Outside, Seron heard her muffled voice. He rolled his eyes, adjusted his silk tie, and walked away without a second thought.
"Maybe that's enough for today," Max said, his voice a low plea.
Ruby didn't blink. She pulled the trigger again. Crack. Another bullseye. She handled the weapon with a terrifying, natural grace, as if she hadn't spent her life as an angel, but had been born with steel in her hand.
Max watched the fire dancing in her eyes. He loved that heat, but it scared him, too. He wanted to be the monster in the room so she could stay the fairy she used to be.
"I'm fine, Max," Ruby said, finally lowering the gun. She turned to him, her gaze piercing. "You'll do anything for me, right?"
The answer came in a heartbeat. "Anything you want, my darling. Whether it's Acacia, Seron, or Violet's head on a platter, I will get it for you."
Ruby's expression didn't soften. "Then stop trying to save the girl I used to be. She died when my mother did."
