Song~ Wild Flower - Billie Eilish Song ~ Hometown glory - Adele



My heel hits the hard surface before I feel the cool night air nip at my skin.

Arabella's arms still rest around my neck while her legs wrap around my waist- her head resting on my shoulder as the sound of her even breaths fill my ear.

My body doesn't feel so light anymore and the pain is slowly retaking my senses. I push the pain to the back of my mind and focus on waiting for the others to make their ways out the car.

Rylee steps out after me and I don't have to look to know that the rest are following suit- waiting for me to lead them into the mansion.

It isn't until a warm hand places itself on the small of my back- and begins leading me to the front- that I start moving and they begin to follow behind.

The cool air hits like a refreshing breeze as I make my way toward the mansion.

When we reach the steps leading towards the front door, Nikolaos stops me. He doesn't say anything, just gently takes Arabella- situating her so she holds him like she previously did me.

Arabella is by no means heavy, but my body was exhausted and I'm not sure if I would have been able to climb the steps to the front door.

Without a word, Nik reaches down and takes my hand in his before helping me up the steps. His warm hand is a complete contrast to my cold one.

I gently let go of Nikolaos's hand and step in front of him when we make it to the front door. I push it open and begin to walk inside- Nik's hand finding mine once more, as if he doesn't want me to leave him.

I'm not sure I'd let go of his hand even if he wanted me too.

The feeling of anxiety begins to creep back up on me. Sure I was confident back at the safe house, but right now I'm about to face everything I don't want to- not to mention I'm completely sober without alcohol or drugs to get me through this family gathering.

As if sensing my rising anxiety, Nikolaos tightens his hand in mine- his body moving impossibly closer to mine. "Relax," he whispers soothingly. "Everything will be okay όμορφο κορίτσι." His breath fans my neck as he speaks, his words offering a certain sense of comfort only he can provide.

I nod my head acknowledging his words, my feet never once faltering as I step into the living room. Most of my family is scattered along the couches- exhausted from tonight's events.

Elijah is treating some of the injuries some of us sustained. Some of the aunts are missing, and I notice Gia, a few of my cousins are missing as well, probably with Ruth and Luna or simply too tired to stay up and talk about the events tonight.

At the sound of our footsteps, most people glance at us- some people narrowing their gazes on Nik and I's conjoined hands.

Despite their intense gazes, I don't hesitate to make myself comfortable on one of the only empty couches in the living room. Nikolaos takes a seat beside me with Arabella still asleep.

"Sit." My voice is firm as I motion for Milo- and everyone else who road with us- to find a seat somewhere in the room.

Everyone takes a seat in various places- the floor, table, empty seats- while my family just observes the interactions.

When I'm sure everyone's seated and a tense silence has since enveloped us, i decide to speak. "So," I drawl out. "Rough night?"

Nik nudges my side in what I'm assuming is a stop it suggestion. I nearly glance over at him to see a small smirk adoring his face at my attempt to lighten the mood.

No one else seemed to like my attempt to lighten the mood..

"Jeez, tough crowd." I add when no one seems to laugh or let out a smile at that. But, the only other person who may or may not understand my humor lets out a chuckle.

Lucien laughs before falling into a fake coughing fit to cover it. I send him a wink as a thank you manner while the silence sits heavily between us.

Seems like no one's in the mood to joke because someone is always getting straight to the point.

"What took you guys so long to get to the safe house? It was supposed to be quick, that wasn't part of the plan for you to come late." Alejandro is the first to speak, his tone a little agitated. "We thought something happened to you guys."

I sigh, the reality of this talk becoming to real. "Plans change. We had a bit of a pickle on our way to the safe house, it took longer than expected." I speak answering Alejandro's question before motioning for Elijah to come see me.

I lift up the shirt I have on and begin to unwrap the lazily done gauze I had done in the car. I toss the bloody gauze on the floor and let out a hiss of pain when my hand brushes an open wound on my stomach. Nik brings a hand to rub my back soothingly while I grab the gauze roll from Eli and begin to lazily to another.

