Page 101 of Captive Bride

“NINETEEN!” the voice rings out.

I take a breath.

“TWENTY!”

I spin, eyes tracking Theo, finger already pulling at the trigger.

Two gunshots ring out in the early morning silence.

It’s not until I see the blood rushing down his face that I’m even sure I’m still alive.

“THEO!” Isobel screams from behind me, her voice cracking in pure agony.

I don’t even feel relief.

This has accomplished nothing.

My eyes scan slowly across the gathered spectators.

Anger flashes at me from each set of Capulet eyes, already promising revenge.

All I’ve managed to do here is bring even more heat down on me.

And break Isobel’s heart.

I see her from the corner of my eye, her legs pumping frantically, propelling her to the now still body of her cousin.

“Theo!” she screams again when she reaches him, falling to her knees.

Her hands run futilely across his chest, gripping his shoulders, shaking him violently.

“Please, no!” she cries.

Blood pools beneath him, running out in scarlet waves. It trails along the ground, meeting with her legs, painting them in death.

She doesn’t even notice, just puts her head to his chest, tears flowing from her eyes and wails falling from her lips.

My heart shatters at the sight.

Idid this.

The remaining Capulets turn to leave, each taking the time to shoot me a look of pure malice as they go.

I ignore them, eyes still locked on my love.

I’ve broken her heart. I’ve hurt her worse than anyone ever has, and I don’t know how she’ll ever be able to forgive me.

The woman I love, the one who smiles freely and glows with innocent radiance, disappears in this moment, another person entirely taking her place.

I wonder feebly if she’ll ever be the same again.

Minutes pass, and Isobel doesn’t move. Her tears never cease, her hands still gripping Theo pleadingly.

Finally, I walk across to her.

There’s nothing she can do to help him, and it’s dangerous to stay here.

I don’t say a word, instead reaching down to lift her gently from her cousin’s lifeless form.

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