Secrets And Sins Part 3: Happy ever after

Chapter 34

*** Hey guys! I've been battling with a bit of burnout this past week, so updates may be a little late while I try to get my head back in the game. Everything is planned out; I'm just finding it really slow going actually writing the nitty gritty. Anyways, I hope you like 34, let me know what you think.***

~Ava~

It was late but Ava was restless.

She walked the halls of Jillian's estate without a sense of direction. The sprawling manor was big enough to get lost in, though Ava knew she could always find her way back to Bea. The Halo link stretched like a rubber band the further she wandered, uncomfortable and tense, like it might snap at any moment. Ava kept reminding herself that it was stronger than how it felt and embraced the unpleasantness. It was an excellent distraction, and God knows she needed a distraction.

The OCS was officially homeless.

If Jilian hadn't opened her doors to them, they would be living out of the vans or some cheap hotel somewhere and the very thought of resorting to that was depressing. They were very lucky they had Arq tech and its founder on their side.

Losing the Cradle had been painful for everyone, but for those who had been there the longest, it hit harder. And then there was Mother Superior, their unwavering leader who, on their arrival to the estate, had disappeared as soon as everyone had their assigned rooms.

Ava hoped the Matriarch had someone to lean on, someone to support her, but also doubted it. Mother Superior definitely gave the Halo bearer lone wolf vibes. Bea had been much the same when they'd first met, but the sister warrior had made it clear to her as they dumped their bags on the bed of their usual room that Ava was her home now, and as long as they had each other, they would be okay.

I wish everyone had a Bea...

"You wish to share Beatrice with everyone?" Halo asked, confused, "Wouldn't that make things a little awkward?"

Ava rolled her eyes, Absolutely NOT what I meant, Halo.

"Well, excuse me..."

A noise from her right pulled her attention away from the Halo's grumble. Ava paused mid step. The door she was passing was ever so slightly ajar and beyond it was the sound of glass clinking. Interest piqued, Ava pushed the door open a little more and peeked around it.

A familiar figure cloaked in a trademark leather jacket sat at a small bar built into the back corner of the room.

"Mary?"

Her friend's back was to her as she hunched over the bar top.

"Hmmm?" Mary turned at Ava's voice, she looked tired. "Oh... Sup, kid."

Ava stepped through the doorway and took in the space curiously; she hadn't been in here before. The room was laid out like the main library, shelves and shelves of books lining the walls, but it had a much smaller, more intimate feeling. Her eyes moved back to the non-assuming bar, at least a couple dozen bottles displayed on the cabinet behind it.

Weird.

"Salvius obviously enjoys drinking while reading..." Halo commented quietly.

I didn't even know she drank.

"She has been through a lot. Humans lean on their crutches."

Ava eyed the half empty bottle beside Mary's elbow. Don't they just...

"Mrs. S has a fabulous whisky collection..." Mary murmured, unknowingly interrupting Ava's conversation with Halo. "Want a nip?"