"Diovanna, let me help you with that. You're definitely going to need stitches." Eli try's but I decline. I'll deal with it later before I go to bed.

I shake my head, "Next question."

"Where is Lucia? Sebastian said you guys had her." The question ignites a sigh from me- both in annoyance at the question and that situation itself. I don't really even know what happened to her myself.

"Gone." I reply not bothering to go into detail.

I still need to talk to Milo and every other assassin in this room.

"Wait- what are you wearing?" Elena suddenly asks after examining I'm no longer in my dress.

I glanced down in confusion. I was in one of my simple black long sleeve tops with black cargo pants. Unfortunately my heals are still on because I don't have any of my other shoes at Nikolaos's place.

"Yeah, when did you have time to change?" Aria adds on, confused just like everyone else.

I just closed my eyes and brought a hand to rub at my temples. The topic was switching too fast. I have no time to comprehend anything happening. Everything was just overwhelming. Not to mention my head felt like it was spinning.

"Why don't we just start from the beginning?" Luca suggests probably seeing my exhausted face. "Start from there."

"Yeah, that sounds good." I redirect the conversation and cast a glance at Sebastian. He seemed to understand my silent plea just through my eyes because he nodded and started speaking.

"I had called a driver to bring us to the safe house after you all had left. Everyone was going smoothly, I had grabbed Dio's attention and we had all made it out and into the car without any problems. When we were on our way to the safe house, some Russians had collided into our car and ambushed us after our car had flipped." Sebastian explains.

"Lucia was on the floor of the car- lying by Diovanna's feet- so when we flipped, she flew because she had no seatbelt on." He lies effortlessly, the words so natural that if I hadn't been there I would have believed him. "Russians tried to capture us and bring us back to what I assume is one of their bases but we killed them all minutes before the car exploded."

I speak up next, explaining the next part. "Seb found a burner phone in the glove compartment- it was cracked a little- but I made a call to one of Nikolaos's men nonetheless. I made him bring me some drugs, clothes, and a first aid kit before driving us to safe house." I explained taking over the next part of the story.

Silence stretched throughout the room. Everyone seemed to be comprehending my answer. I took the minute of silence to gather what Nikolaos felt about my statement and me using his driver.

But the only thing offered was a proud smile. A smile that brought one to my face as well.

"How are you even functioning right now?" Matteo asks breaking the silence and causing my attention to drift to him.

I mentally remind myself to thank Nikolaos- not only for shooting the guy who was going to shoot Matteo at the ball- but for protecting all of my siblings and cousins when I couldn't.

I don't bat an eyelash when I reply to his question. "I drugged myself up on pain meds, so much to the point where I might be a little high."

I can feel Nikolaos intense gaze of disapproval on the side of my face, but I'm too far to care. Elijah mutters something along the lines of "Jesus." And I know Sebastian and Rylee are staring me down. They were there when I did it but we said we'd keep it a secret.

They said it, I didn't.

"Great, this is great." Uncle Samuels voice sounds out and I look up to see him down a glass that looks to be bourbon.

I shake my head, "Your getting drunk, I'm high, can we just throw a party?" Nikolaos slaps a hand over my mouth to keep me quiet.

I lick his hand but he still doesn't remove it so I revert to biting his hand. He still doesn't remove it.

"Shut up." He whispers softly. I go to make a retort but it's muffled and incoherent due to his palm over my mouth.

A newfound tense silence takes over the room, most of everyone's eyes glued to our interaction. A quiet- exhausted- sigh escapes my lips knowing what's to come.

Nik slowly removes his hand from my mouth so I can speak to my family- preferably not saying anything to get myself in trouble. "Ask your questions."

It doesn't take more than five seconds before questions are being shot at me.

"You guys are together?"

