Machines hummed in a low rhythm, the only sounds filling t

le st

es fluttered open. Her throat burned. Her body ached. A stab

ing wa

ntil they landed on the familiar broad figure seated besid

rasped, her voice

odshot, dark circles framing them like bruises.

d, and he clasped her hand more tight

of si

other hand moved slowly, hesitantly, as if her

l

ovem

flu

o

at, and suddenly the silence

she wh

allowed hard

gonized. She pushed herself up despite the wires an

iolently, slamming her fists against Nathan

g himself. "Estelle... I'm so

as if that alone could undo fate. "She was fine! She kicked

pping her in a tight embrace eve

. "I should've held the railing... I

of heartbreak loud and raw between the steady beeping of the machines. He stared at

le sagged against him, weak and drained. Her hand

e me Sheryl pays. Promise me she fee

n't hesitate.

IGHT - BACK

k light made her bruises look worse-more raw, more real. Her fingers a

l door

d her gaz

ll black, his expression unread

e said dryly. "Shouldn't you be at

"You pushed her. That's n

, without emotion. "But no o

d. "You grabbed her. She fell. She bled out in f

d bitterly. "And t

dn't blink.

believe every tear that falls from her eyes, but you've never really listened to me, Natha

the bars. "You thin

ecutioner when all you've ever done

the metal bars with a metallic cl

ed! My baby is dead! And you-you're still her

tried to pull my hand back, and she wo

l's ches

t me to be

he whispered. "But I swear on my ow

ong time. Then his voice

ve two

rows

ted-not just for assault, but for the death of my child. I will bury your r

y. "You think banishin

d. "It makes

le

forward, hands

re. I bled here. I loved here. And y

es

ng, Nathaniel. You think this is the end? You

the bars, her voice d

villain. You just

l's eyes

without an

e stood waiting ju

tation papers. I want her out of the country in 48 hours

ng Master

into the night, his mind heavy with grief