Caesar's grip on Derek's neck loosened just enough to let him gasp for air. Opal rushed forward, hands up.
"Wait—just let me talk to him. Please."
Caesar's eyes flicked toward her, then back to Derek. With a grunt, he threw him to the ground. Derek coughed violently, clutching his throat.
Opal dropped to her knees beside him, helping him sit up. His eyes were watery, his face flushed with panic—but still, he managed a hoarse, "Are you okay?"
She almost broke.
"No," she whispered, brushing his hair out of his eyes. "I'm not okay."
"What is this? Who the hell are these people, Opal? What the hell is going on?"
She swallowed. "They're not people. Not really."
He stared at her, too stunned to speak.
"I didn't want to drag you into this. I thought I could handle it on my own," she said softly. "But I was wrong."
"Tell me what to do," Derek rasped. "Tell me how to help you."
"You can't," she said, tears brimming. "The only way to keep you, Derek jr and James safe is to go with them."
His expression twisted. "What? No. No, you're not going anywhere with those freaks."
Caesar stepped forward, but Opal raised her hand sharply. "Just give me a second!"
Caesar stopped—but barely.
Opal turned back to Derek. "Listen to me. Whatever happens, take care of James and Derek jr. Keep them away from all of this. Promise me."
Derek grabbed her hand, holding it tight. "You're not dying for this. You hear me? You are not going to let that bastard take you away like you mean nothing."
She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "I'm not. But I have to go. For now."
Tears finally spilled from her eyes.
"I love you," she whispered.
Derek's voice cracked. "I love you, too."
Then Caesar's shadow fell over them.
"It's time."