In my final moments, I saw Jane's smirking face, her eyes gleaming with triumph. I realized she'd orchestrated my downfall, using me as a pawn in her game of power. She paid me a visit in the dungeon, her smug expression faltering for a moment.
"Nico, dear sister," she said, her voice laced with venom. "I see you're still clinging to your naivety, even in death."
I glared at her, my anger and hurt boiling over. "You used me, Jane. You let them kill me for your sins."
Jane shrugged, her smile returning. "You were always so blind, Nico. I needed a scapegoat, and you fit perfectly. Your little crush on George made it easy to manipulate him against you."
My eyes widened in horror. "You snatched him from me? You knew how I felt about him!"
Jane's laughter was like ice. "Oh, Nico. You were just a plaything for George, a distraction until he realized his true mate was me. And I made sure he saw it, too."
I felt a searing pain, as if my heart was being torn apart. "You're a monster, Jane."
Her smile grew wider. "I'm a survivor, Nico. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep my power."