for the first time since I moved to Boston—
for the first time in months—
I let myself believe them.
I let myself lean into them.
I let myself choose too.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I whisper.
Finn bows his head like he’s thanking the universe.
Kael closes his eyes briefly, like relief hurts.
Atlas exhales a rough breath, like he’s been holding it in for a month straight.
And I sit there, surrounded by them, wrapped in warmth that has nothing to do with blankets or heat or safety measures—
Just them.
Just us.
Just this moment where everything changes.
Where nothing is the same as it was before.
Where the world is suddenly bigger, safer, fuller.
Where I am theirs.
And they are mine.
Chapter 58: Adrian
They think changingthe locks matters.
