AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jude was watching me, that frown still in place, as I drove off.
Curiata was always held at the headquarters, which were in a mansion on the outskirts of Chicago. Impenetrable concrete walls surrounded the property patrolled by guards.
I’d only been there once, when I was inducted into Gladius. And I’d hoped to never have to return.
The inside resembled a medieval torture chamber, a myriad of weapons on the walls, the light always low and tinged with a red light. The statues and images of snakes everywhere added to the serial killer vibe.
The heavy wooden doors only locked from the outside, and there were cameras recording every inch of the property.
When I pulled up to the heavy iron gate, I’d worked myself up into a sweaty mess, my chest tight, my hands fused to the steering wheel. I was holding on so tightly I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to let go.
I didn’t have to announce myself; the gate swung open as soon as I drove up.
They were expecting me.
I’d thought about turning around and driving back many times on the way here. I could get Lenny and finally disappear. But Gladius’s reach was wide. They’d find me. And the consequences of disobeying direct orders would be severe.
And I’d never put Lenny in danger. If they wanted to get rid of me, at least he’d be safe. Because once I was gone, they would have no interest in him anymore.
I didn’t take in any of my surroundings when I drove up the hill and to the giant statue of Augustus, the first roman emperor.
My rusty car looked out of place amid the grandeur, and I wished I’d changed clothes. My jeans and sweater would stand out as much as my hair that I’d thrown up into a ponytail, wayward strands sticking up all over my head. The color usually drew enough attention; when it was a wild mess, I stood out like a bright flare in the night.
Taking a shaky breath in, I pushed my car door open. It creaked loud enough to announce my arrival.
Two guards stood on each side of the front door, automatic rifles in hand. They didn’t look at me as I approached, their gaze focused straight ahead.
I saluted them, fighting the urge to pretend to punch them to see if they’d flinch.
The doors opened before I could so much as touch the handle, swinging inward.
“We must not pay you enough, since you’re still driving around in that death trap.”
The rumbling voice made me smile, and I took a steadying breath in. “Janus. What are you doing here?”
The familiar brown eyes of the only friend I’d made since joining Gladius greeted me. “I’m part of Curiata now.”
I paused on the threshold, my earlier excitement at seeing a familiar face gone. Because being part of Curiata meant no friends or family. If he’d joined them, he no longer considered us friends. And he’d do whatever they asked of him.
All other factions encouraged its members to cut all contact with friends and family. But Curiata made it a requirement.
My smile fell, and I fought to hide the wince that escaped. But I wasn’t fast enough, since Janus grimaced before closing the door behind me. “This is my chance, Ariel.”
His words were spoken so low, I could barely make them out.
We’d both come from broken homes. Fighting to survive was the only thing we knew how to do. I understood why he wouldn’t refuse the offer of a better life. I’d have done the same if I didn’t have Lenny.
Janus now wore designer clothes and expensive watches, and he drove whatever car he wanted. And he still had enough left over to live. Which was all we’d ever really wanted. I’d stayed in touch with him over the years. But he hadn’t told me about his recent promotion.
We’d always talked about just needing one chance. One chance to prove ourselves. One chance to show the world we were worth something. One chance to make something of the shitty hand we’d been dealt.
I put my hand on his arm, the silk of his shirt soft on my palm. “I know.”
Clearing his throat, he turned, leading me down the large hallway and past priceless paintings and artifacts. “They’re waiting for you at the Forum.”
Of course they were. Because as much as Gladius stayed under the radar, they made up for it within their own walls with all their pompous ceremonies.
I followed Janus through the winding hallway, losing sense of where I was after the tenth turn. If I had to get out quickly, I’d have to find a window, because no way would I be able to get back to the front door by myself.
