Chapter 132: Let’s Get This Over With

JAMES

It moves silently toward us, operating under no engine or oars, leaving no ripples in its wake. The girl comes into view, and all at once I know. I promised her something. Promised I’d do anything she wanted. Her eyes flick to Desi, then settle on me. And when they do…I know I’ll do anything for her.

The boat bumps against the shore and I find myself wading into the water to pull it further in.

“Helena,” Desi says, her voice dripping with ice.

“Desolation.”

“You’re the Ferryman?”

Helena smiles and gives a half-shrug. “When it suits me.”

“And it suited you now - with them?”

Helena glances at Horonius but dismisses him. “For him,” she says. My heart expands three times with pride. For me. She loves me.

“I love him,” she says.

Desi snorts. I used to think it was cute when she did that, but right now it pisses me off.

“Look, you don’t have to like her, okay? But I love her, so show some respect.”

Desi spins toward me. “You love her?”