Chapter 18: August - Twisted Vows

Augustine Hughes was falling.

The world around him seemed to stutter, moving in slow motion. He looked up at Wren’s face staring down at him, the proud smile on her lips, marred by the betrayal still burning behind her pale blue eyes.

Good, August thought. Hate me.

He’d expected that much when he’d decided that there was no way he would let Wren go to class. He refused to be the one to aid Edith in sending Wren to reformatory. He’d postpone that suffering as much as possible. Save her from as much torment as he could. Even if she hated him for it.

And as August plummeted to the ground, knowing full well that as soon as his body made contact with the hard earth beneath him, he’d more than likely break enough bones to land him in the infirmary for a week, he couldn’t help but smile.

It was in that moment, plummeting to his demise, that August was struck by a realization.

He’d happily let Wren break his bones, tear him apart, loathe him, if it meant keeping her safe.

Augustine Hughes would protect Wren Loughty for the rest of their eternity.

Even if that meant protecting her from himself.