Chapter 37: Fragmented (2)
His whisper left me unsure whether to laugh or cry. I must have worn an ambiguous expression, because the man, upon lifting his head slowly and seeing my face, smiled. Liam spoke soothingly.
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
Another hand reached my cheek.
“That monster…,” I stammered.
“It’s dead. It was a bit difficult, but it’s dead.”
I wanted to ask how he killed it, whether it was related to his secrets. Though he might have guessed my question, he merely smiled softly. Seeing that smile… what could I say? It didn’t matter anymore. If it was something he didn’t want to reveal, I’d let it be.
I knew this world was strange. I had an inkling that this wasn’t the London I knew, nor the 19th century. Even when monsters from stories came to life, I thought, “Oh, it’s finally here.” My reason denied their existence, but my instincts knew.
This is real, Jane Osmond. This is reality.
Liam’s black hair was slightly dusted and clung to his forehead. His eyes, under delicate eyelashes, reflected only me. He was looking at me, and I was staring into his violet—