Page 18 of The Betrayal You Serve

"Me too."

"We should go back to the dorms," Ella finally says, reminding me that there was someone else to witness this nightmare.

"Y-yeah."

"No, Let. Stay, please. I need to know—"

"I can't, Lee." I look at the door Luca went through only a minute ago. "He doesn't need me here."

"But I want—"

"She'll be okay with us in the dorms," Ella says, pulling me into her body and wrapping her arms around me. "I think allowing everyone to cool off is probably for the best."

Leon's lips part to argue once more but he must realize that Ella is right because instead of arguing, he takes a step back and says, "I'll go grab your things."

The second he also disappears through the door, I turn to Ella and with one look into her concerned eyes and I break down.

She gathers me up and lets me cry on her shoulder.

I have no idea how much time passes, but I don't even realize that Leon has rejoined us until she thanks him and smooths her hand down my hair.

"Let's go, sweetie."

"W-wait, I need—" I reach for my Chucks before pulling them on my feet.

She nods at someone through the small window in the kitchen door and not a second later, Micah steps through.

"Ready?"

"Yeah," Ella answers for us before leading me toward the same door Kane blew through not so long ago.

The late summer evening air chills my skin the second we step out and I wrap my arms around myself in an attempt to keep warm as we head toward the road.

"Here," Micah says, shrugging off his hoodie and draping it over my shoulders.

"Thank you," I whisper.

The second we step onto the sidewalk, I can't help myself and I look up to see if Kane's car is here.

I hate myself for the move but I can't help wanting him even after everything that's happened tonight.

Guilt-ridden that I'm looking for him and not Luca, I look back at the house and toward his window. It's dark with no movement inside so with a sigh, I turn back toward Micah's car and climb in after Ella opens the door for me.

We're all silent as Micah starts the engine and sets off on the short journey back toward the dorms.

Ella sits beside me and reaches for my hand, squeezing it in support.

Resting my head against the window, I stare at the darkness outside.

Both of them escort me to my room, once again not saying anything and I couldn't be more grateful for the silent support. I think enough words have been said tonight.

Ella takes a seat beside me on my bed while Micah hovers.

"Do you want anything to eat, drink?"

I shake my head.

"I'll get you a bottle of water," he says anyway and slips from the room.