My dad gives me a dirty look over his shoulder which I return as I mutter, "What?"
He sighs, shakes his head, but Darius just chuckles and responds, "Think of me as the unbiased moderator of the operation."
Jessica snorts beside me. I look at her say, "Is that funny?"
She replies, "Sort of. But don't worry, he is quite handy to have around, especially when tough decisions have to be made."
A shiver runs down my spine. Even though he’s sitting a few rows ahead of me, and I can only see bits and pieces of him as he maneuvers the vehicle, he still puts off a foreboding vibe that gives me pause.
Obviously, I know that Lilith comes from a different world. Likely so does Jessica, and in many ways probably, Issa and Declan as well. We may run in the same circles, but the outer edge of their circle seeps with the same kind of darkness that I've been running from for years.
The SUV falls silent again but this time I let it go choosing to stare out the window, watching the scenery go by. Before toolong we’re pulling into a driveway, and the sickness settles in my gut. "Is this it?"
Lilith turns back and replies, "Yes. But we can pop in at my place first if you'd rather."
I think it over for a moment uncertain exactly what I want to do. Finally, I ask, "Is Ren in there?"
Lilith nods. "He'll meet you just inside."
"Has the place changed at all?"
Now Lilith shakes her head. "No. It remains the same."
"And where is she?"
"In the basement."
The sickness in my gut intensifies, and it takes me a moment to catch my breath before I can respond, "No cruelty."
Lilith frowns. "What do you mean?"
"It's fine that she's in the basement, but she better not be in that cage. Or bound or restrained. I don't want an interrogation; I just want a conversation."
Lilith watches me for a moment and then she turns her attention to Darius who’s looking at her. They have a brief silent conversation and then he nods. "I'll make sure."
With that, he exits the vehicle without any further comment, and in a few long strides he disappears in the doorway.
Bringing my attention back to the occupants of the SUV, I find my father staring at me. "What?"
He shrugs and says softly, "You've always been a better person than me, daughter."
"I wouldn't go that far," I respond with a small laugh. "But even as much as I've struggled over the years, I always figured that if I were to become as cruel as the cruelty I suffered, then that would be them winning."
"That's exactly what I mean."
Lilith exits the vehicle and we all follow suit. I’m slowly making my way toward the front door when it opens and Renappears. Warmth immediately overtakes that sick feeling in my gut, and, with an excited little squeak, I push past everyone, race up the steps, fling myself at him. He catches me easily, both arms wrapping around my back as I cling to him, my arms squeezing his neck.
He presses his face against my neck and murmurs, "I needed that."
"Me, too," I respond, breathless. He steps back from the door, still holding me, allowing everyone else to enter. I loosen my hold on him, and then after a final squeeze he releases me, I look around the foyer and Lilith asks, "Does anything look familiar?"
I shake my head, wandering further into the house. "I probably didn't spend any time up here."
Ren takes my hand and asks, "Are you ready?"
"No," I respond, "But there's no point in putting it off."
"Did she give you any trouble," Lilith asks.
