“I’m sick of the way she talks to you,” Daisy fumed.

“Cherie, I turned her without her consent, then I ordered the attack that killed her girlfriend and her friends. This is why I have to do this. No matter what my grandmother said, or Angele, or you. I can never be redeemed, cherie. I’ve caused too much pain, destroyed lives, done to others like my father did to me. Why should I get a second chance at life?”

“Because I love you.”

Torija smiled and caressed her cheek. “Alexis loved Anna, and my actions took that away from her. If you love me and want to redeem me as best you could, then let me do this. Victorija wouldn’t walk into death, but through your love, Torija is part of me again. You were my May Queen, and I’m the Green Man.” She pulled back her shirt and showed that the green vein of poison was inches from her heart. “You did what Angele asked you to do, and the path leads here.”

All Daisy could muster was a nod as she wiped her tears away.

“Thank you. Let’s go.” Torija opened the door and got out. Everyone was staring at her, and all weapons were pointed at her.

“I’m being poisoned and am inches from death—do you really think the guns are necessary?”

Alexis got up close and pointed the muzzle into Torija’s stomach. “For Victorija Dred? Very necessary.”

Daisy ran around the car, pushed the muzzle of the gun away, and stood protectively in front of Torija. “She’s going to die in exchange for Sera. Isn’t that enough?”

“No, it will never be enough.”

Byron came striding over to them. “Duca, lower the gun, now.”

Alexis lowered it slowly.

Torija knew that before she met her end, she wanted to say a few words to Alexis. “I’m sorry I turned you. When I found you dying of your wounds on that battlefield, I thought, why not? Someone who has the courage to pass as a man to enter the army and protect their country should have the chance to live forever. It was like nothing to me, a whim, and until very recently, I didn’t realize what that meant. But I understand you have had a long life serving my great-niece and now have love in your life. For your personal loss, I can offer no words and offer no justification. I only pray that I can beg Anna’s forgiveness on the other side.”

Alexis’s eyes were a storm of emotion until Byron stepped in. “Victorija, follow me.”

Daisy was close by Torija’s side, as Amelia was by Byron’s.

“Anka’s certainly made the effort for our visit. Lit the stones blood red?” Torija said.

“Dark magic, like the kind I hoped I wouldn’t see again for a long time. Anka said she would call with further instructions.”