Disclaimer: I do not own The 10th Kingdom. This is merely a fanfiction.
.
.
.
"We can't take any more casualties! We have to order a retreat!"
The Green Knight was surrounded on all sides by the Lord Protector's forces. The raging war beasts bore down on him. A few feet away, Bluebell snarled as he fended off multiple soldiers at once with his broadsword. The two backed up in the heat of battle. Bluebell took in the sights – many of their own troops lay dead or bleeding out. Enemy reinforcements just kept coming. He saw an elf warrior fold under their sheer numbers – and the giant war beasts that the Lord Protector had summoned were tearing their left and right flanks apart.
Several kilometers away, Acorn and Clayface were fought to a standstill, before the enemy pressed them back. It was hopeless. The Green Knight was calling to his allies. "Fall back! To the cemetery! Fall back!"
Bluebell stuck his sword through an enemy and kicked him to the ground, turning to his sister who was locked in mortal combat with Lord Protector Wallace. "Blabberwort – order our trolls to retreat!"
Blabberwort was being purely overwhelmed by Wallace's sword and axe. His red cape whirled, a scarlet blur, his arms stained in the blood of his enemies. "Yes – order a retreat!" His smile beneath his skull mask was taunting. "So much more fun for me to hunt you down and exterminate you all like vermin! Just like your brother!"
The she-troll grit her teeth. "I'll never retreat!" She slashed – the Lord Protector dipped back, parrying with his sword, then cleaving his axe down. He missed the mark, but spun, reversed, and slashed her across the arm. She cried out as her arm dangled, blood running down her fingers. She steadied herself, switching her sword arm to her non-dominant hand. She took in her surroundings. Their allies were retreating, completely overwhelmed by the full power of Wallace's armies.
"Blabberwort – we have to go!" Bluebell shrieked at her as he himself began retreating with the rest.
Wallace watched her curiously, waiting to see what she would do. "Fight, retreat, it really doesn't matter to me one way or another. I'll hunt you trolls down one by one like the vermin you are. I'll mount your heads on my mantle as a trophy – yours will look just perfect next to the head of your brother …."
"Not another word …" she hissed.
"Blabbewort!" Bluebell was caught in the tide of retreating Resistance fighters. "Come on!"
Blabberwort tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword. Her eyes were filled with fire. "You go!" she shrieked at her brother.
"Sis – please …!"
"I'll be along shortly after I finish this filth!" she spat, her eyes never leaving her foe.
"I do admire your spirit," Wallace commended her. "At least you won't die like a whimpering pup as your brother did!"
Blabberwort turned for head for an instant – she saw Bluebell's desperate, pleading eyes. Their eyes locked for a moment, before Blabberwort gave him a knowing nod and turned to face Wallace again. "For Burly", she said softly as she threw herself at her opponent one final time.
Bluebell tried to race back against the tide of retreating Resistance forces. He saw Blabberwort and Wallace cross swords, before she vanished in the thick crowd of Resistance troops. His scream seemed to echo for eternity. "Blabberwort!"
.
.
~0~
.
.
Wolf's eyes darted between Virginia and the Snow Queen as he held the icy pitchfork in his hands. This girl – who had returned from the mirror – there was something familiar about her. A Wolf never forgets a scent! Oh, but Huff-Puff, where do I know her from? Oh, but I bet she tastes like a tender morsel, a little white lamb. Look at that creamy skin! I bet her blood is hot!
He licked his lips.
Virginia's eyes locked with Wolf's. For a moment – for the briefest moment – she thought she could detect a hint of recognition. And then it was gone – replaced by ravenous hunger and a desire to tear her throat out. She watched him, licking his lips, his eyes manic, his hair wild. Oh Wolf …
Above, Fen's crying echoed through the throne room. Virginia took a step forward. "Fen! Don't worry baby! Mommy's here! I'm going to get you out of here!"
The Snow Queen's laugh sent chills up everyone's spines. "And how do you plan to do that?" she cackled. "You – even with all your will to break free from the Devil's Mirror, you have nothing to your advantage! I have Wolf!"
"This doesn't have to end in blood," Virginia replied. She and the Snow Queen started circling each other now, two halves of a whole. Tony and Prince watched in wonder at the newfound resolve in Virginia.
"Oh?" The icy smile never left the Snow Queen's face. "It doesn't? It's strange … you seem almost as though you could harm me. Almost."
