The Key to My Hart

Chapter 16

I stepped inside the bus. The crisp wind from the air conditioner kissed my exposed skin. The ride in the Jeep hadn't been hot, but with the windows rolled up it was uncomfortable.

Angel glanced up from where she was stuffing necessities into a bag. The corners of her mouth slowly turned up before her smile faltered. She doubled her focus on packing hygiene products and food to bring inside once we got the all clear.

Finn was sitting at one of the bunks-turned-table with his head resting on one of his hands, staring aimlessly out the window. I walked with purpose towards him and slid opposite of him.

"Finn." He didn't even react to my words. "Finn." I stated a little louder this time.

He jumped. I felt a little bad but at least I had his attention. I studied the dark shadows under his full eyes. His skin seemed to be pulled taunt across his skeleton. How had I not noticed his rapid deterioration?

"Finn. What's wrong?" I attempted to be gentle, but my words sounded accusing to my own ears.

He just gazed at me until his eyes glazed over and became unfocused. I waved my hand in front of his face but he didn't even flinch. He went back to staring out the window.

"He's been having nightmares." Angel softly spoke up from where she was packing the last items. I looked Finn up and down one last time before I slid off the bench and came to a stop beside Angel.

"How do you know?" I crossed my arms in front of me and rested a hip against a cabinet.

Angel blew a strand of her from her face. "I'm a light sleeper. I wake up in the middle of the night and can hear him crying. Carlos does his best to comfort him, but I think it's stressful because he doesn't know how to help. I've tried to bring out what's bothering him, but..."

"It's not working." I finished for her. She shrugged her shoulders helplessly. I watched Finn for a few more moments, before taking a deep breath. "I think I might know what it is."

I went back to him and reached out a hand and clasped his before yanking him to his feet. "Come on soldier boy. We are taking a field trip."

Finn didn't put up a fight as I drug him off the bus. The moment I touched ground, the men came from the Inn and gave the signal that it was all clear. I tried to ignore the fresh blood stains on Chogan's shirt as I walked past the group. I met Rowan's gaze and shook my head as he started to open his mouth.

Kaito placed a hand on Carlos's shoulder when he turned to follow Finn and I inside. There were plenty of windows to see throughout the place. The decor was giving cottage vibes with its country aesthetic.

I followed the signs to the pool, pushing a swinging door open and sucking in a gasp. The room was breathtaking. It was surrounded by windows, and the view outside showed a little meadow that was behind the Inn. So many wildflowers blossomed back there. I shook my head and focused on what I came here to do.

The pool was gorgeous. There were plants off in one part of the pool and a small waterfall that surprisingly still worked. No thoughts formed in my head for a moment as I took it all in. There were lily pads and other plants squared off yet still connected to the main pool. There was a rock waterfall that had a jumping ledge near the deep end that boasted 12 feet.

"It's a natural pool. It sustains and cleans itself." Finn's hoarse voice startled me. I twisted my head to see he was sitting and taking everything in. His eyes clearer than they had been. "I worked one summer for a pool company that had a program to help people convert their pools to be natural rather than use harsh chemicals. I am surprised to see the waterfall going, although that does mean it's safe for us to swim in."