Chapter 166

OPHELIA Everything hurts. Every cell in every inch of my body. But I could deal with all of that if there weren’t such a deep, gnawing ache in my heart. So many are gone. Crescent wolves and Dragon vampires whose names I don’t even know. Vasilis. Enora. Cadence. And for what? Because Giorgios wanted more power? Did he not have enough already? And to what end? I lie with my head nestled against Malachi’s chest, aware of Axl and Xavier lying behind me and Alexandros sitting on the edge of the bed. Their concern for me is thick and cloying. I wish I could enjoy our victory, bask in their love and the comfort of their presence. But I’m too overwhelmed with guilt and grief, the weight of emotion crushing me. Why did I get to come back when they didn’t? Perhaps when I spoke with Lucifer, I should have bargained for their lives instead of selfishly asking for my own. “You have nothing to feel guilty for, agápi mou,” Alexandros says soothingly, his warm hand resting on my bare calf. “Those who