"How did you meet?"

"Does he treat you right?"

"I thought most Greek men were gay."

The last question- well, statement- has my eyes widening. "Matteo!" I whisper shout. Luca doesn't waste the opportunity and takes the chance to smack the back of his head.

"What!" Matteo shouts. "It's just what I've heard— and see-." Matteo's attempts to defend himself are cut off by Luca once more with a smack to the head.

I shake my head, bringing my hand up to rub at my temples. How the hell am I even related to this dumbass.

I lift my gaze to look at Nik only to see him facing forward- his face impassive.

And with a hand on my thigh, the words escape his mouth in an instant. "Yes we are together. Yes I treat her right, I hope she feels the same. And stop pestering her with questions when she is clearly exhausted."

Something in my bleeding stomach flutters and I can't help but let out a soft smile. "And no, he is not gay." I direct my statement towards Matteo.

Matteo only offers a sheepish smile to me in which I shake my head disapprovingly.

No one else speaks up and I make the decision to end the discussion early so I can speak with Milo and the rest before the sun actually rises- signaling a new day.

"We can talk more tomorrow. Right now I need to speak with Milo, Rylee, Lucien, and my other acquaintances. Alone."I say changing the conversation.

I need this dreadful conversation to pass quickly so I can stitch myself up and go to sleep.

Not to mention I need to call Silas and update him on tonight's events.

Sebastian clears his throat, "Alright, let's go. Either to your rooms or to the office. Give them some privacy." His demand has everyone moving to the door way and leaving- some more hesitant than others.

Elijah stops only a few steps away from the door before turning towards me. He places the first aid kit on the table and walks over toward me- placing a kiss on my head, he walks back out the door without a word.

The gesture makes my heart all warm and fuzzy.

They care and they show it.

I go to reach for it but Nik places a hand on my thigh- keeping me in place.

I watch as he gets up and gently lays Arabella on the couch next to me. Nik places a blanket- that was resting on the back of the couch- over her before moving towards the med kit and kneeling in front of me.

With a glance up at me, he nods for me to begin speaking. So with a clear of my throat, I address the first thing that comes to my mind just as Nik lifts up my shirt.

"Milo." I called out gaining his attention. "What exact orders were you given when directed to the safe house?"

Milo shifts his gaze away from me, a guilty expression adoring his face. "We were ordered to take you back to the Russians." He says quietly. "Punishment was the death of one of us. Tortured to death in front of others."

He motions towards the rest of the assassins. Something pangs in my chest at his words. Call me selfish, but it hurts to know that they'd willingly hand me over to save themselves when I spent countless times in torture cells to protect them.

I close my eyes to stop the pang of mental pain I feel at their words.

Suddenly, Nikolaos puts his hand on my thigh and rubs his thumb along my inner thigh. The soothing motion creating a sense of comfort that overwhelms the pain in my chest.

The soothing act allows me the courage to raise my head and look at all of them. "You're going to tell me everything you know. Everything about Aleksei and all of the plans they have, or Vincent won't be the one you have to worry about."

A flash of hurt crosses Ravens face before she speaks the thoughts consuming her mind. "You'd seriously hurt us? Just because none of us want to sacrifice our lives for you?"

The question brings a sense of guilt back to me but I force it down- focusing on the touch of Nikolaos's rough hands against my abdomen. I feel him begin to wipe down my stomach with the alcohol wipes- to clean the area. It burns the open wound so I focus my attention on digging my nails into my palm.

"After I found out how willing you were to hand me over without a second thought?" I pause glancing my eyes back to hers. "I'd do whatever's necessary to ensure that the people I love would be safe."

The cold look in my eyes must cause a change in her because she steps off the wall and takes a step forward.

"So you'd kill us if it meant you were safe?" She grits out through her teeth.

Arabella stirs from beside me and I gently rub her arm to coax her back to sleep. "Lower your fucking voice." Nik seethes from in front of me- not batting an eyelash at Raven.

