“The bunker?” Petrov repeats. “We’re goingbackto the estate? It could already be under attack! If our side loses…”
My stomach flip-flops.
“I know,” Dominik replies. “That’s why we need to go back. To make sure they don’t lose this war. I can’t keep hiding while my brother bleeds to protect me. Not again.”
I grab his hand, giving it a squeeze knowing he’s referring to the ordeal with his father.
“If I have to, I’ll go alone,” he says.
“I’m coming too,” I say before he can even finish his sentence.
“You two aren’t going without us,” Victor huffs. Renat and Petrov nod their agreement to come as well. “And the bunker is better than being out in the open here. I’m sure Gavriil keeps it stocked to the ceiling with ammo if nothing else.”
“You’re not wrong,” Dominik says to him. Then to me, “Do you think you can handle a two-mile trek tonight?”
“That’s nothing. I can do it,” I assure him.
“Good girl.” He kisses the top of my head. “If we’re careful, we can sneak up on any scouts. I’ll lead the way with Alina behind me,” Dominik declares. “Viktor stays on our right, Petrov on the left, and Renat watching our backs.”
“Sounds good,” Renat agrees. “Let’s pack up.”
Dominik turns to me. “Grab a change of clothes, phone, and anything you don’t want to leave behind while we pack up the food.”
“Okay,” I agree before going to grab my bag from the bedroom. Then, I head to the garage to dig through my things. The overhead light comes on to illuminate the space, so I work fast in case another patrol drives by and sees the light through the garage door window.
After packing a few more clothes, my phone, purse, and charger, I reach for one final item.
My red velvet box of keys. They’re a happy reminder of Archer.
I flip open the lid and find two new identical keys inside on top, both with red strings. It only takes me a moment to realize what lock they go to.
Gavriil’s cage.
He must have had someone put them in my things before we left the estate.
I smile as I close the lid again and tuck the box into the bottom of my duffle.
If I had any doubt before, this would’ve told me all I needed to know.
Gavriil loves me the only way he knows how. He even said the words in Russian.
It may not be the way Dominik cares for me, but it’s love all the same. His version of it.
And that makes me all the more determined to see him again.
Removing the gun from my waistband, I test the weight of it in my hand. It’s heavier than it was before, but the longer I hold it, the steadier my grip becomes.
I thought knowing that I might have to use it would make me want to toss it away, but I hold it close to my side instead.
If there’s a chance that we can stay alive, I’m going to do what I can to ensure that possibility.
Especially if there’s a chance that we’ll see Gavriil again.
43
Gavriil
The hallway has become a graveyard.
