Page 344 of Eternal
I need stillness.
I walk.
Step after step, boots hitting cracked concrete, heartbeat rising.
My breath shortens. My vision swims.
I see it all in my head. Girls. Bruises. Chains in velvet rooms. Holy words used like blades.
I stagger.
Lean against the wall trying to swallow it down, but bile rises instead. I double over and throw up behind a dumpster.
This isnothing. What I feel isnothing. This is nothing compared to what they did. What they’re still doing. What they’ll keep doing unless I stop it.
I spit, wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, and straighten up.
My hands still shake. My ribs still ache.
But I walk. And take back my bike.
I can’tbreak. I can’t break when I need to act.
96
AZRA
“To Build A Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra
Present
Ipulled into the Bratva complex as the last light faded, the gate swung open without a word.
Before I could even cut the engine, my babies came barreling around the corner, full of energy and warmth. They jumped on me, tails wagging like I’d been gone forever.
I laughed, dropping my bag and crouching down to let them cover me in sloppy kisses. “I missed you,” I whispered, the tightness in my chest loosening for the first time in hours.
I play with the dogs for a few minutes, pretending everything’s fine, pretending I don’t still feel sick. That my head isn’t spinning. That I didn’t throw up outside like something inside me begged me to.
When I finally go inside, it’s warm, safe, even. Viktor’s on the phone, pacing like always, and Kat’s on the couch, phone in her hand, thumbs flying.
They both look up when I come in.
They freeze.
Then, without a word, they’re both on their feet.
Kat reaches me first, pulling me in like I’ve been gone for years, not a week. Viktor wraps around me right after, arms strong and steady. I feel small between them. And for once, I don’t try to act like I’m okay.
“Woman,” Kat says into my hair. “You didn’t call in two days. Not even a text.”
I can’t answer. My throat feels too tight.
Viktor’s hand starts rubbing my back slowly, calming whatever was happening inside.
He doesn’t say anything at first, he holds me tight.
I let them. I don’t want to move. I don’t want to talk. I want to stay here, right here, where nothing’s falling apart.
