Every scream, every howl of agony that escapes him as I mutilate his body sends thrills down my spine.

He begs for his life, for this to all just be a nightmare he can wake up from.

I relish telling him in detail how that will never happen. Reminding him of his promise to me, I assure him, “You will never harm another again.”

Vera’s safe. Untouched by this filth. That much, Edward had done – from the moment he’d lifted the words out of my mind, he’d said. I would forever be grateful.

I delight in Royce’s final scream.