She only rolls her eyes in response before directing her gaze toward me. "Well? Would you?"

I don't get a chance to answer when someone scoffs from behind me. I look back to see Rylee finally done observing everyone and now her full focus set on the girl in front of me.

"Did you seriously just ask that?" Her tone is as mocking as one could be. "Because if you ask me," she takes another menacing step forward. "You're in no position to be asking questions." The knife in her hand catches my attention and I send her a questioning look.

She shrugs me off with a, "You need better guards."

I shake my head at that and look back to Raven. "I'd kill you if it ensured the safety of the ones I love." My answer holds every truth the world could offer. "Right now none of you can be trusted, considering you planned to kidnap me an hour or so ago."

The feeling of the small needle penetrating my skin causes me to close my eyes- either in anger or pain, I'm not sure.

She's really beginning to piss me off with her stupid ass questions. I understand we used to be friends but to think I'd still have my loyalty to them when they obviously had none to me? Never. It'd be stupid to think that when they have yet to give me a reason to trust them.

Nik continues to stitch one stab wound on my stomach while rubbing his hand soothingly on my stomach where my wound is not at. His hand rubbing circles soothes the pain of the needle stitching the wound.

Directing my attention back to the conversation, I watch as Raven scrunches her eyebrows together in anger. I merely raise an eyebrow at her which seems to set her off because she lunges at me but I don't move.

In a second Cassandra has her pinned to the ground- a gun to her head.

Her rage was blinding her ability to think everything through. A stupid mistake she should be smart enough not to make.

It's only now that I realize, we went from kids who stuck together to try and escape the life we were in - to now being adults put against one another because of the monsters that raised us.

This world is a place of survival. Your loyalty may mean something to some, but nothing to others.

Since my loyalty does not matter to them, I simply won't give it. "Now." I say moving on from whatever Raven was about to do. "Will you all cooperate with me? Or will we have to take the long road."

Milo glances at everyone, trying to communicate through their eyes. However it seems that some people have other plans.

"Aleksei was the one who made the command. He said something about making sure his wife was okay after their fight. Something about a stab wound?" I snapped my head towards Declan as he spoke from his spot in the room. "I- we are all truly sorry Dove. We were under strict orders to get you without harm or he would kill one of us in front of the others. I wasn't thinking everything through at the time."

Declan was always quiet and kept to himself. Couldn't blame him, our trainers were relentless. Lucia would order them to be extra hard on us and it showed. Everyone here was in the same group room, until Lucien, Rylee, and I were moved to a higher security room with a couple other kids.

I guess when the school in Russia- the first building they had built for future assassins- got shut down, things took a turn. They must not have been as lucky as I was to get out of there.

"Thank you Declan." I expressed my gratitude softly. Declan was always a good one- sometimes taking beatings so the new little kids didn't have to. I never thought there would be a day that we weren't fighting for the same side.

This all felt surreal. Tonight took a turn for the worst, and it's only getting worse.

And as if speaking those thoughts into existence, it gets worse. "Dove." Ayla calls my name. "There is something else." She says almost nervously.

My eyebrows furrow, "What is it?"

She shifts on her feet a little glancing to Ace who sits next to her on the floor. He merely nods his head in what I assume encouragement.

She glances back up at me and takes a deep breath. "Ace and I's specific orders were to capture the Greek Don if we could not get to you." She exclaims pausing to assess my reaction.

Nikolaos's hand momentarily stops moving and I notice him glance over towards Ayla but he shrugs and turns his attention back to me.

I sigh, "How much do they know about Nik and I's relationship?" I knew the Russians maybe knew of our work together, specifically after they saw our dance at the ball. I need specific information to be precise on planning an attack.

"They know your together." Ace mutters from his spot on the floor. "And Aleksei isn't happy."

I roll my eyes at that. The asshole thinks he has some claim over me all because my father forced my signature on a contract before I could even talk.

