Page 107 of Poison Sun

I’ve lessened my hold on the restraints slightly. Not enough to release him, but enough to allow him to sink to the bloodstained carpet.

All it will take is one targeted blow to his heart to end this. To put him out of his misery. To stop him from embracing the darkness and becoming another one of Lucas’s brainwashed minions.

To stop him from having another chance to kill the woman I’m falling in love with. The woman who, if all goes well, will soon be my queen.

Maria growls and opens her mouth, sharp teeth gleaming, ready to strike.

“Wait!” I call out, and miraculously, she pulls back.

She tilts her head, unable to communicate in wolf form, but her eyes say everything.

There’s no stopping this now.

“I’m going to do it,” I tell her.

I can’t give Viktor much anymore, but I can give him the dignity of death by my hand instead of the hand of a Guardian.

Maria takes a few respectful steps back, but she stays in wolf form, ready to strike if it becomes necessary. As she does, she holds my gaze, the challenge in her eyes clear.

Do this now, or I’ll do it for you.

The room is silent except for the sound of Viktor’s labored breathing and the distant echo of our past. Of memories filled with laughter, battles, and the brotherhood that once defined us.

“I’m sorry, Viktor.” I kneel next to him and draw my dagger—forged from the same steel as his—steady my hand, and brace myself.

This is the weight of leadership, I remind myself. It’s the harsh reality of our world where mercy and justice can blur into indistinguishable shades of grey.

I am a predator. A warrior. A king.

The most I can do for Viktor now is to make his death as quick and painless as possible.

And then, with a swift, precise movement, I drive my dagger through his chest.

I keep my eyes locked on his the entire time.

When my blade reaches his heart, I realize there’s no longer any anger in mine. Only a profound sadness for the path he chose, and the one I must now walk alone.

And I think, in those final seconds, he gives me a look of forgiveness.

His body jerks once, a final gasp escaping his lips. Then, he’s still, the life fading from his eyes until there’s nothing left but a haunting emptiness.

Slowly, I slide the dagger out of his chest.

The moment it’s out, his body disintegrates into ash.

My blood runs cold. My chest hollows. I don’t feel like I’m actually here—that this is truly happening. It’s like I’m stuck in a nightmare and will never be able to wake up.

Before, I told myself I was doing something good. For my kingdom, for the city, and for the world.

Now, I fear that if I die, I’ll be sent to the deepest, darkest part of Hell for this.

Maria shifts back into her human form, her expression somber. “The Guardians will know of your actions, Damien,” she says. “They’ll be pleased to learn about your commitment to upholding supernatural law, no matter the personal cost.”

“See that they do.” I give her a curt nod, then return my focus to Viktor’s charred remains.

My heart aches as I gaze down at what used to be my closest friend.

Then, I notice silver gleaming in the ash.

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