Chapter 39

THIRTY-NINE

SALEM

S ilent tears tracked down my cheeks, a steady stream of sorrow that seemed to have no end. Zoe, Candy, and the other girls from Onyx—all gone because of me. Because of my father's twisted actions. I couldn't shake the overwhelming guilt, the knowledge that their blood was on my hands.

Last night had been a blur of shock and grief. Mateo had wrapped me up in a blanket like a burrito, holding me close as I sobbed uncontrollably. His comforting presence had offered some solace in the darkness, but it hadn't been enough to quell the storm of emotions raging inside me.

I had allowed myself to wallow in my pain last night and into the early morning, but now it was time to face reality. Wiping away my tears with trembling hands, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. My father had claimed enough lives, and I refused to let him take anyone else from me.

I rose from Mateo's bed, the blanket slipping from my shoulders as I moved with purpose. It was time for action. I couldn't afford to dwell on my pain or guilt any longer. Leaving Mateo sleeping peacefully with Loki purring next to him, I moved toward the door.

Quietly, I slipped out of Mateo's room, the soft padding of my footsteps barely audible against the floor. My father had underestimated me for too long, but now he would see just how far I was willing to go to protect those I loved.

As I made my way to my own room, peace settled over me. I had spent far too long living in the shadow of my father's cruelty, allowing his actions to dictate my life. But now, it was time for me to take control, regardless of the consequences.

In the solitude of my room, I began to strategize, my mind racing with thoughts of revenge and retribution. My father may have thought he could break me, but he had only succeeded in fueling the fire that burned within me.

With each passing moment, my resolve grew stronger, my determination hardening into steel. I would not rest until my father paid for his sins, until justice was served for those who had been taken from me.

My grief still hung heavy in my heart, but now it was tempered with a fierce need to see things through to the end. I would not allow my father's darkness to consume me any longer; I would be the one to bring about his downfall.

My mind raced with possible courses of action until I settled on an idea. It was reckless, and I knew the guys wouldn't approve, but I was out of options.

I pored over the blueprints for the Triad headquarters. It was a risky move, a solo mission straight into the heart of the beast, but I knew it was the only way to end this once and for all. My father, Cohen's father, and all their loyal followers would fall in one swift strike, clearing the path for a new beginning, a chance to rebuild the Triad from the ground up.

I traced my finger along the intricate lines of the blueprint, reaffirming my chosen route through the corridors of the Triad's stronghold. If I was going to survive this, I needed to be prepared for anything.

As I worked, I felt the gravity of responsibility pulling at me. This was my burden to bear, my battle to fight. I refused to let anyone else be hurt because of me.

Movement at the open door snapped me out of my reverie, and I tensed, expecting to see someone standing there. But the doorway was empty. The only sound was the faint rustle of curtains in the breeze. I frowned, a prickling of unease settling over me. Had someone been watching me?

With cautious steps, I approached the doorway, scanning the hallway beyond for any sign of life. But there was nothing. I shook my head, chiding myself for my paranoia, and retreated back into the room.

Returning to my plans, I focused on the task at hand. All I needed now was to gather the supplies and weapons I would need. If anyone noticed my preparations, they would surely try to stop me, but I couldn't afford to let that happen.

I set about collecting the necessary equipment, moving quickly and quietly throughout the house to avoid detection. I knew I may not survive the coming battle, but I refused to go down without a fight.

Tomorrow would be a day of reckoning, a day that would change everything. And I was ready.

I stirred as I felt someone sit down on the edge of my bed. Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I saw Cohen's silhouette in the dim light filtering through my window. He reached out, gently pushing a loose strand of hair away from my face. "What's up?" I mumbled, still groggy from sleep.

He hesitated, his features illuminated by the faint glow of moonlight seeping through the window. There was an concerned intensity in his gaze that sent a ripple of unease through me. "I love you, Salem," he said finally, his voice carrying a sincerity that caught me off guard. "And I can't stand the thought of something happening to you."

His words were heavy with unspoken implications. I felt a pang of guilt twist in the pit of my stomach as I met his gaze. He didn't deserve to be burdened with the weight of my plans, no matter how much I wanted to tell him. "It'll be okay," I reassured him, my voice wavering slightly as I tried to muster a conviction I didn't truly feel.

A soft sigh escaped his lips as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin.

"I know," he replied softly, leaning in to kiss me. I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of his lips against mine. But as he pulled back, his face mere inches from mine, his words sent a shiver down my spine. "Please forgive me," he whispered, just before I felt a sharp prick in my neck.

Shock and confusion flooded my senses as darkness swallowed me whole. The last thing I heard before everything faded away was the sound of Cohen's voice, filled with regret and desperation. Then, there was nothing but silence.