Epilogue
RAFE
“In moments of pain, we seek revenge.”
— Ami Ayalon
I wake up to the cold bite of iron shackles on my wrists. My head throbs with pain and my vision blurs as I struggle to orient myself. The world around me is a blur of darkness, my mind a fog of confusion and grief.
Juliet’s eyes flash in my mind, and I choke back a sob.
The image of her lifeless body in my arms is burned into my memory, an agonizing reminder of my failure.
I failed to protect her.
I’ve failed her.
And now she’s gone, taken from me by my best friend.
The thought is unbearable, her loss a fresh wound that bleeds with every heartbeat.
The room is dimly lit, shadows dancing menacingly on the walls. As my eyes adjust and my head lifts, I see Nora standing in front of me, her eyes glinting with a twisted satisfaction.
“Nora,” I sneer, my voice hoarse.
“Welcome back,” she says, her tone mocking. “Did you enjoy your nap?”
I try to lunge at her, but the chains hold me back. Looking around, my fists clench at the realization there’s no sign of Cole. The rage that follows is like a living thing, clawing at my insides and desperate for release.
My heart pounds with fury, the weight of Juliet’s loss pressing heavily on my chest. “What do you want, Nora?” I spit out.
I glance around again, desperate for any means of escape, but the room is bare except for a single, barred window high on the wall. My muscles strain against the restraints, but it’s useless.
I’m trapped.
“Where’s Cole?” I demand through gritted teeth.
Nora steps closer with a devilish smile, her face inches from mine. “Shouldn’t you worry about yourself?” she purrs, her voice like poisoned honey.
“I will stop you,” I snap. “And I will avenge Juliet. I will kill him,” I growl. “I’ll tear him apart for what he did.”
Nora’s smile widens. “Oh, I have no doubt about that. I’ve seen the hatred in your eyes. And I’ll gladly help you with it.”
As she turns to leave, I close my eyes, focusing on the pain, the anger, the loss.
The shackles bite into my wrists, but I pull against them, my muscles straining, my mind locked on the image of Juliet’s face.
Nora’s footsteps fade into the distance, leaving me alone in the dim, silent room.
The darkness is closing in, but I welcome it.
I will break these chains.
I will escape.
And when I do, I will bring vengeance with me.
I will make them all pay.