Page 108 of Soulless Deeds

My Variant ebbed in flow and range as I attacked all those who were a threat to my Ghost. Khaos members dropped one by one, ears, eyes, and mouths dripping with crimson red as their brains literally melted from my amplified assault.

I left one alive. Camilla, now comatose and unconscious as Fran gnawed on her limbs.

It wasn’t mercy. It was my last gift for Spencer. At least I could give her that—her revenge.

Satisfied, my ability began to wane. But with those final lingering notes, I was able to recognise the flicker of a rapidly beating heart—a healing heart, owned by the one and only person who could ever hold mine.

As my lids drifted closed and my voice cut out, I dreamt that I wouldn't meet her in the afterlife any time soon. That instead, she lived on, even if that meant without me.

My lids pressed against the heavy weight of sleep and light bled into my vision with irritation. I’d recognise my bedroom anywhere, the priceless mattress moulding around my injured body.

Perception soon sharpened, processing Emerson, who slept in a winged armchair beside my bed. Upon instinct, I shifted upward, the movement causing pain to ripple up my frame, slamming me back to the pillows.

Emerson woke with a start, her expression condemning as her gaze roamed the fresh blood staining the bandages wrapped around my chest. She looked like shit, her stark blue eyes more electrifying with the dark circles embedded beneath.

“Spencer?” I croaked, preparing to sit up.

“Shut up,” she quipped. “You’ve ripped your stitches.” Before I could move, Emerson pressed a palm over my sternum—then I felt it. A unique energy seeping into my system, dancing through my bloodstream.

She was healing me. A privilege I didn’t deserve.

I peeled her hand away gently. “I’m fine.” Based on her pallor and the lack of warmth in her skin, Emerson had given up a lot to keep me linked to the land of the living. “Thank you,” I said, with full sincerity.

Emerson gave a slight nod, then slumped back into the chair. And before I could launch into a tirade of questions, she gave me answers.

“Spencer’s safe and well. In the basement, preparing your surprise.” As I lifted a brow, Emerson sighed. “You saved us, Echo. All the Khaos members collapsed to the ground, their brains melting out of their skulls. I’ve never seen anything more magnificent.”

If she wasn’t serious, I probably would have laughed. “Is everyone safe?”

“Everyone who matters.”

“Camilla?”

“Taken care of.” She almost sounded amused.

“Tell me what happened while I got my ass handed to me.”

Emerson gave a tired snicker. “While we were in the arena, Micah and Tanner had found an offshoot of tunnels that Khaos were using to mobilise. They fought their way through, but the passageways were too complex. Psycho says they’re new, so we have no sense of direction. Gannicus has given us full reign in exploring this new territory…at our own risk.”

“Gannicus…gave you permission?”

“He was able to defeat his uncle and become the rightful ruler of the underground. The Caverns now belong to the Ludus Gannicus. Unsure how long that will last though, depending on Psycho’s ever-changing mood. He may decide to kill his former best friend yet.”

A soft knock caught our attention as Aster popped her head in the door. “Good, you’re awake, If she has to wait any longer, she’s going to lose it.”

Emerson whined. “He’s bleeding again.”

“You want to tell your sister to wait?” Aster asked.

“Fine,” Emerson snapped. “But tell her she can play nurse from now on.”

I laid a hand over hers on the armrest. “You’ve done enough, sister.”

Emerson’s eyes softened, then she stood. “I’m going to sleep. Have fun with your surprise.” She walked out, leaving me with more questions than when I started.

I remained shirtless, only in sweats and trainers as I raced to the basement, ignoring my aching wounds—in too much of a rush to get to Spencer. I didn’t think I could fully accept she was okay until I had proof.

I had to see her with my own eyes, hold her in my arms, fucking smell her on my skin, make sure she was safe.

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