AN- I'm going to be perfectly honest, but I didn't plan on finishing this. My interest for both this story and its fandom has dwindled and I had planned to leave it in the past. However, it has haunted me to still receive reviews and private messages asking me to finish this. I feel mildly obligated to do so. So, I'm cranking out the last chapters as we speak. I am leaving it up to you, readers, to decide whether Anais lives or dies. I like the outcome of the story either way, so it's up to you.

I appreciate your thoughts on both the matter of Anais' outcome and the chapters in general through reviews and private messages.

Enjoy the continuation of their tale,

Bee

"Aren't you going to beg for your life?"

She let her lips upturn into a small, thin, smile.

"You should know by now, I am far too proud, my dear."

"I've seen prouder men beg,sob and scrape at my feet. You'd be no surprise, chérie."

She rose, walking around him much like a beast who circles its prey. Her hand found her way to his cheek, almost affectionately.

"I suppose that just makes me better than then."

Clopin clicked his tongue. "Or worse."

She chuckled. "Perhaps so. Does that mean you won't kiss me?"

Had it been any other moment, any other woman, he wouldn't have. But she was bound for death. Be it at his hand, her uncle's or the spreading infection coming from her shoulder. Survival would be a miracle.

So he pushed back her matted hair, took a good look at her dazed eyes and managed, for the first time, to see right into her. She was broken.

And that's why he allowed himself to kiss her. Her response was eager and she put as much heart into it as her body allowed it. Had circumstances been different, it would transpired as nothing but a passionate lovers' kiss. But it didn't feel like it to neither of them.

Breaking apart for air, the female balled her fists into the man's tunic with a lovelorn sigh.

"I've fallen for a gipsy. I really do deserve to die."

He chuckled. "It's worse that the gipsy has fallen for you too. I might just have ancestors rolling in their graves."

Anais laughed a different laugh. Clopin had never heard such a melodic sound in his miserable lifetime. The bells of Notre Dame had nothing on the musical sound that bubbled from her throat. He found himself falling in love with her all over again.

And he knew, then and there, that as much as she deserved it he wouldn't bear to see her die.

"I could help you escape." He said.

"I know you could, but I didn't ask for it. I'll end up dead no matter where I go."

"Back to Germany?"

Her brow arched. "Why do you think I left in the first place?"

"I thought it had been because you wanted fun."

She leaned close to his ear and he swore he felt the Devil's breath.

"Lying is an art, my love, and I'm the greatest artist in its field."

He now gazed at her with a wave of disbelief. She wasn't daft, he knew that much. How could she not fear death? How could she wish to be wrapped in the arms of the grim reaper and plunged into the dark abyss that is hell? How…could she?

"You really shouldn't care for me, honig. I am but misery and evil in a woman's body, haven't you heard?"

"Then I guess you should've killed me on that very first day."

"Oh, my no-name man, things would've been so much simpler if only I had."

Silence fell between them.

"Clopin."

She looked up at him in questioning.

"That's my name."

She opened her mouth to repeat it slowly, smiling, but he had grabbed her wrist forcefully before the words could leave her lips, dragging her across the tent and out the back.

"I am Clopin Trouillefou and so help me God I won't see you die."

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

He didn't let go of her until they were far away from the Court of Miracles. She was in pain and gasping for air, and blood still trickled down her shoulder.

"You madman! Do you wish for me to die faster?!"

His face didn't even seem slightly apologetic. However, he did take her hand in a much gentler way and allowed her to lean against him as they made their way to a small bridge. He let her sit and regain her bearings, all the while thinking whether or not his "plan" was worth it.

Seeing her wan, pale face in the moonlight made him believe so.

"What now, honig, running won't take us far."

"I know someone, a doctor of sorts, who could treat your wound." Clopin pointed to a small house just ways past the bridge. "He's kind to all, even if he doesn't favour your name. From there we can figure out something else."

"If I live."

"Shut up,not even the devil wants you anyway."

Anais pouted childishly but squeezed his hand a tad tighter. "I do not care for the Devil." She smirked. "My heart seems pretty set on you."

Their third kiss was shared under the moonlight.

AN- I remind you once again to please send me a review or private message saying whether you believe Anais should live or die! Have a good summer!