A Dance of Knives and Flowers (Jacob Frye X OC)

Ending 2 (happy)

Alt Ending 2

Grace turned and saw Jacob bearing down on her like an eagle to a helpless rabbit. The pistol was still in her grasp, she need only raise her arm once more and stop him, end him like she should and return home to fulfil her destiny. But she couldn't, her heart belonged to him, he had stolen it, but he would not do the same with her life.

Evie watched her brother slam down onto his target and how her body reacted with swiftness and precision, dropping the gun and engaging her hidden blade. The elder twin cried out as the flash of silver disappeared behind her brothers body.

"JACOB!"

The chink and scraping of steel on steel could be heard as the force of Jacob's body on hers sent them both crashing into the ground, the muddy earth splashing and squelching beneath them. The assassin drove his blade deep, cutting easily through the layers of fabric, its sharp point pierced the woman's soft skin, and the cold metal continued, sliding through flesh and muscle and sinew. Grace cried out as this newer, sharper pain joined that of her ribs.

As Evie's words reverberated through him, Jacob felt a sudden mix of emotions. He felt incredible guilt over mistrusting Grace and stabbing her, but also such relief that she was not his enemy, and thankful she was able to divert his attack. Though he had still buried his blade deep into her shoulder.

"Grace!"

As quickly and gently as possible Jacob withdrew his blade, earning a pained groan from the woman as he climbed off.

"Grace! I'm so sorry!"

His voice was a mix of regret and panic.

Evie ran over to the pair, quick thinking and level headed she pulled out a large handkerchief and compressed the injured woman's wound.

"Ahhh!"

The pressure brought all new kinds of pain and Grace's world begun to spin.

"We need to get her to Miss Nightingale."

Jacob nodded at his sisters order and carefully scooped up the bleeding, muddied woman, while the other ran out of the alley. Carrying her bridal style he rushed back out into the street just as Evie was pulling up with a carriage from god knows where.

"HURRY JACOB!"

She said as she hoped off and opened the door so he could carry the barely conscious girl in. After slamming the door Evie returned to the drivers seat and whipped the horses into a gallop, straight for Lambeth asylum.

The heavens opened up and London's infamous rain fell heavier than before, making it harder to see, luckily Evie knew these streets and steered the cart with both care and precision. Inside, Jacob cradled the woman he had come to love, and she wearily looked up into the red rimmed, brown eyes that she too loved so dearly.

"Grace..."

Jacob's voice was full of sorrow and guilt.

"I'm so sorry."

She smiled weakly.

"I don't blame you for this."

The male assassin's heart pained and he brushed off the dirty, wet, rose gold locks that had stuck to her face, his hand lingered and he stoked her freezing cheek, still moist from the rain. Grace cupped her hand over his, pressing against it and savouring its warmth. She was so cold, and numb, yet she could feel him, and he was so warm. Jacob stared into her eyes, the light in them beginning to fade as consciousness began to escape her, he shook her a little.

"Come on love, stay with me."

She blinked slowly.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so tired... and cold."