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I sit up in the bed, wiping away the tears that have stained my cheeks. My skin is itchy and tight and my eyes feel heavy. Myhead aches with exhaustion, too much crying, and not enough nourishment, but I can’t afford to wallow in self-pity any longer. I need to gather my strength and find a way forward. Axel made me promise him I’d stick to the plan, and I intend to keep my word.
As I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, Louise rises from her chair beside me. Her eyes are filled with concern, but she offers me a small, reassuring smile. “Feeling better?” she asks softly.
I nod, not trusting myself to speak just yet. Idon’tfeel better, but I no longer feel like my chest is caving in from the weight of my grief, so that’s something. My voice feels trapped within me, drowned out by the whirlwind of emotions that threatens to consume me.
Louise gestures towards the clothes folded neatly on the dresser. “I thought you might want to freshen up,” she suggests. “Then maybe some food? Something easy like soup. Saint’s been cooking for everyone.”
Grateful for her thoughtfulness, I rise from the bed and make my way towards the bathroom on shaky legs. I should have asked her what day it is, how long I’ve been asleep…something.
As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I barely recognise the woman staring back at me. Her eyes are red-rimmed and haunted, her face etched with grief and uncertainty. Lou helped me out of my wedding dress when we arrived at the house but I refused to remove the diamond pendant Axel gave me. Even now it glistens in the bright lights of the bathroom, reminding me to be strong. Diamonds are unbreakable. Which is exactly what I need to be. For them. For Rose. For me. My trinity may be gone, but they left behind a legacy; a love that still burns within me, and a fierce determination to see the plan through to the bitter end.
I turn on the shower, cranking the heat right up, and strip out of Kaiden’s band T-shirt I’ve been sleeping in for the last few days. His smell barely lingers anymore, but as I ball it up, I can’t bring myself to throw it in the washing hamper either.
Dropping it onto the counter, I step under the spray and close my eyes. It’s easier with my eyes closed. My imagination has always been my greatest ally in times of trial. I can push horrors away and pretend. In the shower, under the cocooning embrace of the hot water, I’m not alone. They are not gone. I don’t have to exist in a world without them…
I lose myself in happy memories until the water runs cold, starkly reminding me of the reality I must face.
Sighing, I turn off the water, get out and towel off. Once I’m dry, I get dressed into the clothes Lou picked out for me, appreciating the soft leggings and baggy jumper and fluffy socks. It’s like being wrapped in a warm hug.
I make my way downstairs, following the delicious aroma of soup that fills the air. The sound of laughter and conversation drifts from the dining room, and a pang of guilt tugs at my heart. Here I am, lost in my grief, while the others are doing their best to move forward. It’s time for me to gather my strength and join them.
As I enter the dining room, all eyes turn towards me, and a hush falls over the room. Louise stands up from her seat, beckoning me to join them at the table. The faces around me offer small nods of encouragement, their presence a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey, even if they’re the most unexpected of allies.
I take a seat next to Louise, grateful for her steady presence beside me. She places a warm bowl of soup in front of me, and I wrap my hands around it, feeling its comforting warmth seep into my fingertips.
“Odi,” Louise speaks gently, breaking the silence, “we’ve been discussing our options.”
Saint clears his throat and speaks up. “Axel left us with resources and connections. We have the means to fight back. We’re willing to help.”
His words stir something within me – a flicker of determination amidst the darkness. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead.
“I know you’re right,” I say softly, my voice finding strength where I thought there was none. “Some of Axel’s final words to me were to remember the plan. To fight and not give up. And I appreciate each of you for getting me out of there, but I need to do this myself.”
Tension ripples through the room, and one of the Gods scoffs. I frown at him but don’t have the energy to call him out. I should probably initiate introductions, but I don’t care what their names are. I don’t care that Axel trusted them with my safety. Seeing them, sitting here in our home, our sanctuary, something inside me snaps. They may have helped me escape, but I can’t trust them. Not when they’re responsible for what happened to me in that hotel the first time I was dragged there.
Seeing my husband’s enemies sitting at his table makes me seethe. It’s time for them to go.
“I appreciate your offer of help,” I continue, my voice steady and firm. “But I need to take some time to gather myself, to mourn Axel properly. Once I’ve done that, then we can talk about what comes next.”
The room falls silent again, the tension thickening in the air. The Gods exchange glances, their expressions a mix of disappointment and anger. Louise reaches out and squeezes my hand, offering her support.
“Of course, Odi,” she says softly. “Take all the time you need. We’ll be here for you when you’re ready.”
“With all due respect, miss,” the blond one says, leaning forward to catch my eye. “Time is the one thing you don’t have.”
“What do you mean?” I frown.
“I mean, it’s only a matter of time before Abbot comes looking for you, to collect his property as it were.”
“I’m no one’s property,” I seethe.
“Maybe not. But that baby in your belly and the one you already have, are the property of whichever surviving legacy to the Hunting Grounds there is. With The Father, The Son and The Spirit gone, ownership will revert to their fathers.”
I pale.
“You need to get to them before they get to you.”
My heart races as the weight of his words settle over me. The safety of my children suddenly becomes the most urgent priority. Mr Abbot, the patriarch of the Hunting Grounds, a man who revels in power and control, looms over our lives like a dark cloud. I can’t let him claim my children.
