat. Gabriel wasn’t an uncommon name, I told myself.
There could be dozens of vampires named Gabriel in this city alone. But I couldn’t silence the doubt gnawing at me.
If this really wasmyGabriel… the Guild would want him dead.
They’d erase every trace of his past life, silence any rumors that one of their former hunters had been turned and was now mingling with vampires.
Scar watched me, his eyes narrowing.
“If you’re hesitating, you can walk away now. I’m sure your Guild will send someone else,” Scar said.
The challenge in his gaze burned, but I forced myself to meet it.
“I’m not walking away,” I blurted.
“Good.” Scar gave a nod of approval, but I could barely register it through the storm inside me.
I tried to steady myself, clinging to the image of the job as just another target.
But the thought of hunting Gabriel, of coming face-to-face with him only to end it…
“Stay focused, little hunter. That’s the only advice I’ve got.” Scar’s voice was almost amused.
But I could hardly hear him anymore, my mind spinning.
He poured himself another drink as if it were any other night, any other mission, while my world felt like it was unraveling.
I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the questioning look Scar shot me.
“If that’s all, I’ll get going. I have preparations to make,” I said.
He gave me a casual wave. “Watch yourself. Beric doesn’t take kindly to anyone threatening his favorite,” Scar said.
I nodded, not trusting myself to respond, and turned to leave. I wove back through the club, each step feeling heavier than the last.
