“I am now. As long as you’re here, I’m all right.” His voice grew heavy with sleep.
I crept into his arms and rested against him. He shifted to make space for me, eyes still closed.
“And you?” he asked.
“I’m okay.”
I breathed with him, listening as the room grew quiet.
“I wish you could’ve met my mom.”
The words lingered, sinking into the silence.
I brushed a kiss against his neck. “I do too.”
We drifted off together.
Chapter 78
CEZAR
“Jesus, you sleep like you’re dead. WAKE UP!” Dorin’s shout echoed as I started to turn away from it.
“Fuck, man, do you have to be so damn loud?” I didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to open my eyes. And as my senses came back, the panic started but then I caught her scent.
“God, you smell so good.” Adelina. My Adelina. My whole damn world. She was still here. I grabbed her swiftly and squeezed. She melted into me.
I never wanted this to end.
“Well, my little Nycto Reaper, what happens now?”
She started laughing uncontrollably.
We’ve been through hell together, but I know I’m not that funny. We must be losing our shit.
I joined her, and Dorin looked like someone’s exhausted grandfather.
“Let’s get the hell out of here. Dorin, start directing whoever’s left. We’ll be out shortly.” She sat up, hair a mess, absolute perfection.
“Hey… Adelina… my brothers—” I knew they were alive. I just didn’t know where they stood now. I didn’t want her to think I didn’t trust her.
“Cezar, I would never hurt the people you love.” She hugged me.
“I know. I just… honestly, what now?”
“Whatever you want. Freedom—you have it. Power—you have it. Me…” Her smile darkened.
She knew I had her, too.
She has seen the worst parts of me, and she still loves everything that I am.
“Your brothers are in the basement. They got water and a little food, don’t worry. Go let them out, but don’t take too long.”
“I’ll meet you outside. Wait for me, yeah?”
“Of course.” She headed to the bathroom.
I threw a shirt on quickly. It was white; a couple of the buttons missing.
