Page 124 of Grim
“Bad dog,” Fate scorns.
I grit my teeth. “She has time left.”
“And that time will be honored,” Fate replies with mock graciousness. “Just not by you.”
“Asher,” Time sings, and my stomach drops.
He steps into view from the shadows, always having to make a fucking entrance.
“Ladies,” Asher says, voice smooth and unhurried. “You called?”
“You have a new assignment,” Time states.
“Supervise and escort the mortal,” Fate adds, already turning away from me as though the decision is sealed.
“With pleasure,” Asher hums.
Fate snipes, “We don’t give a fig for your pleasure, Asher.”
“We only care about your fealty.”
“Now do as you’re told.”
“Yes, Sisters,” Asher concedes and makes a move toward Rue.
“No,” I snarl.
Time’s eyes flash a coppery gold. “Say that in any of your ten languages, and it will be just as meaningless.”
“Grim,” Fate taunts, using the nickname like a weapon.
“You can’t do this,” I snap, stepping toward Rue like I might pull her behind me and run. “She is mine to protect. That wasyourorder.”
“And now we are changing it,” Fate declares.
“Because we’ve seen enough,” Time snips.
“Felt enough.”
“And because, and this is the most important part … we can.”
Rue steps forward, but I stop her with a hand. I don’t look at her. If I do, I’ll unravel. And I need to hold on. I need to fight.
“Kane?”
“Please!” I say over Rue’s weak voice. “Please,” I beg again, pride lost to reckless desperation. “Don’t do this.”
“Why not?” Fate tilts her head like a curious cat. “Because you care?”
“Oh, I don’t know, sister,” Time muses. “He’s begging. That might be more than caring.”
“Because everyone deserves to die with dignity. Everyone should be given the grace to end their life, surrounded by the ones that love them.” The words pour out of me, no less true for the speed with which I spit them out.
“Love?” The Sisters hiss as Rue whispers the word in the same breath.
I lock eyes with Rue in what I fear may be our last moment together and say as simply and honestly as I can, “Yes.”
“Oh, this is too good.” Time smirks.
