Black List

CHAPTER 5 - BETRAYAL AND SECRETS

CHAPTER 5.1 - THE RUBY AND THE LETTER

My world seemed to spin before my eyes. I clutched the letter tightly to my chest, as if it could protect me. The ruby on my neck burned for a moment, then went silent.

"I found the letter. Now what?"

"Now everything is in your hands. Discover the truth," he said.

"Prove you have something to offer. Ah... you have nothing to offer, because everything about you is mine. Even the breath you take."

It was already night.

The ruby stole my breath, as if Valen’s words were enchantments. I tried to pull the necklace off, but it felt fused to my body.

"How do I take this thing off?"

"If you take it off, you’ll die sooner than you think."

"If I don’t take it off, I’ll die too."

My breathing grew weaker.

"Beg, and I’ll help you."

"Never. You’ll never get a plea from me."

My voice began to fail, my vision blurring.

"Mom... help me." I managed to get the words out.

"Accept the deal?" He stood there, smiling. His white teeth gleamed in the dark.

"Beg, and I’ll help you."

"Never."

I watched him raise an eyebrow. He was waiting.

"So that’s it? I’d rather die."

A cold smile formed on his lips.

He raised his hand and clicked his fingers.

Suddenly, the ruby around my neck began to burn my throat. I could barely breathe.

I fell to my knees, clutching at the stone. It felt heavier with every second, like it was trying to drag me down into the floor itself. My vision blurred, and the air in the room turned thick, suffocating.

_Is this how it ends?_ The thought clawed at me.

_Not like this. Not before I know why._

I looked up at him through tear-blurred eyes. His expression hadn’t changed. He was enjoying this.

"Last chance, Valentina," he murmured, voice low and deliberate. "Say the word and it stops."

I gritted my teeth, blood rising in my mouth.

"I’d rather choke on your silence than beg you for mercy."

The ruby pulsed once, violently, and the world went black.