Chapter 18 - The Purge
Consolidating power was bloody work, but Sebastian handled it quietly. Over the next month, anyone who had conspired with the Morettis quietly disappeared.
Claire knew what was happening. She saw Gabriel coming back late at night, smelling of bleach and gunpowder. She saw the news reports of rival lieutenants found floating in the river.
One night, she found Sebastian on the balcony, nursing a glass of bourbon, staring out over the glittering Chicago skyline.
"Does it bother you?" Sebastian asked without turning around. "Knowing what I do in the dark?"
Claire wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and stepped out into the chill air, standing beside him. "You're a predator, Sebastian. I knew that the day I walked into your library."
"I'm securing the city," he explained quietly. "Making sure no one will ever dare touch you or Leo again."
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"I know," she said. She took the bourbon glass from his hand, took a sip, and handed it back. "Just don't lose your soul in the process. If you become a monster, I won't be able to fix you."
Sebastian looked at her, his eyes softening. "You are my soul, Claire. As long as you're here, I’m human."