Virginia remained steadfast, calm. "One chance. Only one. Release my family. Release my father, Prince, Wolf and Fen. I warn you – your overconfidence in thinking you know me inside and out has already cost you here! Don't let it cost you further!"
"Enough!" The Snow Queen's eyes were slits, her tongue flicking out. She moved along the ice floors like a snake ready to strike at any instant. "You are in no position to make demands. We may be the same person, but my powers dwarf your own! I have the Devil's Mirror."
"You think he cares enough about you to intervene and save you? His powers are already abandoning you, aren't they?"
The Snow Queen refused to listen. "I have your family! Your son! And the love of your life! Their lives are mine to end – and I will end them Virginia. Don't you underestimate me!" The ice witch's hands curled into claws – sharp blade like nails extended from her fingertips.
Virginia suddenly found her arms and legs encased in pillars of ice that suddenly shot from the floor. She struggled. The Snow Queen laughed as she sneered, leaning in to her past self. Her frozen breath rose into Virginia's face, chilling her, as she pressed her ice nails into Virginia's throat.
"Where is your bravado now?" the Snow Queen demanded.
Virginia remained calm, defiant. "Then do it."
"What is this?" Confusion now reigned in the Snow Queen's mind.
"Do it," Virginia said simply. "Kill me! If I die – you die!"
The Snow Queen's teeth were bared. She pressed her nails deeper into Virginia's neck, drawing blood. "Don't tempt me," she snarled.
"Then do it! Seal both our fates!"
For an instant, Virginia really believed she would go through with it. But no – the ice witch removed her nails from her neck and turned. "I think I'll go through with the original plan – absolute slaughter of all your loved ones. You – forced to watch them slowly tortured to death. And at the hands of none other than your … betrothed." She snapped her fingers and Wolf jumped to attention. "Wolfie – you may start with the father."
Across the throne room, Tony's eyes widened. "Well now hold on -."
Wolf raised the pitchfork. His eyes focused on Tony. The heat in his blood rose – and it had to be satiated.
The Snow Queen turned and ascended the frozen steps to her throne. She sat down, her fingers clutching the tips of the armrests. "And when you have finished with him, you may proceed on to the dog, and then to the baby."
Wolf nodded. His memories gone, he was completely under the Snow Queen's control. He was hers to command. A loyal wolf.
Virginia cried out to him as he passed her. "Wolf! Wolf, please!"
The Snow Queen's cackle filled the throne room. "It's too late! Any memories and feelings for you are long gone! He is mine now, do you understand? Mine!"
"Wolf – you have to remember something! You have to feel!"
Hebro and Dynaman forced Tony to his knees. Fiona grinned wickedly.
"Wolf! Please … just remember who you are!"
He faltered.
Virginia smiled through the tears. Had she gotten through to him?
Wolf began walking again, his pace quickening, his fingers tightening around the weapon. He reached Tony who had been forced into a kneeling position by the two half-wolves. Wolf pressed the three points of the pitchfork under the jowls of his neck, forcing his head upright. Next to them, Prince whined, begging in his own way for Wolf to please, please remember.
Tony stared up, the frozen icicle points of the pitchfork pressing into his throat. "Wolf … it's me … Gramps … Tony … come on Wolf. Remember everything we've been through! When you sold me the dragon dung beetle … the golden fish on the boat … the trial in the Little Lamb Village …"
Wolf snarled down at him, pressing the jagged icicles harder against his throat.
"Wolf … please …" Virginia's voice was sad … pitiful. "I love you …"
Wolf winced at those words.
"What are you waiting for?" the Snow Queen demanded. "Do it!"
"Wolf – don't listen! It's me – the light of your life! It's Virginia! You've got to remember!"
"V-Virginia …?" Wolf was now the one whimpering.
"I am Virginia too!" boomed the Snow Queen. "Finish him! Now!"
Wolf began pressing harder. Tony cried out in pain and driblets of blood appeared on his neck.
The Snow Queen was laughing. "You see – he's mine! Just a stupid beast!"
"Don't listen to her, Wolf!" protested Virginia. "You're not a beast! Not to me! You asked me once – how I could love a mangy beast like you?! Because I saw the real you – the innocence, the humanity in you! The true, deep love you had in your heart! Please – the Devil's Mirror may have taken away your memories, but it can't have taken away everything! It can't have taken away your love!"
