60

It's completely dark by the time I reach the cliffs.

My heart is pumping with violent adrenaline as I fling my bike down, killing the engine. I tear off my helmet and throw it to the ground, racing into the trees.

He hasn't been answering my frantic calls, but I've tracked his GPS to this location. Please don't let it be too late.

I wish I really was a dove like Jackson calls me. I wish I could fly high above the trees, beat my wings, and be there in seconds. Instead, I have to scramble over the forest floor. I push branches out of the way. They scrape along my skin. The air is heavy with damp moss and the nearby salt of the ocean.

I break through the trees. The cliffside comes into sight. I blink, willing my eyes to adjust to the darkness and moonlight.

"Jackson!" I scream out so loud that my throat feels raw.

There's a silhouette at the edge of the cliff. I step forward in terrorandthe dark shadow turns. I breathe a sharp sigh of relief; it's him. I could never mistake that face, even in the darkness. His firm jaw and dark eyes are just like I remember them. Of course—it's only been hours, but it feels like a lifetime.

There's something wild in his eyes. It feels close to not even being human. It's dark, primal rage. Madness.

"Ava." His tone of surprise turns to a growl. "You shouldn't be here. Leave."

Rain begins pelting down, but I run out of the cover of the trees anyway. Thunder murmurs aboveus,as I've angered some ancient god by daring to stop Jackson from sacrificing himself.

I stop in my tracks, glancing down. Jackson is holding his phone.

"Have you confessed to Hawkins yet?" I ask breathlessly.

He shakes his head. "Not yet. But you can't stop me. The last good thing I can do is clear your name."

"Don't do it."

I take a cautious step forward.Hetenses, shifting back slightly on the rocks. My stomach flips with nerves. One wrong moveandhe could topple.

"Please don't do this, Jackson," I beg. "You didn't mean to hurt Henrik. We can find a way together to stop you from hurting anyone. You didn't give up on meandI'm not going to give up on you."

I gently bring my fingers to my neck.

I trust you.

He shakes his head. "You shouldn't, Ava. I don't trust myself anymore."

"It doesn't matter.Because you trust me, and I promiseyouI'll find a way tomake this better."

I inch closer. There's still a distance between us. My hair sticks to my skin with the onslaught of rain. The sound of it is drowning out all my senses.

Slowly, I reach out my hand.

His dark eyes lock with mine. I stifle a gasp. His gaze still enthralls me. I don't care if there's evil in hisheart,because I know there's goodnessintheretoo. That's enough to fight for.

He turns andtakes one step forward. Relief breaks over me. I let myself smile.

But then he stops.

"I'm sorry, little detective."

The smile dies on my lips. I try to lunge forward towardhimbut—

It all happens so fast.

The sound of a car's engine, concealed by the rain, suddenly rumbling in my ears.

Strong hands grabbing at me, wrapping around my limbs.

Notlike Jackson's rough, perfect grip.These are cruder. Crueler.

Then I'm being dragged back. I try to fight it, but I feel myselffalling,thenhitting a hard surface.

Pain ricochets through my body.

The sound of thunder screams in my ears.

I see Jackson running at me, and then everything goes dark.