Page 121 of Espíritu

Julian released a strangled noise. The relief was agonizing.

Luca was alive. He was okay.

With a sob clawing its way up his throat, Julian yanked the smaller boy into a hug so tight it could’ve snapped bones.

“Estás bien, estás bien, you’re safe,” Julian said, his voice breaking with each repetition as he clung to Luca, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against his own.

Choking sobs wracked Julian’s body, putting more strain on his already weakened lungs. Luca’s sweater was drenched and heavy, but Julian couldn’t care less—all that mattered was the living, breathing proof in his arms that they had escaped Bahlam’s clutches.

Yadriel crouched on Julian’s other side, his hand finding its place on Julian’s shoulder in a comforting squeeze. “Respira, Julian, just breathe,” Yadriel said, his voice sweeter than any song to Julian’s ears.

Julian nodded weakly, a hiccup catching on the inhale. In that moment, Julian wanted nothing more than to melt into his boyfriend’s touch and sleep for a hundred years.

“We got you,” Maritza said on her knees at his side. Her voice was quieter now, her usual bite softened. She knelt on his other side, offering a half smile that didn’t quite mask the worry creasing her forehead.

Yadriel’s hand tightened. “Todos estamos aquí. Safe and sound,” he added reassuringly.

Julian nodded again, his breath still shaking. The words should’ve helped. But they only reminded him of how close they’d come to losing everything.

Eventually, Julian loosened his grip on Luca, giving him some room to breathe.

“You sure you’re okay?” Julian asked again, slowly regaining his composure.

Luca nodded but didn’t find words. His eyes were huge and unfocused, mouth parted like he’d forgotten what to do with it.

Eventually, they’d have to explain a lot to Luca about the night, but right then, Julian just wanted to go home.

“Let’s get out of here,” Yadriel said like he could read Julian’s mind, his voice rough but steady. “I don’t want to spend another second in this place.”

Julian stood, checking the crypt with a tense glance.

Maritza, dripping wet, nodded in agreement, her mouth tight. “That asshole owes me money for fucking up my hair,” she growled, wringing out her soaked pink-and-purple curls. “I just got it done! Paola’s gonna be pissed.”

Julian suddenly remembered—

His head jerked up. “Wait—where’s Angel?”

He twisted toward the cenote, heart leaping into his throat. The water was still. The eerie blue glow had already begun to fade.

“Gone,” Maritza said grimly, following his gaze. “They escaped while we were busy pulling you out.”

“Why didn’t you stop her?!” Julian demanded, his voice sharper than intended.

Maritza bristled, her glare a warning. “I was busy anchoring all three of you to the living world—my bad for not multitasking!”

Julian winced. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

She grunted, brushing past to pull Yadriel to his feet.

Julian turned back to Luca, who was still trembling, water dripping down his nose.

“We need to get him home,” Julian said hoarsely. “This is too much.”

Yadriel nodded. He stepped closer and cupped Julian’s cheek with a wet hand. “You did good.”

Julian’s chest tightened. He nodded back, grateful and gutted all at once.

Maritza and Yadriel flanked Julian as he helped Luca to his feet. His knees nearly gave out, but Luca leaned into him instinctively.