Wolf stood there, the pitchfork still angled in his hands, pressed up into Tony's throat. He snarled and pressed harder. Tony's shrieks filled the cathedral-like throne room.
The Snow Queen gloated from her throne. "You see, Virginia? Just an animal. I can't believe I ever once loved him. Now beast – do it!"
Wolf bared his teeth, ready to deliver the killing blow. Tony cried out, closing his eyes, bracing himself for the final blow.
Virginia lowered her head as the Snow Queen's cackling tore into her skull. She struggled in the ice bindings, then sighed.
.
~0~
"No one is lost that can't be found again."
.
~0~
Virginia's head rose. The words of Gerda rung in her ears. She stared at Wolf. "No … I refuse … I refuse to give up …" She stared down at the icy bindings … she closed her eyes. Gerda, she thought. Please give me strength.
Wolf held the pitchfork up, ready to deliver the final blow.
Virginia cried out as she mustered her strength, shattering the icy bindings holding her in place. Wolf whirled around. The Snow Queen was on her feet. "How?!"
Virginia stared at her nemesis, at her future self. "You and I are the same. And if you can control the elements – then so can I!"
Tony took the moment of confusion to bash his head back into Hebro's face and smash his foot onto Dynaman's boot. The two half-wolves howled, the one holding his face the other bouncing on one foot. Tony slid along the ice, smashing the bindings holding Prince. The retriever bounded free, the pads of his paws slapping on the ice. He spun, sinking his teeth into Dynaman's thigh.
The Snow Queen pointed a sharp finger. "Hurry – finish them but leave the girl!"
Fiona nodded, unsheathing two daggers, spinning them in her hands. Tony spun up. His eyes widened as Fiona approached. He pointed. "You keep away from me you psycho!" Fiona charged, slashing at him. Tony slid along the ice floors, ducking behind one of the many ice statues littering the throne room.
Wolf stood there, dazed and confused. Virginia raced to him, grasping him by the forearms, staring tearfully up into his eyes. "Wolf – please! Look at me! Look in my eyes!"
His face turned down into hers. He stared into her eyes. There was something … familiar ….?
"I know you lost your memories Wolf. But all of the endings of these fairy tales hold powerful truths that go beyond land and time! That no matter the odds – true love always wins!"
"True … love …"
"Don't listen to her! You are my creature," the Snow Queen howled.
Wolf's head jerked in the direction of his mistress's voice. He sniffed the air, his jaw clicking, his eyes without understanding.
"No, no – keep your eyes on me. Only on me." Virginia guided his face back to her own. "You told me once that when a wolf selects a mate, it's for life. You imprinted on me. That bond is still there even if you can't remember it!"
"Look at the pretty girl, Wolf!" The Snow Queen's voice tore into his skull. Wolf backed away, tossing the pitchfork aside, holding his head in both hands. He cried out. "Shut up! Shut up, everyone shut up!" He continued backing away on the ice floor, trying to drown out the two opposing voices.
"You are a Wolf," the Snow Queen continued. "You hunger for female flesh. You thirst for blood. Now finish her friends and bring me the girl!"
Wolf continued to hold his head in his hands. He lifted his face to the ceiling and howled, before bounding off between the ice statues, smashing into one, skidding on the floor. "Wolf!" Virginia took a step for him – he spun around, his eyes yellow, fangs gleaming in his mouth as he jumped out at her from behind a statue.
"Hello Little Girl! My, what white skin you have! All the better to feed me with!" And he lunged.
.
Across the throne room, the two guards Wallace had left to guard the Devil's Mirror with the Devil's Thorn watched the battle. "This is nuts!"
.
Tony and Prince slid between the ice statues, nearly falling into one. "Oh I really regret never taking up ice skating!" Tony lamented as tripped on the ice, slipping along the floor on his side. Prince grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him along on the ice – Fiona's blade struck the floor where he was not even a second ago. Tony nodded as he staggered to his feet. "Thanks boy!"
He dipped behind another ice statue and then turned – the ice statue of King Wendell stood there. Tony stared into the frozen expression of horror. "I'm gonna get you out of this, Wendy. One way or another. I promise!"
Behind him, another statue exploded into shards as Fiona lunged at him. Tony jumped back – her blade cut a swathe from his shirt. He turned. Hebro and Dynaman were coming at him from both sides, licking their lips, fangs gleaming in their mouths.
