Page 132 of Goldsin

Adrian takes a step forward, a haunted look in his eyes as he stares into the blank eyes of our father.

“I’ll be there shortly,” Valentine finally says, his tone shifting from calm to one I’ve never heard coming from him. From the right hand of the Harrows.

The phone call ends. A beeping sound wraps itself around us as everything slows down, fading away, except for my mother’s heavy breathing. Her blood warms my hands while freezing my heart.

I see Adrian crawl on top of Lucian’s body to push and push with his hands on his chest, hysterically trying to bring him back to life.

I see my brother deliver orders, his face contorting with pure rage. I see his hair sticking out in every direction, blood smearing his cheeks, his neck, his hands, his clothes.

Everywhere.

There’s blood everywhere.

I see guards filtering in to later rush out in search of the killer.

I see everything.

But I don’t hear.

I hear nothing but the labored breathing of my mom as her life slips through my fingers.

“Who did this?”

Adrian’s question stirs something within me. His eyes dart around the room, searching for any clue.

“Who was it?” He turns to us, his gaze locked on the barely open eyes of our mother. “Mom, did you see who it was? Their face—anything?”

I know.

I know who did this.

She went behind my back.

She killed Victoria.

All the pieces fall into place. I now have a clear picture of what happened tonight. The reason why my mom is bleeding on the floor and Lucian is dead.

Something soft falls on my cheek. My mother’s hand calls for my attention. Her touch is weak, but the light behind her eyes is so fierce. So full of determination.

That’s why it stuns me to hear her say the next words.

“Julian,” she stutters, “I love you so much. You and Adrian need to take care of the business and the Inferno Consortium now that we won’t be here with you.”

I get a hold of myself, keeping my tears from spilling.

“Mom, don’t talk like that!” I shake my head, pinching my eyebrows. “You’re not going anywhere!Where’s the fucking ambulance?” I scream the question out, all my frustration bubbling to the surface.

A lump forms in my throat.

Her eyes flutter closed, and I shake her.

“Hold on,” I whisper, my words chokingout. “Hold on, Mom. You have to hold on.” I brush a hair away from her forehead. “Lucian is gone. You can finally live your life, but you have to hold on.”

God,please.

“Julian ...” she whispers. A small smile stretches her dry lips. “Having you brought me to life, and I’ve loved every second.”

A tear escapes and streams down my face.

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