Jamie felt a warm emotion swell up his chest and into his throat. The voices continued to hiss in his mind, demanding he save the world by killing his sister, but the wonder in her eyes was swallowing him. Was it possible?

“I love you, brother,” Grace said.

Like an overwhelmed dam, something inside Jamie broke.

Suddenly he wanted nothing more than to believe her. To be rid of the fear that had guided his life in a promise to keep him safe. To know the kind of love she knew without judgment or condemnation. Without fear of punishment or consequence.

With that thought, the warmth from her touch swallowed him whole, and he knew he couldn’t do what he was meant to do.

Jamie lowered the gun, hung his head, and began to weep.

THE MOMENT JAMIE HUNG HIS HEAD, ROSE KNEW he’d fallen under Grace’s deceitful spell. Her words, like honey, had filled the auditorium and enthralled them all, including her to some extent. For a moment, she wondered if there might be some truth, however small, in what Grace was saying. In how she was being—fearless and gentle.

But that would mean everything Rose had based her life on was wrong. The fear she felt from that thought shoved all deception aside, replacing it with a holy wrath of God.

Sylous had insisted that Jamie be the one to kill Grace, but Jamie had failed. And Sylous had vanished. The others were looking at Jamie and Grace now, some tearing up, some lost in confusion, some incensed—but not nearly as many as she would have expected. How could they be so easily wooed by the lies of the wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Even her children. Perhaps they more than the others, staring in wonder. So innocent and good. What if they were seeing something she couldn’t? What if . . .

I will leave you to face hell on your own.

Sylous’s words swept through her, and fear mushroomed in her gut. But it was immediately joined with courage. He was still here, watching over her like a constant lover.

I cannot serve you if you do not serve me. The Fury will tear you to pieces.

“No,” she whispered. “Please . . . I can fix this.”

I was wrong to put my faith in you. I was mistaken to think I could save you.

“No!” Rose screamed, balling her hands. She looked at the congregation, all eyes on her. But her mind was on Sylous. “Please, don’t leave me. I need you. I’ll do whatever you ask. Please, don’t leave me.”

You know what has to be done.

Rose shifted her eyes to the gun hanging in Jamie’s limp hand as his shoulders shook in silent sobs. Grace stood with her back to Rose, hands on her brother’s shoulders.

Now!