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bsp; “Yeah, that. I have no idea how they get around so fast, but believe me, they’re stashed somewhere. Maybe behind the building.”
We reached the entry doors and both paused, sharing a look.
“Let’s get this over with,” I sighed, pulling one open as she grabbed another.
If you’d walked up as we had and simply stared through the windows, you would think the place was empty. When we stepped in, a quick glance to my left and right revealed one person in each corner.
Both had on large skull masks with antlers protruding from the sides.
Bella and I kept our reactions neutral, proceeding forward together. The air within the building was hot and stagnant, old trash and debris littering the ground. With the whole roof being nearly glass, the orange glow of the sun shone right through.
There was a large U-shaped counter straight ahead, double doors on either side. Left and right would lead to a concession stand or bathrooms.
“Through there,” Bella said, going to the right.
I peered through one square window and she looked through the other, taking a small breath before pushing the doors open.
The floor changed from stone to hardwood as we entered a large gym.
I was instantly aware of how many other people were in the room. Some had on the Stag mask and nothing else. Others had on both that and a robe, like the acolytes.
In the center stood one man and one woman. Without needing to see his face, I knew this was Amo, my brother. I felt it in my gut. I wanted to glance at Bella and make sure she was okay, but now wasn’t the time for that.
Silence reigned as we walked further into the room. From my peripheral, I spotted Claire in the bleachers amongst the others. She didn’t look hurt or unwell. A Stag mask rested on her lap. Obviously, she’d chosen a side.
We reached the couple and stopped a few feet away, the acolytes staying a slight distance further to keep watch over us.
Amo’s head turned, regarding Bella first. “Princess. I’ve missed having you around.”
She ignored him entirely, focusing her attention on the woman. He stepped past both to stand in front of me. I couldn’t see his face, but I felt his eyes. He’d filled out, now blatantly toned. He was much taller than I was too, only an inch or so shorter than my three guys.
“Star,” he stated, the affection in his voice throwing me off guard. Even Bella blinked in surprise. “You look just like our mother.”
I couldn’t comment on what he looked like, because he’d hidden his face. “I’m glad you’re alive,” I replied genuinely.
He released a throaty laugh. “You and I both. There’s a lot I could say, but there isn’t much you won’t hear about me as time goes on.
“I would ask if you’re coming with me, but let’s not waste any time. I already know you’re not. You’ve secured a future fitting for who you are.”
My mind whirled from his words. How did he know any of that? A sound from the back of the gym had everyone looking towards the rear double-doors.
Luce, Cam, Ice, and more acolytes than I remembered being with us walked in, their gaits confident and leisurely.
They were fearless, completely unbothered by the fact that we were still surrounded. I found that admirable.
“I was wondering when you’d get here,” Amo said, speaking loud enough for his voice to echo. “So glad to see you recovered, Cam.”
“Thought you’d want to have a moment with Star,” Luce replied, coming to stand right beside me.
The Stags and Lazarus all stood from the bleachers as the acolytes spread out.
“We don’t need a moment. This meet was called for two reasons: so I could make sure my sister was safe and alive with my own two eyes, and to handle a mutual issue of ours.”
“The issue being the A.R.C?”
“Oh, look. You are intelligent.”
