The flames consumed her. Orange and gold and terrible.
When her remains scattered into the dark waters of the harbor, so did the last tether binding my heart to this world.
Gone. Just like that.
At midnight, I slipped the engagement ring from my finger—the three-carat symbol of a blood pact that had never been honored. I set it gently inside the nightstand drawer of the bedroom I'd shared with Colino's ghost for three hollow years.
No need for formal dissolution. His devotion had never been real to begin with.
How convenient.
I wheeled my single suitcase to the front door of the Marconi estate, my footsteps echoing through halls that had never truly been my home.
My phone buzzed.
Colino: [Did you get your wounds treated? Piper says she forgives you. Let's put this behind us and focus on tomorrow.]
Colino: [I picked up a new gown for the ceremony. Hand-beaded Venetian lace. Gorgeous. I'll have it sent over.]
No reply.
A moment passed. The phone buzzed again, more insistent.
Colino: [Asleep already? Why aren't you answering? It's our union ceremony tomorrow—the alliance between our Families becomes official. Be good, Anneliese. Don't embarrass me again.]