Fiona lazily spun her blades. "Where to now, Fatso?"
"Again with the fat jokes, I'll have you know I went to a De-Juicer and lost all that weight –"
"Enough with the humor. Hebro – Dynaman. Go for the throat."
The two half-wolves nodded, growling as they lunged. Tony's eyes were bulbs in his head. "Cripes!" He turned, skidding past Wendell's statue, his shoes sliding along on the ice floor. He was losing control, struggling to maintain his balance as he skidded along – crash! Right into another statue of a frozen leopard. Tony lamented. "Sorry buddy … maybe we can find some super glue to put you back together?"
A blade nearly took his head off!
Tony ducked as Fiona slashed at him. He fell onto his back, sliding along the floor face-up, Prince running at his side. He slammed headfirst into the base of another statue. Fiona was approaching, Hebro and Dynaman coming from both sides.
Prince put himself between Tony and the three half-wolves. He bared his teeth.
Fiona merely laughed. "Look at this, fellas! The retriever thinks he's one of us! The noble doggie – descended from greater ancestors, only to become 'man's best friend.'"
Prince's lips curled over his canine teeth. His ears were flat on his skull and his tail was between his legs as he lowered himself onto his haunches.
"Oh doggie – let me show you all your species has lost by becoming mere house pets."
Hebro and Dynaman bared their fangs as they approached Prince.
The retriever, however, wasn't scared. Tony had looked out for his body during the whole switch with Wendell, and he had cared for Prince ever since. He was not going to let his master be devoured alive by these wolves. He was going to go down fighting.
And Prince leapt from his haunches, his jaw clicking, as he attempted to sink his teeth into Hebro's neck.
.
.
~0~
.
.
Blabberwort stood her ground – yet she was barely standing. Her body was covered in scrapes and bruises and her legs trembled. Yet still she continued to fight on.
Wallace's lip was curled in disdain. "Look at you. You're a mess. You're barely standing. Yet you still believe you have a chance against me?"
Around them, the fighting had moved on. The Resistance was in full retreat – back to the cemetery. Wallace's forces had given chase across the plains towards the old graveyard on a hill. Wallace had ordered no mercy – and none would be given. Not to the rebels. And not to this troll.
And now the two of them stood alone in the plains, surrounded by fallen friend and foe and beast.
Wallace was circling the female troll. "I must say, you certainly have put up a better fight than your brother. Shall I tell you how he died?"
"Shut … up …" Blabberwort retorted.
"He lay on the ground in his own blood and dirt. He stared up at me as I loomed over him. And he begged. Oh, how he begged."
"Liar! A troll … never begs!"
"Oh but he did beg! And how he begged. He pleaded for his life like a half-nourished pup pleading for his mother's teat."
"I said SHUT UP!" Blabberwort charged, leaping into the air, aiming her sword for the Lord Protector's helmet. Wallace raised his weapons – one fraction of a second too slow. She scored a glancing blow on his helmet, slicing one of the horned antlers right off. He staggered back, his skull mask cracked. Grimacing, he reached up and pulled the horned skull mask off, revealing his youthful face. Ah, but Blabberwort's mark was true. A long gash had appeared on the Lord Protector's face, straight up his right cheek and up through his eye which was now fused shut. He tossed the mask aside and raised a gloved hand to his face – blood. He looked up and snarled.
"You … are going to pay for that …"
Blabberwort panted from exhaustion. "One more mistake like that and you'll be the one to pay!"
With a roar, Wallace raised his axe, hammering into Blabberwort's defenses. The she-troll fought back, barely defending herself from the Lord Protector's dance of death. He got under her guard, scoring a gash along her ribcage. She cried out, holding her side, limping away.
Wallace tsked her. "Come now – such drama. Surely a few slices and stabs cannot hurt so much?"
Blabbewort stared at him with bloody, gritted teeth. Her legs trembled – she couldn't hold on much longer.
And Wallace was still advancing. He got under her guard, butting her in the stomach with the hilt of his sword. Her knees buckled. And then gave out. She collapsed on all fours, panting, blood and sweat staining the ground beneath her.
Wallace pushed the blunt end of his axe under her chin, forcing her took up at him. "What? No begging like you brother?" he taunted.
Blabberwort spit blood in his face. "Go to Hell!"
