Heaven's Dragon

Going Home

I awake before the sun. The pitch black presses me to the bed, but I don't mind. It's the moments before I'm truly awake that I can pretend Cameron will crawl into bed next to me, and we will curl up and fall into deep sleep. But she never does.

As my eyes adjust to the dark, I sit up and notice Adalene fast asleep in the bed next to me. She looks calm and innocent, as she did when we were children.

There is a light on in the hallway, as pale yellow light is distilled under the door. After a moment I realize the light is split into three factions, with someone's legs splitting the sections. I strain my ears and listen, and hear hushed voices just outside.

I silently slide out from under the covers and creep towards the door. The voices are barely discernible, but I hear snatches of conversation.

"The boy..."
"...not a threat..."
"... can take them..."
"... the betrayal..."
"...not an issue..."
"We will proceed with the mission."

I recognize one of the voices as Luke's. I cannot tell who the other is. A guard, maybe? The shadows shift, and I scramble back under my silk sheets just as there is a rap at the door. I do not answer, as Adalene stirs from her sleep. I allow another insistent knock to pass before answering.

"Who is it?" I ask with a groggy growl.
"May I enter?" Luke asks diplomatically.

I glance at Adalene, who is now sitting up in her bed. She gives me a nod.

"Come in," I respond with less rasp in my voice.

Luke strides in, sporting his freshly pressed white suit. He smiles his dazzling, light borne smile. It's shocking that he's not made of pure light. It's even more shocking that I am.

"It is time to go. Best to go before dawn, before anyone can see you leave." He states diplomatically.

"Okay, yeah, sure," I say, "Just give me a moment to grab my things."

"Of course. I will have Gus waiting."

And with one swift turn, Luke is striding out the door and to the cells.