That really makes me mad.

Deciding I'm done with this conversation, I take the initiative in wrapping this little reunion up.

"Guards will escort you to the rooms on the first floor. The guards will be stationed outside your door. If you even so much as open your door, they are ordered to shoot for a kill. The rooms you are in do not have windows. You stay there until I come to get you in the morning." I explain clearly, just as Nik finishes stitching my second stab wound.

"You try anything, you will be killed." I look over to Lucien, needing the confirmation that I'm doing the right thing. He gives me a slight nod and I relax a bit.

When Nik slowly places my shirt back over my stomach, I thank him and slowly stand up- with Nik's help- and motion for the guards to come in and take them to their rooms.

Tomorrow they will be transported to the base. There, they will be placed under maximum security. They will not necessarily be prisoners, but this way, they cannot return to the Russians and release any information they may have obtained.

No one speaks as the guards lead them out and to their rooms. Two guards will be stationed at each door to prevent any of them from trying anything.

The room remains silent as I glance between everyone.

"Before anyone says anything." I say clearing my throat. "I need to explain something to all of you."

Everyone slowly agrees and moves closer so we're all situated next to each other in the living room. Atlas sits next to Nik who also sits next to me. Cas is on the other side of Atlas. Lucien's on the side of me and Rylees on his other side between him and Cas.

When I'm sure I have everyone's attention, I speak.

"We have a traitor. This traitor is informing the Russians of every calculated decision we make." I inform them. "And I'm afraid it's my family who's betraying me."

My voice is no louder than a whisper and I pause to give everyone a minute to interpret the information.

"Everyone in this room, you are the only people I trust." My voice wavers as reality hits. "I can't trust my own family anymore. My brother's sure. My sister, yes. But any cousins, uncles, or aunts, none of them can be trusted."

Nikolai's pulls me closer to him, his arm around my hip. I melt into him- his mere presence bringing me a sense of peace.

Silence engulfs us but I find it oddly comforting. These are the people I can trust. The people I can put my full loyalty in. Because although Rylee may have left, lied, and hasn't spoken to me in years- betraying me is something she wouldn't do.

I know she wouldn't. Not after how she was raised.

"We will figure it out Dio." Cassandra assures. "This will all be over soon."

A small smile tugs at my lips knowing I'm not alone, that I no longer have to depend on only myself.

"Can we talk about how Rylee is sitting next to me? Alive?" Lucien asks, his tone is no longer filled with anger but more so filled with genuine confusion as he pokes her cheek.

She swats his hand away with a scowl while we all chuckle.

She sighs looking at all of us, "I faked my death. When they had caught us that day and brought me to that cell, they had forced me to watch your punishment." She says gesturing to me. "Then they reversed the roles. They tortured me. Vincent had shot me in the chest. I had tried to slow down my heart rate by slowing my breathing. It was the only way for me to get out of the room."

"Vincent thought I was dead and ordered a few of the guards to throw me into the river while Aleksei." She pauses glances at me before looking away. "While Aleksei delivered the rest of your punishment. "

"When the guards went to transport me, I was loosing a lot of blood. The guard who was ordered to get rid of me was Eero." The name causes my body to momentarily still.

I thought he was dead.

"Who is Eero?" Cassandra asks confused.

Rylee glances at me and then to Lucien, "The man who sold me to the Blood Doves in the first place." Cassandra's eyes widen in surprise while her mouth slightly parts. "Eero dropped me off at a 'friend's' house. In reality the man was Irish and spared my life."

"I was offered a chance to hide in the shadows and i've been in hiding for the past two years gathering any information I could on the organization- the people who run it. There is so much we didn't know." Rylee says sadly, regret coating her words.

"I planned to go back for you guys." She says glancing over at Lucien. "Seems like things got off track and the police got you first." A sad smile adores her face as she looks towards me.

Oh how much I've missed her.