"My life is Hell." And he raised his axe, preparing to decapitate the she-troll with one fell blow.
Blabberwort closed her eyes, bracing herself for the inevitable. It was over. She had lost. "I'm sorry Burly," she whispered. Tears filled her eyes for the first time since she had learned of her father's fate. But at least now – she could be with him and Burly.
And Wallace swung his axe.
.
.
.
BLUEBELL LEAPT FROM A ROCK, TACKLING THE LORD PROTECTOR TO THE GROUND!
.
.
.
Blabberwort opened an eye to see Wallace on his back, momentarily stunned. Bluebell scrabbled over to his sister, helping her to her feet. "Come on –"
"You … you returned …" she breathed.
"Yeah, yeah – as much as you get on my nerves I kinda sorta love you. Now let's move before Gruesome Gus over there gets back on his feet!"
Wallace was already moving, using the blunt end of his axe as a support to push himself upright. He laughed through the blood running down his face. "Two trolls for the price of one –"
"We can take him – together," Blabberwort insisted.
Bluebell shook his head. "For once I'm going to be the sensible one and say – no the heck we can't! Come on!"
"But Burly –"
"Getting ourselves killed won't bring him back."
Blabberwort stared into her brother's eyes, before she closed her own. "For once – you are right."
"Come on!" He hoisted his sister's arm around his shoulder, turned and the two limped back after their retreating allies.
Wallace rose to his full height, his right eye blinded. Yet he laughed through the pain. "Go on, little insects. Run. I enjoy the hunt!" He spun his axe in his hand, gloating. A game of cat and mouse, was it? Very well. He would play along and have his fun.
.
.
~0~
.
.
Hebro and Dynaman wrestled with Prince in the Snow Queen's palace. The retriever snarled, his jaws clicking. His tenacity was unexpected from such a gentle creature – but when it came to his loved ones, Prince was as fierce as any wolf.
Hebro and Dynaman lashed out – Prince dove between their legs, spinning, biting hard into Dynaman's thigh. The half-wolf man screamed out.
Fiona rolled her eyes. "Pathetic." Her gaze turned onto Tony who was leaning on an ice statue for support, out of breath.
Tony returned her gaze. She has Gerda's tear in her pocket … if I could just get to it …"
Fiona seemed to read his mind. Her hand slid into her chest pocket and produced the vial containing the tear. "You want this, don't you?"
Tony took a step – Fiona let the vial slide a few centimeters. She was holding it by the very top of the bottle, allowing it to sway between her fingers. Tony held out his hands. "Now let's not do anything rash …"
Fiona dangled the tear. "Rash? Oh no, I've thought about this. Smashing this vial. Maybe I should just do it now?"
"No!"
"Maybe I should smash it and let Wolf stay the way he is. After all – I like him this way. He is as he was meant to be. Mine! He was my litter mate! My betrothed! Until you and your stupid, pale daughter came and stole him away from me!"
"He never wanted you, can't you get that through your crazy head?!"
"Easy now!" Fiona let the vial drop a bit more –
"No!"
She was holding it by the very tip. She licked her lips, savoring every moment of tormenting this man. "Beg me for it," she mocked.
"What? I will do no such thing –"
"Beg me. Or I'll smash it right now. Your choice."
Tony faltered. He stared at the dangling vial containing that last, precious tear. Could he attempt to snatch it from her? He would have to be quick …
Behind him, Prince was drawing Hebro and Dynaman off. It was just him and Fiona now.
"I said BEG!"
Tony narrowed his eyes. "No. I won't. I'm not a canine. I don't beg for scraps – like your kind does."
"You dare -?"
Tony whistled at her. "Come on girl! Come on! Give me the vial! Give it to me!"
"I will not be mocked! Fine! You want to play games, then I'll just smash it right now –" Her eyes widened. Tony was charging her full-force. He tackled her onto the ice. The two rolled along the floor, skidding onward, smashing headfirst into an ice statue.
Tony laughed triumphant as he sprang up, holding something up in his hand – he paused. It wasn't the vial. It was one of Fiona's teeth. "Eew!" He tossed it aside, rubbing his hand on his plaid shirt.
Fiona rose – one less tooth in her mouth – her hair askew like a hydra, her eyes as mad as one. She held the vial up to the light – and before Tony could react, she dropped it.
"NOOOO!"
Tony leapt forward with all his might, landing on his stomach, his arms out to catch the precious final tear.
