Page 114 of Semblance

I felt sorry for Lincoln. It was hard to imagine that he was the same man who bled confidence and boyish charm. He was now reduced to a husk of pity and self-loathing. Did Lincoln actually win in the end?

Shadow lifted his friend gently to his feet.

“Remember this man,” Shadow said, his long finger directed at Sinister. “He’s the one you hate. Together, we’ll fuck him over.”

Lincoln sat himself down in the chair, took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“Congratulations Lincoln,” Sinister said. “I honor my word. You may leave this place with the stains of their blood on your soul.”

When Lincoln opened his eyes again, all the pity and self-loathing were gone. Instead there was pure animosity, as if his heart and soul had suddenly transformed into something dark and frightening.

“I’m not going anywhere until we all leave together,” Lincoln stated, “You, me, Aria, her friend, and Calisto.”

Shadow shook his head. “I’ll finish this. Go while you still can.”

Lincoln refused. “I’m not finished here.”

Shadow gestured towards the dead council members. “I need you to make sure their families are okay.”

Lincoln thought about it for a moment and finally agreed.

Shadow turned to Sinister. “As for Aria, let her leave with Lincoln.”

“What? No!” I protested. “I want to stay. Ineedto stay.”

“Let her go,” Shadow repeated. “It’s the Tremaine family you want in the end, is it not?”

“She is free to go on her own accord,” Sinister said. “However should she leave the premise without playing the game, then her friend will burn.”

“I’m staying,” I cried. “I need to save him.”

Shadow gripped me by the shoulders. “Aria, you may die. These fucking games are rigged.”

“That’s my decision then,” I said. “If I let Justin die without even trying to save him, then the life I have is not one that I’ll want.”

“Does he mean that much to you?” Shadow asked.

I nodded.

Shadow’s shoulders slumped and he gave in. “Then I won’t stop you.”

“Have a little faith Shadow,” Sinister said. “I assure you that the next game, Ms. Valencia has the capabilities of winning with the skill set she has.”

“What will you have her do?” Shadow asked, taking a step between the cloaked man and myself, acting as a human shield.

“Come with me,” Sinister instructed, “And we’ll see how well the Golden Virgin performs under a baptism of fire.”

#

Chapter Thirty-Two

With guns pressed behind our backs, Shadow and I were led to the auditorium of the casino.

“I understand you dream of performing,” Sinister said to me. “And it so happens that I adore classical music. I’d be honored if you’d play for me.”

At the center of the stage, lit by a spotlight, was a majestic grand piano. However it was Justin tied to a pole and sharing the same stage as the piano, which drew my attention. He was unconscious.

“Let him go,” Shadow ordered. “He’s a commoner for Christ’s sake. He has no involvement in anything we do.”

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