“Ready to see your other home?” he asked her.

That earned him a small, pretty smile. “Okay.”

He beckoned for her to lead the way. As she walked out the door, her arm brushed against his sleeve. Love-starved, he clung to the feeling, wishing for more. He watched as she walked down the driveway and got in his car.

And then he took one last look of his own at Hell’s Gate—empty and quiet—before locking up.

‘Do you really believe we’ll be back?’Bandit asked him with a low whine.

‘Of course I do.’Believing things would one day be better was the only way he could move forward. It was how he’d managed to survive this long.

Keep looking up—that was what his mom always used to say.

And so he would—keep looking up.

He got in the car and left Hell’s Gate behind.

The sun had dippedbelow the hills by the time Darien drove the car down the driveway to Heaven’s Gate. The others followed closely behind, headlights cutting through the gloom.

Heaven’s Gate was a huge, white-stone house in Angelthene’s pristine North End, with a black roof, black accents, an in-ground swimming pool, and a guest house. Out front, in the center of the circular driveway, was a statuary fountain of an angel crying colors. Her wings were spread, her face tipped toward the heavens.

His phone buzzed in the cupholder. He grabbed it and read the message.

Roman

Gonna be late. Should be there tomorrow instead.

Darien typed a reply with his good hand, his attention flicking between the screen and the dark, quiet house looming at the end of the driveway.

Darien

Everything alright?

Roman

Had a close call, but we’re good now. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.

Darien

Text when you’re close and we’ll pick a place to meet up.

Roman

Copy.

Still no word from T?

Darien

Not yet

Roman

Kk

“Who is it?” Loren asked, covering her mouth as she yawned. Her medical tattoo was glowing with soft red light. He’d make sure to fix her something to eat, as soon as he got her settled. Ivy and Arthur had done a grocery run before finding out they were at the holding center, so food wasn’t something they had to worry about tonight.

“Roman,” he replied. He slid his phone into his pocket.

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