We all sat there. Silence had engulfed us before normal small talk filled the silence when everyone had taken the information given. For once I feel at peace, I feel at peace in Nikolaos's arms, I feel at peace with Arabella lying on the couch next to mine. I felt at peace in the presence of the only people who could bring that peace.

And for once, I let the silence remain peaceful.

~|~|~

My gaze is cast on the ceiling, my arms under my head, and my thoughts running wild.

We had all decided to head up to bed about fifteen minutes ago, and while I know everyone else is asleep- I seem to be unable to.

The consuming thoughts of who the traitor is and what they are doing right now is keeping me awake.

The traitor is under the same roof as me, under the same roof as my siblings, under the same roof as my little sister.

They could do anything and I won't be there fast enough to stop it.

That thought alone is enough to make me throw the covers off of me and begin to get out of bed.

Only just before my feet can hit the cold wooden floor, an arm wraps around my waist and pulls me back into a hard chest.

"Relax Love." Nikolaos's voice fills my ear. "Your breathing is too fast." He murmurs burying his head in my neck. His arms around me hold me firm against his chest while knowing he's with me brings a sense of security that I can't explain.

I melt back into him, allowing the comfort he's offering to fully sink in.

I feel Nik leave a trail of kisses from my neck to my jaw while he whispers sweet nothings in my ear. "What happened όμορφο κορίτσι? Hm?" His voice is low and calm, somehow putting me more at ease.

"Can't sleep." I mumble. "Thoughts are too loud." My voice is no louder than a whisper but Nikolaos hears me. He always hears me.

He releases a breath, "And what are those thoughts saying?" His question comes out as more of a low demand, like he needs to know what's bothering me so much.

"Traitor. They're in this house right now, under the same roof as the only people I care about. Everyone I care about is here. They could do anything." My explanation causes the panic that once settled to rise back up again.

Nik's hands rub small circles along my waist and before I know it he's laying me down and putting his full weight on my body. His head rests on my chest while his arms wrap around my waist.

"Nothings gonna happen. The traitor wouldn't be stupid enough to do something in this mansion filled with cameras at every corner." Nik explains softly. "Im right here."

His presence, his touch, his soft voice, it all makes everything else so quiet. Like nothing can happen when he's around me,

I'm going soft.

"I was scared." His low voice murmured breaking the silence. "When you didn't come straight to the safe house. I don't know what I thought, but I was scared."

His confession makes my heart break. I didn't want him to worry, i simply didn't have a quicker way to get to him.

"I'm sorry." I whisper softly, my hand coming up to run through his soft hair.

Nik moves his head so he's looking up at me. "Im not telling you so you can feel sorry." He explains softly while taking my face in his grasp and caressing my cheek. "I want you to know it's okay to feel scared. Everyone is."

I lean in further to his touch, his words covering me with a blanket of comfort. He pushed up with his free hand and places his lips on mine.

The kiss is soft and passionate- not rough and needy. It's like he's savoring the fact I'm here and in his arms.

Like I'm all he needs.

And maybe I am in someway.

But if one thing is a fact, it would be that I need him.

Without him, it'd feel like I lost my oxygen.

I can only hope things can stay calm like this- like everything's going to be okay.

But like most good things, they all come to an end.

There is always a calm before a storm.

~|~|~

The sunlight shining through my window causes a tired groan to escape my lips.

Nik momentarily lifts his head off my boobs to look up at me before ultimately placing his head back down.

I sigh and glance over towards the clock.

8:23 AM.

I need to get up and take Milo and the rest to the base. However I don't have the energy to get up right now.

None of us went to bed till about five AM. Lucien took Arabella to his room and they had a sleepover while Cas and Atlas slept on one mattress and Rylee slept on another. Nik slept with me.

Deciding i need to get up and start the day, I gently nudge Nik who currently has all his weight on me. He only groans in response while tightening his arms around me.

