Chapter 49
The night was colder than expected.
Elijah adjusted his mask, glancing over at Lucas, who sat beside him on a rooftop overlooking the orphanage.
From this height, the place looked the same as it always did—worn down, its once-bright walls faded with time, the gate rusting, and the swings creaking slightly with the wind.
It was supposed to be a home, a sanctuary, but tonight, it was a battleground in waiting.
Lucas exhaled sharply, his breath visible in the night air. "You didn't have to do all this, you know."
Elijah turned his gaze toward him. "You already know my answer."
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. 'We look out for each other.' But still... this place means everything to me. I don't know if I ever told you that."
Elijah leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "You did. Maybe not with words, but I always knew."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
