Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Stone
Oscar spent almost an hour ironing out plans to allow Azrael to live and for us all to move forward.
I don’t know what they saw in Azrael that made them decide not to kill him. Maybe it was my compassion toward him. Or maybe, ultimately, they didn’t want a war. Whatever it was, I am grateful for it, and Azrael’s compliance assures us all we can live safe, with the knowledge we’re protecting one another.
Azrael gave up the location of the training compound I was imprisoned in, the one owned by Don, where the worst of my punishments took place, and the one close to Bren’s heart for some reason too. I didn’t miss the flash of anger he exhaled when we discussed how most people in the compounds were given colors and numbers as opposed to names. How both men and women were trained to please men sexually, then be sold on as whores or soldiers, neither of which had a choice in the matter. They were slaves in a trafficking ring, and in some cases, items in auctions.
Azrael agreed to the crafted events orchestrated by Oscar, in which I went on a rampage looking for Sienna. Azrael will relay I created havoc at her home during the invasion and Azrael and Vector combated my attempts by killing me, but not before I took out Vector.
Sienna was apparently so distraught that her husband was dead that she killed herself, but her husband lived to corroborate our story. Allowing him to live his life with the closely guarded secret with his would-be mistress and soon to be wife.
Azrael, meanwhile, will travel home with his Vector’s remains, along with another man’s burned body, and later, DNA tests will prove it is me, thanks to Oscar’s contacts. One of the poor souls who will have perished within the training compound will act as Sienna’s body, allowing her and me a fresh start, and I can’t help the sense of hopefulness blossoming in my chest when I imagine it.
For now, I let the eagerness penetrate me; my monster comes out, and I will finally get my hands on my tormentor and, hopefully, gain closure too.
Finally, with our freedom just around the corner, I embody the support of my brothers who stand by my side, both blood and found. As we make our way toward the basement, I can’t help but wonder if this will be the last time we’re all together, as enemies but as one.
Benito may get to live for now, but after today, I know his time is coming. I trust Oscar and his plans, and as much as it pains me, I trust Azrael. He may have evil inside him, but the way he protected Sienna and, ultimately, me too, I know there’s good in him. He may be named after the angel of death, but I’m clinging on to hope that he’s something more.
My name may be Stone, but as our feet hit the concrete steps of the basement, it’s the first time I realize my heart isn’t made of stone. It’s carved out of love, yet forged in hate, creating a bittersweet reality. But without my past and my present, I wouldn’t have the future with Sienna that I do, and for that, I am thankful.
“Sometimes, we have to search inside us and follow the beat of our heart. If you listen hard enough, it can guide us home.”