Page 306 of The Wishing Game

A round of applause erupts in the air. I turn slowly, watching as Wyn addresses the guests, lifting her glass in the air for a toast. I can't make out what she says, though. It's all foreign at this point.

She tips the glass, taking a big sip while everyone does the same.

I wish I could drown myself in anything that might take away this grief that's tearing me from the inside out. Worse than the first time I found out Nikki was dead, this time it's not just his death I mourn but also hope.

This is the end.

I catch sight of a row of bottles and, grabbing one, I down it in one go. The alcohol burns as it travels down my throat. I choke and wheeze, but I don't give up.

Make it go away, please.

One bottle down, more to go. I grab another.

Maybe in my attempt to drown my sorrows, I'llactuallydrown. But if I do, I don't want to go to the House of Psyche. I want Ze to cut me in two with his sword too so I can join my beloved in oblivion.

Together, we were everything.

Alone, I am nothing. So to nothing I shall return.

A loud thud reverberates in the air. Gasps erupt in the crowd, as well as a sharp, grief-ridden cry. And it's not coming from me.

Bottle in hand, I push my way through the throng of people, coming to a halt as I reach the source of the noise.

Wyn is on the floor, dark blood coming out of her mouth. Her eyes are blank, unmoving. Thea is by her side, crying out as she shakes her.

"She's dead! She can't be dead!"

Chaos ensues.

TO BE CONTINUED

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