The Scarred Queen

Serena's POV

Thankfully, all those self-defense classes paid off. I twisted out of Donald's grip and shoved him back.

"Get your fucking hands off me!"

"And what the hell does Bianca getting kidnapped have to do with me?"

"You have some nerve asking that!"

Donald's eyes were bloodshot—clearly he hadn't slept all night.

"If you hadn't said all that cruel shit last night, Bianca never would've run out crying and gotten snatched by our enemies!"

"This whole shit show is all because of you! You're gonna help us switch her back right fucking now!"

The front door slammed open. Edward appeared, his face ghost-white.

He looked up at us on the stairs.

"Is Bianca back yet?"

Donald grabbed my arm and yanked it up.

"No, but the kidnappers said they'd make a trade—one for one."

"Since Serena's the reason Bianca got taken in the first place, it's time for her to make things right."

"Let go of me!"

I slapped Donald hard across the face.

"You're just a bodyguard—how dare you put your hands on me!"

A red handprint bloomed on Donald's cheek, but his eyes showed zero regret.

"Sorry, Miss Ferrari, but this isn't your call anymore."

"For Bianca's sake, we'll risk everything—even going against you."

He grabbed my arm and turned to his brother. "Edward! Get over here and help!"

My limited combat skills might hold up against Donald for a few rounds.

But Edward? No way in hell.

SLAM!

I hit the floor hard. Edward's boot appeared in my line of vision.

I struggled against Donald's grip, but the outcome now depended entirely on Edward.

I looked up at him, desperation creeping into my voice.

"Edward, please... help me! I'm begging you!"

He swallowed hard and closed his eyes.

"Sorry about that."

THUD!

Both brothers pinned me to the ground.

***

On the way to meet the kidnappers, Edward rode with me in the back seat, keeping watch.

"You're reborn too."

He broke the silence first.

I shot him an icy look. "And yet you're still treating me like absolute garbage."

He paused.

Then said quietly:

"I'm really sorry."

SMACK!

My palm cracked across his cheek.

"Those bullshit words are the last thing I need from you—not in our last life, and sure as hell not in this one."

His face turned slightly to the side.

Dark hair fell across his eyes, hiding his expression.

I heard him say in a low voice:

"I promise this is the last time."

His hand covered mine, gripping it tight:

"Just let me get her out safe, okay? One last thing—for old times' sake. After that, I'll do whatever it takes to come back for you."

I couldn't help but laugh. What a load of crap.

He grabbed my hand tighter.

"This is temporary, I promise. I won't let anything happen to you."

The swap went down in some empty field outside town.

Bianca and I walked past each other without a word.

Suddenly she broke into a run:

"Edward! Donald!"

I whipped around.

Edward was the first to reach her, catching her in his arms.

Donald worked quickly to cut her restraints.

Edward held her so tight his hands were shaking.

I could read his lips:

"I'm sorry... I failed to protect you..."

Something twisted in my chest—some emotion I couldn't name.

Even though I'd prepared myself not to matter to anyone.

In the next second, a hand dragged me over, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I tried to say something, but they'd already gagged me.