“Because you want to keep breathing,” Seth said.
Rolland laughed, a deep resounding sound.
“You three really are something else. You actually think you have this handled, don’t you?”
He paused, and Bryson looked around the room, suddenly feeling the energy shift. Rolland continued, “You think you’ve thought of it all, but you’ve overlooked one thing…”
And with that, every patron in the diner stood, drawing a weapon of their own, each one aiming at Kaydon.
CHAPTER 51
CURITIBA PARANÁ
Adria woke with the remnants of her recurring nightmare clinging to her thoughts—this time Jonathan was absent and only Alexey bled in the shadowy haze. The dream swirled like a half-forgotten memory, something vital just out of reach. She blinked into the empty room, her body aching from her time with Seth. Adria stretched beneath the rumpled sheets before swinging her legs over to the side and wobbling toward the shower.
Steam mingled with the crisp morning air as hot water cascaded over her. She recalled falling asleep wrapped in Seth and Kaydon’s arms, though she couldn’t remember if Bryson had returned later. For once, she chose not to overthink it. The four of them were together, imperfect but whole—and she owed them each the space to be themselves.
A genuine smile curved her lips as she finished rinsing. It was the most normal she’d ever felt in her life. Her mother was here, cooking her favorite meals, and just last night Adria had spent the evening nestled between Kaydon and Seth, watching a movie. She let her mind drift to Seth before the film—his quietstruggle with pain, and how breathtakingly talented he was at letting go.
And howhothe was when he did.
Her grin widened, and she touched the side of her neck where he had marked her.
She dressed alone and made her way to breakfast. Choosing to take a different route today, Adria explored the halls of Xander’s compound. Door upon door marked her every turn. It was like an office building with no shortage of corner units and windows.
Adria walked alongside a large open porch, enjoying the view of the expansive jungle. Soon, a soft light in the next room slowed her approach. Standing at the door’s edge Adria saw several monitors and the back of Xander’s head.
He typed softly on the keyboard in front of him, and Adria saw several surveillance camera feeds flash onto his screens.
After another click, Adria found she was staring at herself lurking in the hallway.
“Adria, my dear, please come in.”
Embarrassed, she said, “I wasn’t trying to be nosey. I was just curious.”
Xander’s voice was kind. “It’s quite all right. I’m glad you stopped by. This is where I am a lot of the time when you and I are speaking.” He gestured to the dimly lit space.
It seemed odd for a man like Xander to spend his days in a room like this, especially given all the choices he had.
“Why?” Adria said, before realizing it might be rude to ask.
Xander chuckled. “It has everything I need. These servers and CPU towers are specially built. Over the years, I’ve amassed quite the collection of intel.”
“Mom said you run the Shadows of the Jungle gang,” Adria said.
Xander nodded. “One of my many ventures.”
“How long have you lived here?” Adria asked.
He thought about it, before saying, “Soph and I bought it eight years ago.”
Adria swallowed hard. She still was having a hard time understanding her mother’s reasons for lying to her.
“Your mother and I spoke regularly about you, and her decision to keep you in the dark,” Xander said, reading her discomfort.
“All the work I did to bring her back,” Adria said quietly.
Xander grabbed her hand, kissing her knuckles. “Besteira. Work that is bringing you closer to the Triune. Work that in the end will keep you and Sophia safe. None of that was wasted.”
