Prologue

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

Who to? I’m not even sure. It could be to her - for the cruel way society shunned her, and because I know she’ll be traumatised when she finds me here on this beach. I feel sorry for the small group hurtling towards me also: not only has their prejudice and fear caused the world to hate, but their thirst for power has ruined their own chance at happiness.

Somewhere at the back of my mind, I hear squalling. It’s either my killers or the gulls, but at this point, it no longer matters. I look up to the sky and gulp down my last big breath of salty sea air. The sky is dark and threatens me with rain, but still, its beauty comes second only to her: as long as I can see that great grey expanse, then I’m a free man.

The pain hits me in the chest with tremendous force, knocking the last of the air from my lungs. It’s an intense heat burning me inside out, and its smoke quickly envelops my mind.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper to myself, and it’s almost inaudible.