Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Hades walks beside me, his presence a comforting reminder of our bond. We’ve been through so much together, and now we’re no longer prisoners of our past, we can finally look forward to the future. The chains that bound us have been broken, and the path ahead is clear.
“Hadrian,” Hades says, breaking the silence. “What do we do now?”
I look at him, my brother, my closest ally. There’s a new determination in his eyes, a fire that’s been reignited.
“We live,” I say simply. “We live our lives the way we want. We build our future without the thought of him.”
The smile Hades gives me is genuine and heartfelt. “I like the sound of that.”
The night is alive with possibilities, and the future is a blank canvas waiting to be painted with our dreams and aspirations.
We leave the darkness of the warehouse behind. Retribution has been served, and with it, the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
As we emerge into the light of a new dawn, I see her standing waiting for me.
Hades looks at me, his expression one of quiet resolve. “It’s time to move on.”
“It is,” I reply. “And it’s time for you to find your own happiness.”
I know this is just the beginning. The end of one chapter, and the start of another. A chapter where we are free to be ourselves and be with the ones we love. And that, more than anything, is worth fighting for.
FIFTEEN
HARLEY
The faint sound of the North Sea crashing against the cliffs in the distance fills the night, and the cold air of South Shields bites into my skin as I wait outside the warehouse, pacing back and forth.
Hadrian has been inside for hours, questioning his father. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to stave off the chill that’s seeping into my bones, but it’s not just from the cold. It’s also the worry that’s gnawing at me.
The night feels endless as my mind races with questions and doubts. What information is Hadrian discovering in there? How is he coping with having to face his father, the man who led the Mod Boys and tried to tear the Hunt organisation apart?
Finally, the door to the warehouse creaks open and Hadrian steps out. His shoulders are slumped, his expression a mix of exhaustion and something darker. He looks up, and our eyes meet. In that moment, I can see how much this is costing him.
“Hadrian,” I say softly as I walk towards him, my boots crunching on the gravel. He looks at me, and I can see the turmoil in his eyes. “How are you doing?”
He sighs deeply while running a hand through his hair. “I’ve been better, Harley. This… it’s harder than I thought it would be.”
I nod, understanding more than he realises. “I can see that. When you’re done here, perhaps you can take me home?”
He looks at me, his eyes searching my face. “Home?”
I nod again, more firmly this time. “Yes, home. I know we’re in the middle of this mess, but I need to escape for a while, and I want to be with you.”
He takes a deep breath, his gaze softening. “All right, love. I need to wrap things up here, first. Just give me a little more time.”
I squeeze his hand, offering what comfort I can. “I’ll be right here.”
He nods, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “Thank you, Harley.”
I watch as he turns and heads back inside the warehouse, the door closing behind him with a heavy thud. I resume my pacing, trying to keep my anxiety at bay. The minutes tick by slowly, each one feeling like an eternity.
Finally, the door opens again, and Hadrian steps out, looking even more drained than before. He walks towards me, his steps slow and heavy. When he reaches me, he pulls me into a tight embrace, holding me as if he’s drawing strength from me.
“It’s over,” he murmurs into my hair. “At least for now.”
I pull back slightly to look at him. “Are you okay?”
He nods, but I can see the weight he’s carrying. “I will be, Magpie. Let’s get out of here.”
We get into the car, but before Hadrian drives away, he turns to me. “I’m sorry. I wish I could’ve protected you from all of this,” he says quietly, his voice full of regret.
I shake my head. “You don’t have to apologise, Hadrian. We’re in this together. I chose to be here with you. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
He wraps his arm around me, holding me close. “I just… I never wanted you to be a part of this life and there are still more threats out there. I don’t want you to get hurt, Harley.”
I look up at him, my heart swelling with love. “Whatever lies ahead, we’ll get through it. Together. We’ve faced so much already, and we’re still standing.”