Even so, his stance shifted and his eyes narrowed. He sensed something was off, even if he wasn't sure what. And does this sudden desire to question a ghost have anything to do with Jenson suspecting Madeline Hunter's involvement in the death?
Fuck, fuck, fuck! He'd heard entirely too much and I really had no choice now. I didn't know when Markel was back on watch duty, and I simply couldn't risk this vampire reporting what he'd heard to Hunter.
My grip tightened on Amaya. Her excitement burned through my mind, thick and hungry. I was almost within killing distance. A few more steps, and his life would be mine. His soul Amaya's. I wanted to run. Wanted to hide. Wanted to throw up so badly the bitter taste of bile stung the back of my throat.
I did none of those things. Just kept one foot moving in front of the other. I need to find out what Jak might have done to annoy Hunter.
He did nothing, and you know it. His gaze swept me. What is this truly about?
This is about saving lives. Nothing more, nothing less.
And with that, I stabbed Amaya into the heart of him. Her flames exploded in and around him, capturing him, consuming him. It was murder, nothing less, and it sickened me to the core.
I'm sorry, I whispered mentally. So, so sorry. But I have to protect the people I love.
He opened his mouth; no sound came out. But his eyes burned, damning me, and my cheeks were wet, though I had no idea if tears were even possible here. The plane around me grew dark and heavy, bearing down on me, as if the weight of this death was something I would carry for the rest of eternity.
And I would. I knew I would.
Amaya continued to devour the vampire, until there was nothing left of him. Not even ash.
I closed my eyes and imagined myself back in my body. The minute I was, I rolled onto my side and was violently, completely ill.
The bed dipped. Azriel didn't say anything, didn't do anything, just sat behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. He didn't need to do anything else. His presence and his touch was enough.
"I am sorry you were forced to do this." His voice was filled with compassion and understanding. "I would have, if I could have."
"I know." I pushed upright and leaned back against him.