Page 236 of Inferno

"Fuck." My breath hitches.

"This is how we do it," Vlad declares. "Charlotte walks into the van. Isabella walks out. We’re both within blast range, so you know I’m not bluffing."

Declan nods, jaw like iron. "Fine."

Vlad gestures, his smirk a brand on my soul. I force my feet forward, my rage a leash that keeps me from launching at him.

He opens the van doors, and my world shatters.

There she is.

Isabella, curled into the corner, arms wrapped around her legs, sobs shaking her tiny frame. My heart dies a little more.

"Baby," I croak. "It’s Mommy."

She lifts her head, those blue eyes just like Declan’s, locking on mine.

"I need you to go to Daddy. He’s here to save you, baby. Just like in the story. He’ll keep you safe."

She shakes her head, tears slipping silently.

"Awww. Sweet little reunion. I gave you a minute. I’m generous like that," Vlad mocks.

"Fuck you," I hiss.

He wags a finger in my face and I want to bite it clean off.

"I’m going to have so much fun with you, princess."

I turn away from him, bile rising.

"In the truck you go. Get your brat out here." He clicks his fingers like she’s nothing.

I climb in, arms wrapping around Isabella. She clings to me like I’m her whole world, just as she is to me. The reality sets in that this could be our last time. We never anticipated a van rigged with explosives. We’re off track now, and I have to find a way to keep myself alive.

"Shhh, baby, it’s okay," I whisper, my voice cracking. "Daddy’s going to save you. And then, just like in our story, come back and save the Queen. He’s my prince, remember?"

Tears fall, and so do mine.

"Declan," I choke, "please… take her."

Even if it tears me in half.

Even if I never see the sun again.

Her life over mine. Always.

Chapter 90

DECLAN

Enzo’s voice crackles in my ear, low and emotionless. “I repeat, do not shoot. The drone is showing that the van is rigged to the heavens. Stick to the plan.”

His calm doesn’t soothe the fire tearing through my chest.

Watching this unfold is a special kind of torture.

Charlotte’s tears streak down her cheeks. The pain in her eyes will haunt me for the rest of my life.

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