Harwal, book 3

Chapter 30

Sorry, it's been so long, bad sprain on the wrist. I was told not to strain it for 1-2 weeks, and I type everything on the phone, so it's difficult not to, but it's getting better. So I'll be updating a bit slower than usual.

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It takes the tech-nerds hours to finish building the machine, and when it is, the brothers and Harwal immediately take it to the break room and take more time with it.

I'm starving, but nobody is making any movements to get any grub. Dante's looking at the healing device with Marco, and Greece is explaining it.

I'm sitting in the corner of the hall, trying to play with Nox, but she seems as hungry and lifeless as me. Of all the rooms, Harwal and the Atorus decided to take the breakroom, where I could try and scavenge for some hangover food, but no.

"Dante," I croak and lift my hands up as he looks at me. "Did you bring food from home?"

"No," he says and hesitates on where to look, bouncing on trying to follow Greece's explanation and me.

"Never mind then," I say as I get up. "I'm gonna go get something. Anyone have any wishes?"

Nobody replies, but as I'm about to go to the shop side, Marco booms my name.

"You want something?" I ask, grasping on the doorframe.

"No. Don't go alone—Dante is coming with you," he says and flicks Dante's ear. "Go help your mom."

Dante flinches but quickly jogs to me without complaint. "Sorry mom, let's go."

"You're missing out, though," I say, pointing at Greece and Marco. "I wouldn't want to interrupt. I can go to the shop just fine."

"It's okay. Marco can explain to me later," he says with a bright smile and takes my hand. He picks up a parasol for us, and we set out towards the shop a couple blocks away.

"I'm glad you came with me," I say after a short distance. "I was planning on speaking with you as I needed to ask you something…"

Dante looks at me with a raised brow. "You sound so serious."

I swallow and clear out my throat. It's been bugging me since Greece said it. "Do you remember what the sky looks like?"

"The sky?" He repeats, looking up at the black clouds. "I know it's blue."

He knows, but doesn't 'remember'. Damn. "Have you…seen the sun?"

Dante chuckles, oblivious to my sadness. "When I was little, I saw it. I think. But I've heard it's really bright, I prefer the darkness."

"You haven't been in the sun. You don't know if you like it," I mutter, feeling awfully guilty. He has been living in this polluted shithole. The days here are brightened up only a tiny bit with the sun, but that's a stretch. You could call Joddel the city of eternal night.

"When Marco puts on all the lights in the workshop, it's really bright. It hurts my eyes," he says and helps me up to the raised sidewalk. "I know I wouldn't like the sun."

I hum in distress. That's… not the same as the sun, Dante dear. God. We should've left this place years ago.

"Why do you ask? Are you leaving again?"

"Oh, no. I'm not, but… I was thinking if we all should."

"Should what?"

"Leave this city. You, me, and grandma."

He stops and frowns. "Why? Did something happen?"

"You don't want to?" I ask, trying not to show how afraid I am of his answer. I can't make him leave. If he wants to stay… we will.