Awakened

XXXIX

"Maybe we should try to find some food," I offered, looking at the fridge. I walked over, opening it up before finding a sliver of meat before tossing it over to Zion. I eyed a container with lasagna, pulling it out before eating it cold. I was too hungry or scared to care. We ate in silence, his mind no doubt racing with possibilities as mine was.

"Tell me your favorite memory," I said, breaking the silence.

He raised his eyebrow at me in curiosity.

"Actually, show me," I said, moving to sit beside him and taking his hand in mine. He smiled, nodding before closing his eyes.

"Get back here you bloody rascal!" An older man yelled playfully after the running child. I recognized the baby instantly as the adorable, younger Zion. They were outside, likely playing out in their front yard. The woman was comfortably perched on a rocking chair, watching them with a soft smile on her face as she rocked back and forth.

The child squeaked in delight, refusing as he continued running in circles as a woman on the sidelines cheered him on. I remembered them from that time I had accidentally accessed Zion's memories when we first met.

"You can't catch me," the boy taunted, racing ahead whilst also periodically turning around to see he was still being chased.

After awhile Zion gave up, stopping long enough for the man to scoop him up in his arms. He ticked Zion, causing him to erupt in more laughter.

"Come over here you two, it's almost time," the lady said, patting to the seat beside her as she looked past them.

The man obliged, walking over and sitting beside her before placing Zion in her lap. She stroked the child's hair, planting a soft kiss on his forehead as she looked out into the sky.

"Zion, do you see it? It's the first star of the night?" She whispered, bringing the Zion's arm up to point at it. He giggled in response. They sat on that porch, watching the sky as it populated with more and more stars. It was absolutely perfect.

I opened my eyes, noticing Zion's filled with sadness.

"I'm sure they'd be proud of you if they saw you now."

He forced a smile, lifting my hand up to plant a kiss on the back of it. I leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. If this was to be the last day of my life, I couldn't think of a better way to spend it.

The moment was ruined quickly as we heard the slamming of the front door before it came crashing down.

My mouth dropped open as I saw them.

I looked over to Zion with pure horror as he stood frozen, his face paling as he realized how fucked we were.

There Liam was, the same disturbingly cold smile staring back at me as Sarav, Bay, Sam, and Caesar trailed behind him. What the fuck was going on? How did they escape?

My thoughts immediately raced back to Crexus. Had I been wrong about him? Was he the traitor and simply throwing the Headmaster under the bus to cover his own tracks.

"Surprised to see us?" Sarav said, smiling innocently at me.

Crexus, you fucking traitor.

I didn't care if he didn't respond this time. The last thing I wanted was to hear his voice in my head. I was absolutely furious. After everything, he was the one who betrayed us?! And I had been foolish enough to trust him. Now it might cost us both our lives. I was prepared to fight Liam. But I wasn't prepared for this. I doubted the old witch's magic, despite how powerful was enough for the Five most powerful supernaturals.