The vial fell between his hands – he had missed completely.
He watched – as though in slow motion – as the vial hit the floor and shattered. The final tear of Gerda lay there, shimmering on the ground – before it instantly evaporated. Tony lay there flabbergasted. He was so close! He closed his eyes. He had screwed it all up.
He had lost.
Fiona kicked him around the head and he flew back, hitting his skull on the floor. The she-wolf spat blood at him, before turning.
Wolf was chasing Virginia through the maze of ice statues.
She licked her lips. It was time to join her mate on the hunt.
.
.
.
Virginia pressed her back up against a statue of an ice fairy. Everything was silent. She slowly peered her head around the statue's side –
"Hello my dear! What great big eyes you have!"
Virginia let out a small scream as Wolf appeared in her face, his teeth gleaming. He licked his chops as Virginia spun on the ice, skidding along behind another statue.
"Oh how a Wolf loves to play hide and seek! Little girls in red hoods! Hey – maybe the Snow Queen's got one lying around! Would you mind waiting a second while I go find one for you to put on?!"
Virginia crashed into a statue and looked up. Wolf was walking between the statues salivating hungrily. "Shepherdess makes quite a mess, but little lambs are lovely."
"Wolf – please –"
"Yes! Beg! Wolves love to hear begging! Music to our ears!"
His arm lashed out, clasping Virginia by the throat, slamming her back into an ice statue. Virginia gagged in his arms. "Please … just remember who you are … you have a son …"
"A son? You're such a joker! That's good – humor spices up the blood!" He licked his chops.
"A son – with me … you imprinted on me …"
Wolf faltered. He closed his eyes. He felt as though he should remember this girl, but all he could remember was ice and fog. His fingers tightened around her throat.
Virginia gasped for air. Her lungs screamed out for oxygen. The room was beginning to spin, a fog was descending on her mind.
It was no use. Wolf's mind had been completely destroyed by the Devil's Mirror. He no longer knew who she was … or who he was.
And in that moment, Virginia had never felt such despair …
.
.
.
Virginia leaned forward suddenly and kissed Wolf!
.
.
.
Tony sat up, holding his head. He turned to see Wolf with his hand on Virginia's throat and Virginia … crashing her lips against his?
.
.
.
Wolf loosened his grip on her. Virginia looked up at him. Their eyes locked. The endings of all those fairy tales are right, she realized. True love's kiss …
And Virginia was right. Wolf had imprinted on her. Love was greater than any memory … the mental images were gone, but the love … the love remained …
"V-Virginia …?" Wolf stuttered. His mind was still foggy. He could only remember isolated images – but this girl dominated them all. Memories of her in an apartment in New York, when he first smelled her. Talking with her in a tree while she stroked his tail. Wining and dining her in Kissing Town. Their first kiss.
"Virginia …" He breathed deep.
She nodded, her face a mixture of tears and laughter.
And Wolf laughed too. His hand left her throat, cupped her cheek and he leaned in, kissing her with everything he had.
.
.
.
The Snow Queen's fingers tightened on her throne.
"NO!"
.
.
.
Fiona stopped short as she watched Wolf – in the truest love she had ever seen – with a love he could never love her back with – kissing Virginia.
Virginia was his one true love.
Not Fiona.
She had deluded herself. Love will win over all, no matter how strong the magic spell.
Fiona closed her eyes … and when she opened them, they were full of fire.
.
.
.
Wolf kissed Virginia with the greatest passion he could muster. Their lips broke and Wolf stroked her cheek. "Virginia … I … I don't …"
She pressed her fingers to his lips. "It's okay. For now – we have bigger fish to fry." She glanced sideways at the Snow Queen whose fury was rising.
Wolf looked down at her. "I'm sorry … I don't remember everything … but I do remember that I love you."
"Wolf – I love you too …"
"Oh Virginia, how much I love y- gack!"
"Wolf? WOLF!"
He fell forward into Virginia's arms, blood running from his mouth. The tip of Fiona's dagger was protruding from his chest, his shirt blossoming red with blood.
Behind them, Fiona's hands were soaked with blood and her face filled with contempt and spite. "If I can't have him … no one can!"
She gave the knife a final twist into Wolf's back and stepped away, satisfied with herself.
Wolf's eyes rolled back into his head – and he collapsed face first – lifeless - into Virginia's arms …