I let out a low chuckle and run my hands through his hair. "I need to get up." I whisper tell him, hoping he'll get off of me.

He turns his head to he is looking at me- his chin on my chest. "Make them wait. I'm comfortable."

"I have things to do." I whisper back, shaking my head at his antics.

Nikolaos grunts and burries his head in my chest. I continue to run my fingers through his hair and decide to wait another fifteen minutes of rest.

Closing my eyes for the next fifteen minutes. I reopen them to see it's now 9:00. Way past fifteen minutes.

Once again I push Nikolaos, trying to get his fat ass off of me.

"Stop doing that." He grumbles while grabbing my wrists that were pushing on him.

"Nikolaos Doukas." I warn. "Don't make me use your government name."

That seems to do it as Nik releases my hands and rolls over so he is now on the side of me. He grabs the extra pillow and smothers his face with it.

I shake my head at him before swinging my legs off the bed and making my way to the bathroom.

I do my business and brush my teeth. I then move out and into my closet, deciding I'd remain casual today. I chose some black cargo pants with a white crop top. I chose a flannel jacket to go over it and then chose some Nike dunks to go with it.

When I had my outfit picked out, I undressed and took my shower. I didn't wash my hair since I washed it before I went to bed. I dried myself off and got dressed into the clothes I had picked.

I put on some jewelry, applied some makeup, and decided I was ready to go out into the world. Slipping on my shoes, I made my way out of my room- my roomies still sleeping.



[A/N: not the hat and not those pants but you get the point]

I walk down the stairs quietly and make my way to the foyer guarded by many guards. Upon seeing me, the guards let me through without trouble and I open the first door.

Raven sits on the bed, her gaze cast ahead of her. She doesn't acknowledge me in the slightest even when hearing the door creep open.

"Let's go." I tell her, waiting by the door. She doesn't move from her spot but does glance over at me. Her eyes are red and slightly puffy. Visible tear streaks line her cheeks and the sight makes guilt build in my stomach.

They were once my friends.

They hold no loyalty to you.

I don't want to hurt them.

What about Nik? Or Lucien? Or Rylee, Arabella, your siblings?

Is this the right thing?

Yes.

"Are you really gonna do this? Throw us in another cell? You're no better than them." Raven speaks, her words hitting like a knife to the chest.

I am nothing like them.

Nothing.

"You will each be given separate rooms." I say clearing my throat. "You will be fed three times a day with your own snack stash in your rooms. You can hangout with each other as much as you like. The only thing you cannot do is contact the Russians or Blood Doves. That's why you will stay there."

Nothing like them.

Nothing.

"If you do not get up and follow me, guards will sedate you and you will be transported forcefully." With that I exit the room and do the same with everyone else. No one else gives me trouble like Raven did which I appreciate.

The others all follow me out towards the cars set to bring us to the base. I say goodbye to some of my family who was sitting in the kitchen as I left and continued my way outside.

I noticed one of the guards carrying an unconscious Raven out the house and setting her in one of the SUV's. I shake my head knowing how she feels about me and knowing she won't ever understand why I'm doing what I'm doing.

Trey, Caden, Kev, and Rocky go in the first SUV. Ace, Declan, Ayla and Lina go in the second SUV. While Milo and Raven ride in the third SUV with me.

The guards open up the gate allowing our vehicles to leave. The car ride is silent, no one speaks, the radio is off, and the only noise heard to is everyone's even breaths.

I expect some type of protest from Milo but he is silent, eerily silent.

The ride isn't long so when the car finally pulls up to the familiar base I almost breathe a sigh of relief.

I just want this all to be over with.

I want to be done with the Russians.

I want to be done with Lucia and whoever kidnapped her.

I want to be done with traitors.

I want this war to end.

I feel so mentally drained. I'm loosing my friends, my family, and will it all be worth it in the end?

The fall air nips at my skin while the sunlight beats down on my face. The guards lead Milo out the car while another one grabs Raven- who is still unconscious.

