Sanctuary [h.s.]

Chapter Thirty-Six

"A soul that's born in cold and rain

Knows sunlight, sunlight, sunlight"

***

"That's it. He's gone. After all these years-these endless, cursed centuries-it's really over." Harry's voice trembled, the usual lilt of charm stripped away, leaving a raw, fragile edge I'd never heard before. His red eyes flickered in the dim light, uncharacteristically uncertain, as if grappling with the weight of a reality he hadn't dared to believe possible.

"How does it feel?" I asked softly, hesitant to disturb the delicate silence that stretched between us.

He exhaled sharply, a sound that wasn't quite a sigh. "I'm not sure. I feel... numb." His gaze dropped to the floor, his hands flexing at his sides as though searching for something tangible to hold onto, something to anchor him in this strange new world without Silas's shadow looming over him.

"What I've lost," he began, his voice low and strained, "what I've gained-it's all... too much." He let out a bitter laugh, though there was no humor in it. "And God, all those spawn, unleashed across the country now. Free. Free to do whatever they choose, for better or worse."

His shoulders sagged and for the first time he looked small-vulnerable in a way Harry Styles never allowed himself to be. "I need time," he murmured, almost to himself. "Time to let it all sink in. To figure out what this means-who I am without him."

That was three weeks ago-the last time we spoke. Since then, I had called him a few times. Each call rang out unanswered, leaving me pacing my flat, heart thrumming with worry and frustration. By now, I was losing my mind.

When my phone finally buzzed, Harry's name glowing on the screen, I nearly dropped it in my scramble to answer. "Harry?!" I blurted, my voice exasperated, relief and irritation blending into a single breathless sound.

"Hello, darling," he said, his tone as smooth and gentle as ever, though I could hear a subtle weight hidden beneath the surface.

"Are you... are you okay?" I asked, gripping the phone tightly, as if holding onto him through the connection.

There was a pause, a brief moment where I could hear the faintest sound of his breath. "Better, I think," he said finally, his voice quieter now, as if he'd carefully measured each word.

I let out a breath of relief, the muscles in my shoulders relaxed for the first time in weeks.

"How are you, love?" he asked softly, his voice laced with genuine concern.

"Better, now," I admitted..

"I received a call from the leader," he said after a moment, his words measured. "She wants us to meet with her. And... it made me realize how much I missed you."

The corners of my lips lifted into a small, involuntary smile. "I missed you too," I said softly, the truth of it wrapping around the moment like a warm blanket.

"When are we meeting? And where?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant and casual. I was worried that my eagerness would scare him away.

"We could go today," he replied, his tone lightening just a touch. "At her place."

I hesitated for a heartbeat before asking, "Could I... maybe, come over for a bit before we go?"

His response was immediate. "Of course. Whatever you want."

"Okay," I said, my voice already tinged with anticipation. "I'll see you soon."

"See you soon, darling," he murmured, the affection in his words settling over me like a balm.