Finale

but he was also still in love with her.

‘I’ve always been yours, Crimson.’

‘I can’t say that I understand love, or that I’m very good at it, because I’ve never loved anyone before. But I love everything about you, Donatella Dragna. Everything.’ His hand dropped lower to stroke her jaw. ‘I love the secrets you haven’t told me, and the lies you’ve tried to get away with. I love your stubbornness and your persistence. I love the way you always pretend not to care when I visit you in dreams. I love that you never stop fighting for what you want or the people you love, even when they don’t deserve it. I love you, I don’t intend to stop loving you, and I hope that somewhere deep inside, you still love me, too.’

‘This is my choice, and I choose you, Donatella. I don’t need immortality. You’re my forever.’

And Scarlett cried. She cried for the horrors he had been, and she cried for the wonders that he could have been instead.

‘I thought I could consider it. But I actually think I fell more in love with the idea of you than the real you.’