The others are accompanied by guards as well as they are led into the base and to the rooms held in the back.

I made sure they were close together in case they wanted to see each other at any time.

Leading them down the hallway, I explain which room belongs to who and I make sure to thoroughly explain to them that they can see each other whenever they want. I don't mean for them to feel trapped or in cells but I know their loyalty does not lie with me.

I can't trust them not to run right back to Aleksei and his father.

Ayla was the first to leave to her room. Followed by Ace who excused himself, and soon everyone followed to their respective rooms.

Milo was the last to leave, his glare set on me and only me. "I'll kill you. And I'll enjoy every second of it. We should have handed you back over from the beginning." His voice is hard and full of menace. Definitely not the Milo I used to know, or did I ever really know him? "I may have saved Bella and Lucien, but you are selfish. Always thinking about yourself."

"Careful." I warn taking a step closer to him. "Remember who's allowing you to live right now. I wouldn't be making threats if I were you."

I don't waste anymore time on him and simply turn around to make my leave- Raven's words from before playing in my head.

~|~|~

I greet Paul and Randy- who both recently started back up- at the front door before pushing it open and making my way inside.

Chatter fills the house so I know everyone must be awake. I make my way to the kitchen- the only people being insight are my brothers, sisters, Nik, Rylee, Cas, and Atlas.

I glance around to see none of my cousins or uncle's and aunts. That fact alone makes me want to sigh in relief. Although my relief is short lived when i realize Arabella and Lucien are no where to be seen.

Yet like the only person who can sense my rising panic, Nikolaos speaks up halting my movements. "Arabella is still sleeping. She had a long night, Lucien stayed with her to let her rest."

I nod to myself, Nik's words reassuring me that they are okay. Sighing, I make my way over to the stools and plop down on the one next to Nikolaos- Ares on the other side of me.

Conversation starts back up again and I listen intently to understand what I missed. Only a couple minutes later does a warm hand find itself on my thigh, yet when I glance up Nik's gaze is cast forward- fully engrossed in the conversation.

I shake my head at his antics before focusing back on the conversation.

"Doukas." Ares warns. "I may be allowing you to live because my sister clearly likes you, however if you don't remove your hand I'll chop it off and feed it to you before slitting your throat."

I send a glare towards Ares only to see him glaring behind me- not sparing me a glance.

"Whatever you say Russo." Nik's hand slowly leaves my thigh- effectively taking the warmth with it.

"It's De'russo." Ares corrects.

Nikolaos only chuckles, "To long, Russo sounds better. Besides, the name De'russo is reserved for your sister- well, not for long."

A choked cough escapes my throat as I suddenly start chocking on my spit.

Nik rubs a hand along my back while Elijah brings me some water.

I take it gratefully and chug half the glass.

Deciding I've had enough of this conversation, I stand up off my stool and begin to leave.

"I have to go walk my fish."

~|~|~

I sit down on my bed. I'm super bored and I only left the kitchen to escape that dreadful conversation.

But now I have nothing to do.

I could watch a show, or a movie, or read a book, or play one player bored games-

Someone knocks on my door before swinging it open completely.

Rylee waltz in before throwing herself on my bed and turning her head towards me.

"I know I technically died for two years and we just saw each other again but do you wanna get drunk with me?"

I don't hesitate when I answer Rylees question.

"Yes."

~~~



A/N: HEY GUYS.

Sorry this chapter is so late. School has me slumped, sports are exhausting, I have two tests tomorrow and I'm so tired.

But I love you all so much.

Lmk how y'all like this chapter!

And since you have all so kindly answered my last question, I realize I've never told any of you my name.

So, my name is Claire. I'm a freshman in high school, I live in the US, and I don't know how to cook<3

Also this chapter has been edited at 3:00 AM so I'll re-edit in the morning.

Love yall!!

Bye hoes.