Prologue

This had to end. Right here. Right now.

"Ah, Eliza, my dear sister. Come, join me." Vincent beckoned her forward with a cruel smile. He thought he had her in his clutches, but Eliza was done playing his game.

The revolver was clenched in her right hand which she had carefully tucked into the folds of her black skirts. No one had noticed yet. She paused for a moment at the top of the steps to survey the room below her. She stole a glance down at the men of the Van der Linde gang who had come for her, hoping they could retrieve her. Her gaze was automatically drawn to Arthur who looked as stoic as ever and her heart ached. The last time they had seen each other she had screamed at him for seeing Mary. What was the last thing she had even said to him? God, it was probably something horrible. She'd give anything to take it back now since it probably be the last thing she ever said to him.

Arthur's blue eyes were staring intensely at her, and she could see the silent hope in them. It was practically a plea for her to make it back to him. It was probably impossible, but some part of her hoped she would. At least for a moment.

She tore her gaze away from him and somehow landed on Micah. Oh Micah, he was always the worst at concealing his emotions. His fist was clenched at his side, itching to draw his gun and he was scowling deeply. At least he was holding back. Her heart ached for Micah as well. He had tried so hard for her, to be some form of a better man for her, but she would never return his affection. Sometimes she wished she could.

Eliza pulled herself back to reality and focused on Vincent. He stood at the top of the grand staircase in his finest black suit, perfectly groomed as normal. Armed guards stood behind him on the opposite set of stairs and there were several more behind her just waiting for someone to make a threatening move. It wouldn't even take them a second to... she pushed her bloody thoughts out of her mind. She couldn't afford to back down now. She smiled sweetly at Vincent and began descending the steps towards him. Each step felt heavy, like her feet weighed a thousand pounds. Her heart pounded in her ears so loud and fast that she was sure Vincent or one of his surrounding guards would hear it at any moment, but she kept herself composed.

This was no time for doubt.

When she finally felt she was close enough, she halted her descent. Vincent's smile faltered when she paused, but hers didn't.

"It's over, Vincent."

Without hesitation she raised her revolver, and pulled the trigger.