Chapter 37
My dark Sweeney,
Some nights I lie awake thinking about what you said—that you want to pull me out of this world, take me somewhere the shadows can't reach. But I am the shadow now.
Every night I spend in those places, every secret I uncover, every truth I dig up…it all becomes part of me. The darkness isn't something I'm fighting anymore.
Very much like you, it's something I am. You taught me that.
Even before we met, I didn't know. Didn't know that the horrors I was investigating led back to the fire that killed the Swanleys. By the time I discovered the connection, I was already in love with you.
Nothing else in my life feels as real as our stolen moments. When you look at me, you see something worth saving. I wish I could see her too. But she's disappearing, piece by piece…
So I went to Grayfleet, even though I lied and told you Southwark, and I found the evidence: the forgeries, illegal documents, the proof we've been looking for of what was done to you.
What I'm bringing to you as soon as I can will change everything.
A word of warning: don't try to be my hero, and please, don't come looking for me. You have your sister to protect. If one of us is walking into hell, it should be me alone. This burden is mine to carry, not yours.
Nell is my name, but it's short for Amelia, because you see, my full name is…
Sage Amelia Lovett. The daughter of Richard Lovett, the man who destroyed your family.
You keep saying you can save me, but some people are born damned, and I've seen what my father truly is.
The fires he's lit, the lives he's taken, the blood on our family name.
There's no washing clean from that kind of legacy.
My parents' crimes are written in my blood, and I'm the only one who can make it right.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you until now. I was never brave enough to tell you the truth, afraid you'd hate me forever. Even now, I'm a coward, hiding behind a letter you may never read. I only hope that you'll forgive me when I turn up on your doorstep with everything to clear your name.
Love always,
Your little blade.