Page 58 of Shadows of the Past
Chapter 21
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Julia
Ten minutes ago
Akim pulls me toward a car parked behind the house, and the whole time I repeat to myself to keep going.
I need to get to the girls. I need to leave this place.
After loading the children into the car, we head toward the property exit.
I'll be free. I'll be with the twins. I'll be far from this place. Far fromhim.
A lightning bolt physically strikes through my body, specifically my heart, because why don't I feel happy about leaving this place? Why do I feel like I'm leaving something behind?
I close my eyes and try to breathe in and out several times.
"Juls, are you okay?" Akim asks worriedly.
Am I okay? No. I'm not okay.
Because my heart is in that house growing more distant with each second. Because the twins are safe and have a life even without me. Becausehewon't have anyone in that place who loves him anymore.
I keep my gaze fixed on the car hood, and I don't know if I'm hallucinating, but a butterfly, a damn butterfly, passes over it, and I gasp.
"Stop the car!" I almost scream, and Akim instinctively slams on the brakes.
"Julia!"
I know. I know there won't be another chance anytime soon. I know a normal person would run like hell, but the idea of continuing my life without him in it seems pointless. And if this butterfly is a sign—and I want to believe it's a sign—it's not time to leave.
I look at Akim, and he sees on my face all the feelings I don't want to verbalize.
"Go. Make that heart of his beat again, Juls," he says, and a smile lights up his face as he shakes his head.
I just nod and get out. I run as fast as my legs will carry me, back toward the house. I scan the surroundings, hoping no one will cross my path and force me to use my bullets.
When I reach the door we exited through, I open it slowly and take a deep breath.
Vamos, Julia!
My steps are uncertain as I walk across the floor, praying he's okay. That no one has hurt him.
Why the hell did I leave him alone?
I hear voices from the main hall and try to make my footsteps imperceptible. When I'm just a few yards away, I see the back of the man who captured my heart in this wretched place.
Behind him, an individual dressed from head to toe in black is creeping up, and I don't understand why he doesn't turn around.
Why doesn't he notice? Because I'm sure he sensed the presence. Maksim and Akim can detect from a mile away when someone sneaks up behind them, so there's no way he doesn't hear him.
Maksim, turn around!I scream telepathically, but nothing happens. Then reality hits me. He's not going to stop this guy from killing him. Because that's what he wants.
I'll kill you with my bare hands.
"Any last wish?" the intruder's voice sounds.
