First Comes Blood by Lilith Vincent

Epilogue

Chiara

I’m blinded by chlorine and my midsection feels like I’m being crushed to death by an iron weight. I fumble for my belly and hold my hand up in front of my blurry eyes.

Wet and red.

Blood and pool water, that acrid, familiar scent. Someone has pulled me out and I can feel their hands on me.

Just push me back in. Let me die and be with my mother.

I’m shaken vigorously. “No, you don’t. Open your fucking eyes.”

I feel someone’s mouth against mine. My lungs forcefully expanding. Then the world goes black.

Cold.

Alone.

Then shocking white. Light pierces my eyes. Water erupts up my throat and I can’t breathe—can’t breathe—can’t breathe. Spots dance in my vision as I cough. Desperate, hacking coughs that feel like they will rip my lungs right out of my chest.

“Chiara? Chiara!”

I take rasping breaths, my eyes streaming. I can’t see. I don’t know where I am. My hands are gripping muscular shoulders as I fight to stay conscious.

Lips against my lips. A mouth that’s kissed mine so many times, always stealing my breath and my heart. Lips that demand I answer him.

“Chiara? Kiss me so I know you’re still breathing.”

Second Comes War (Promised in Blood, 2) is available September 22

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