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I can’t look.
I’m tense, nervous we’ll be too late, and Archer will end up back in the clutches of that bitch. I’ve never allowed myself to hate. Yes, I was angry, and revenge was certainly something I craved, but hate was an emotion that I learned a long while ago was futile from Diana herself. Focus on action rather than wallowing in the rage that seemed to consume.
“When do we leave?” My voice sounds harsh, raspy with emotion, and I realize it’s fear. I’m scared of losing Archer again. And I’m afraid of walking into that hell once more. For years I ran, I wanted to escape the clutches of evil, yet here I am, planning to stroll back in. Only this time, I know it’s for a reason; I’ll finally get the closure I need.
“In an hour,” Mikaela tells us.
Sitting back, I close my eyes while she heads into the kitchen, leaving Hunter and I alone. “Hey,” he whispers. Leaning in close, he plants a soft kiss to my cheek. “It will be okay.”
Nodding, I meet his gaze. “I’m nervous, Hunter. I haven’t been inside that hellhole for so long it scares me.”
“You have Archer and me,” he informs me with a smile. I never thought he’d be able to move on or even come to terms with my love for Archer. But something about Hunter’s grin tells me he’ll be just fine. We were never exclusive. There wasn’t any emotion other than needing to vent our rage into a fuck every now and then, but he became my closest friend. And I realize I needed him.
“I’m sorry for everything.” I swallow back the sadness, realizing once this is all over, I’ll have to walk away. “Using you to stop my—”
“You have nothing to apologize for.” He winks playfully. “Plus, we had a good time fucking in every corner of the gym, bedroom, and anywhere else you were hungry for my cock.”
This earns him a swat, to which he chuckles. “You’ll be just fine, finding some random girl to put up with your shit.”
“Just don’t leave completely. I still need your friendship.” It’s the first time Hunter has shown any form of emotion or affection that wasn’t sexual. My heart kicks wildly in my chest at the thought of losing him, and I know it’s not love; it’s sorrow.
“I won’t leave,” I promise him, but deep down, I wonder if it’s a lie.
The building before us is lit up with lamps along the wall. There are no visible guards, but I know they’re there. The fencing is electric, and if we near it, we won’t survive the shock.
“I need to hack into the system,” Mikaela tells us from the back seat. With Hunter driving and me sitting beside him, the tension in the air is thick. The uncertainty that thrums through my veins is burning through me at an alarming rate.
“Is this going to take long?” Hunter questions in frustration as he shoves ammo into his gun. The black pistol is heavy. It’s the one he’s used all the time I’ve known him, and he’s never let the damn thing out of his sight.
“Done. We have approximately five minutes to get through the gates and ten to get into her office,” we’re informed. My body is trembling with anxiety, the fact that we’re walking into The Factory guns blazing has me on edge. I’d like to walk away. To take Archer and Hunter and leave this place, but I know there are far too many innocent people in there.
Too many innocent youngsters, teenagers who, like me, just wanted a normal life. And they got lumped into Hell with Satan herself.
“Are you ready?” Hunter’s deep voice comes from beside me, dragging me from my thoughts, and I meet his stare, wondering just what’s behind it tonight. He’s doing this for me, that much is certain, but what else will Hunter gain from this?
We move silently. Exiting the vehicle, the only sound is the crunch of the dried leaves beneath our feet. Hunter is beside me, his confidence and excitement making me smile. Even though this is dangerous, with him here, I know I’ll be okay. We’ll all get through this and make it out alive.
There’s a click, and a small gate which Mikaela told us would be there slides open. As soon as we’re through the barrier, my heart kicks against my ribs, reminding me of what I’d endured in this place.
I should focus.
I need to focus.
Silently, we make our way closer toward the large building, which looms over the grounds. There’s nobody else out, and I wonder where all the soldiers are. They should at least be out on the perimeter.
“Over there,” Mikaela whispers, and I glance to my left to find two of them sitting on chairs near the entrance. Their guns are on the ground beside them, and I’m tempted to take them out. As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I realize they’re younger than I am.
