The following Song Suggestion is controversial in nature. But when I first heard it I couldn't help but notice it fit perfectly for this chapter. I just had to. Sorry ;)

Song Suggestion: Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift.

Mare: 20 Minutes Before the Rehearsal Dinner

The estate is nowhere near the size of Summerton, but it's still larger than Ridge House. If I cared, I might even be impressed. I had only two weeks to memorize the plans to the Estate, which were achieved thanks to our spies in Delphie.

I figured the garden was the best spot. The spot I picked specifically is a large wide circle of tall bushes circled around a few benches. No one will be able to see us.

In the middle lies a birdbath chiseled in an elaborate design. The edges are carved into jagged lines, to mimic an explosion, I realize. This is home to a family of oblivions after all.

Right now I sit on a bench and wait. I close my eyes and take in the smell of the flora. The fragrance of the flowers is too sweet for my taste. But the smell of freshly cut grass soothes me. But it barely calms me. I only tap my fingers on the side of the bench. My nerves heighten and bile begins to creep it's way up my throat.

If I don't time this right I'll be on the wrong side of the smoke. I force my myself to calm down, I take a deep breath.

Then I hear a faint rustling in the grass.

"A little warm for a jacket, don't you think?"

"It was cold on the jet," I say.

"It certainly took you long enough."

"Well it seems we're both cutting it close," I say.

I can't help but smile at the pun, considering who I'm talking to. "Did you tell anyone about this?"

"Of course not."

"Good."

"So will you help or not?"

"You got me out of that hell hole, Evangeline. It's only fair that I get you out of yours."

The silver princess stands above me, in her usual shining metal garments.

I lean back on my hands, not bothering to stand, not yet.

"So what's your plan?"

I let out a humorless laugh. "Do you think I'm just going to tell you? All the best things come to those who wait. You know that better than anyone."

"Only for a short time."

"Trust me when I tell you that's all you have to wait. You'll never walk down that aisle."

She tries to hide it, but I see the relief spread across her body as if a great weight has been lifted.

The garden was the ideal place to do this. Inside, a dinner is being prepared. Knives and forks are placed on tables, all potential weapons for Evangeline to wield. But here in the garden, the only weapon she has are the clothes she wears.

I made sure that I didn't wear anything metal. I didn't want to chance so much as the gears of a watch. Even the coms are made of metal and so I had to leave behind my only source of communication. There will be no backup.

Not for another ninety seconds anyway, the voice says. I hide my smile.

"I must admit, I had my doubts," Evangeline says, walking over to the stone bird bath. "But I know you are not one that gives up a fight easily. I've counted on it more than I care to admit."

I walk over to stand next to her. I see my reflection in the pool of water, and the person that stares back at me is someone I don't recognize. This time I am not scared of this person, instead I embrace them.

"I could say the same," I say.

Then another voice, a different voice from the one I hear from inside my head speaks to me. Maven's voice.

Remember, like we talked about. The bushes will shield you, walk towards them.

I do.

Turn your back to her and clasp your hands behind you. This way she sees you are unarmed.

-But that makes me vulnerable to-

I know, that's the point. Psychologically, making yourself vulnerable to her will make her let her guard down.

"I think you and I have a lot in common," I say.

"And that is?"

Turn around slowly so you give her no reason to be alarmed. It will also give you time to pull out the dagger.

My lower back begins to itch with anticipation.

"We take what belongs to us and feel no regret."

Then I pull the dagger that was hiding my beneath my jacket and throw it with every ounce of strength I can muster.

The weapon of diamond glass, given to me by Maven, hits home.

Evangeline can stop speeding bullets with nothing but her mind. But a dagger made of diamond glass she has no control over. And with a devilish smile, I enjoy the look on her face. The look of shock and betrayal. The sorrow of knowing what will happen next. That whatever life she thought she had will never happen.

Her hands go to her chest where the dagger still lies. My shot wasn't perfect, it seems, and she doesn't die instantly like my brother did. But the deed is done and that's all that matters.

She goes to try and pull it out but I rush forward and using her shoulder as leverage, I push it in further, twisting.

Evangeline falls to her knees and I go with her, not wanting to lose eye contact.

"Why?" She asks just barely above a whisper. I doubt she has the energy for anything else. She doesn't even try to do so much as cut me with the metal fabrics of her dress. She very well could, the slightest hint of red blood and the whole plan blows. "Cal?"

I smile widens at the implication. "Do you really think I would kill you for Cal? No, guess again."

The look on her face is priceless as the realization hits.

"That's right. You are nothing but collateral damage Evangeline. Just like my brother was to yours. Just like all the other red rats. You and all the others broke us. But not all the way. No, the pieces we are putting back together have created something that will destroy everything you've come to know. You silvers tore families apart. You brother tore my family apart."

I twist the dagger again. "I made you a promise, that I wouldn't kill, Ptolemus. And I won't. This is much better. Now he will know what it feels like. He will know the pain I feel every day. To the lose the one person who believed in you. The person who loved you unconditionally, who was there for you through everything. The person that never doubted your decisions and even when it could cost him his life and the future he may have had."

I realize I'm no longer talking about Ptolemus. The tears flow freely now, but I don't care. Let her see the pain I've been holding in. Let her see the pain her brother will feel.

"I've seen you two together and I would think, how could I destroy a bond like that?" Evangeline clutches my hand that holds the dagger in place. She still clings to life, but I know she's fighting a losing battle. So I twist even more and she makes a long-repressed cry of pain. And I feel a sudden burst of energy. Like somehow, as the life leaves her body that energy flows through me.

"But then," I continue. "I remember, Ptolemus didn't give any thought to that when he killed Shade. No, he did it for some stupid medal of honor he would eventually throw away."

And with that, I pull away, dagger in hand. I step to the side as the last beats of silver blood escape through the wound. I can't risk it getting further than my hands.

My grip was the only thing that held Evangeline up and without it, her back hits the ground along with the missiles from the Snapdragons.

ANALYSIS

To be continued, my children.

;)