The roof was attached to huge hydraulic arms, opening it wide enough for a helicopter to get through. But the helicopter wasn’t the only reason for the roof opening. In the corner was a small loft area. On it stood a big telescope, pointed up at the stars. I made my way up the stairs, ignoring the two scared, shadowy phantoms huddled together underneath it, hiding fromsomeone. I sighed as I reached the last step. Their hiding had been in vain. They were found and it didn’t end well.
Next to the telescope was a wooden table and leather chair. There were books open, some with detailed pictures of the night sky, others showing the orbit of stars, and some with complicated graphs I had no idea about. I scoffed at the Supercomplication watch they had just stolen, lying haphazardly at the edge of the table. I picked up a leather notebook instead, closed with a pen still inside, marking the last entry. I opened it.
It was Grayson’s handwriting. Most of the page was covered by some kind of math equation beyond my comprehension but scribbled in the bottom corner was something I understood.
Thou little sparkling star of even,
Thou gem upon an azure Heaven,
How swiftly will I soar to thee,
When this imprisoned soul is free!
It was the last lines in a poem I’ve read before. From a book in Grayson’s Paris apartment. Next to it was a doodle of a star, the lines of it were traced again and again, as if he’d gotten lost in his thoughts.
I sank onto the leather chair, letting my head fall backwards, staring up at the starry sky. It was just as breath-taking as the stars that night on the cabin roof. Maybe even more so.
I laughed up at them, a broken, empty laugh.
Of course, it was breath-taking. Grayson seemed to collect beautiful views just as much as he collected beautiful art.
The cabin on the hill, overlooking snow-capped mountains and endless forest. Rainbow falls. The apartment in Paris with the best view of the Eiffel Tower. The apartment in Willsbury City, with windows from floor to ceiling, displaying the pretty city lights beneath it.
All had enchanting views.
“There are more places like this that I can show you.”His words at Rainbow Falls echoed silently in my thoughts.
Was this one of the places he was thinking of?
Maybe he wasn’t even thinking of any place. Maybe it was just more hollow words and empty promises.
You had sworn so much, then broke it all, like it was nothing. How did you do it, Gray? How did you make me feel so loved when I meant nothing?
The stairs creaked as someone made their way up. Probably to scold me for being here.
“It was a low blow,” Owen said from behind me. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
“But it’s true,” I answered, not having the energy to lift my head from the chair. “I’ll understand if you kick me off the team.”
He scoffed. “There is no team if I kick you off. It’s just you and me.” He bent down to look through the telescope. “That’s why I’m so scared that you’re not fully committed. I’ll be all alone again. Just me, myself and I.” Owen straightened, a half-smile on his lips as he turned to me.
I blew a strand of hair from my face. “I’m sorry, okay? I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” I grumbled. “I can’t… get rid of them.” I pressed a hand against my heart where they were still festering.
“I know.”
“I’m trying,” I whispered as Owen lowered to the ground, looking every bit as tired as I felt.
“I know.” He offered me a small smile.
He looked defeated. For the first time, there wasn’t that spark of determination in his eyes. Just defeat. His shoulders were hanging while he slumped against the wooden railing, so uncharacteristic of him. It must have been a hard blow for him. “I’m sorry they got away.”
“I know.”
I snickered at his repetition. “You would have been disappointed if we caught them on our first try, anyway. But we’ll get them.”
His smile broadened, some of the light returning. “I know.”
Ava
