Tristan writhed on the ground, his face ashen, sweat soaking through his clothes. “Aria…” he gasped. “Don’t listen to him… save yourself…”
Thorne scoffed. “One minute gone.”
He lifted his hand.
The car jerked forward again.
This time, it crushed Tristan’s hand.
The scream that tore from him ripped straight through my chest. “My hand! Aria—I can’t feel my hand!”
“No—stop! Please stop!” I collapsed to my knees in front of Thorne, grabbing at his coat. “I’m begging you. Don’t hurt him anymore. If you think I did this, punish me instead. Kill me if you want. Just—please—don’t touch my brother. Please… believe me.”
There was no mercy on his face. Only irritation.
He raised his hand again.
The headlights flared brighter.
I shook my head wildly. “No—please—don’t—”
The engine roared.
The car surged forward.
I didn’t think. I didn’t hesitate.
I tore myself free from the guards and ran.
“Aria, don’t!” Tristan screamed, his voice already breaking.
I threw myself over him, covering his body with mine.
I heard Thorne shout my name, panic cracking his voice—but it was already too late.
Everything exploded into white.