Theo,
Thank you for everything. This message will disintegrate once you have read it, as I don’t want anyone else to read this. Ever.
Going to the Gods’ Realm was more thanjust bringing Sienna back. Not many people understand me, but you do. And I’d like to think that I understand you, too. This journey gave me that chance to get to know you better, and I’m glad it did.
You probably don’t hear it often, and don’t let it get to your huge ego, but you’re incredible, and I admire you.
And I do not admire many people.
I chuckle, imagining her flicking her head.
Thank you for being the friend I never knew I needed.
Lots of love, Heaven
Heaven… I noticed she uses Aldona in most written stuff, so her using Heaven stands out.
I watch as the letters dance on the page before disappearing into a shimmering dust, and I drop the card into the bag, staring at the spot she was sitting moments earlier.
Friend.
Right.
My chest tightens.
What are we, Sweetcheeks?
Because whatever this is, it’s not just friendship.
Theo.Ares’ voice via the mind-link makes me snap out ofit.
What is it?I ask
Did you know Jayce is leaving?
My stomach knots.What the fuck do you mean by leaving?I ask as I quickly put the items back in the bag before leaving the room.
Well, I just heard from Renji. Brock’s replacing him as Ninth Division’s Leader,Ares says, his voice tense.
But where is he going? Where are you now?
I’m with him. He’s packing, not listening, the fuckin’ dickhead. He said there’s nothing the Academy can teach him. He’s leaving for good.
My stomach twists as I race down the now-empty corridors.
No, not Jayce; he’s meant to be here. He’s meant to…
I slow down, a door bangs in the distance, and I realise this is it.
The first step to us all walking our own paths…
And of course, it’s only fitting that Jayce is the first to do so.
But it’s supposed to be me, not him…
I hurry down the hall, hammering on the door to the Ninth Division dorms, and it’s opened instantly by Renji. I can hear Carter shouting from Jayce’s room.
“Stop being so fucking selfish!” Carter snarls.
