He bent down to take one last breath in her hair so that her scent would give him strength and carry him to his grave. "I love you," he whispered, then he made himself leave.
Fang!" Aimee gasped, feeling desolate without him. How would she be able to live knowing he was really gone?
At least in the past there was always the chance that he'd come to his senses and be here.
But now . . .
He was going to die and there was nothing she could do.
Go get him!
The urge was so strong. If only she could. But Fang would never forgive her for that. How could he? She knew the pain of living without her brothers. The unrelenting agony of knowing she'd been the reason they had been caught and killed. They had protected her and given their lives so that she could live.
She couldn't wish that pain on Fang.
No, it would be Vane who would suffer, knowing that his happiness had been bought in blood. Fang's blood.
Besides, Savitar had issued his orders. If Fang didn't surrender, Savitar would hunt him down. He would die anyway.
Heartbroken, Aimee dressed herself and sat on the bed, trying to use her powers to see him.
Savitar wouldn't even allow her that much comfort.
Fang materialized in Savitar's opulent hall where the Omegrion council met.
Completely empty, the room had windows that were open and looking out onto a beautiful sea. Fang closed his eyes as the soft wind brushed his skin and ruffled his hair. The salt in the air was as sweet as the birds that sang outside.
It was a beautiful day to die.
He slid Aimee's locket into his pocket at the same time he felt the fissure of power rippling behind him.
"So you came alone." Savitar appeared in front of him, dressed in a black wet suit. His hair was plastered back from his face and still dripping wet.
"Was I not supposed to?"
Savitar snorted as he wiped some of the droplets off his face. "I didn't know if you'd have it in you or not."
"Guess I'm full of surprises."
He didn't appear to appreciate Fang's sarcasm. "You know the charges against you?"
"I was told murder."
"Fourteen counts. How do you plead?"
Fang shrugged with a nonchalance he most definitely didn't feel. "I suppose most people go down on their hands and knees."
Savitar laughed, then sobered. "But not you."
"Nope. Never." He narrowed his gaze on Savitar. "Honestly, I have no memory of murdering anyone, but if I did it, I'm here for my punishment."
Savitar rubbed his chin with his thumb. "You never flinch, do you?"
"It's not in me. But I expect you to abide by your word and spare my family."
"You've nothing to say on your own behalf?"
"Not really."