Chapter 114
Nolan
I unlock the apartment door with my keys, nudging it open with my shoulder because my arms are full of grocery bags. The metal lock clicks shut behind me, sealing us back into this tiny, temporary world we're calling home.
I kick off my shoes and step inside.
Lanny is on the living-room floor, right in front of the TV like always, legs spread out, little hands gripping his toy as he babbles nonsense words that only he understands. The soft glow of the screen reflects off his cheeks. He looks peaceful. Safe. Oblivious.
It's a relief I cling to.
I exhale, dragging the bags farther into the apartment.
Then my eyes drift to the kitchen.
Ciel is there.
Standing in front of the stove.
Pan sizzling, steam rising, the smell of fried onions filling the air.
He turns when he hears me and gives me a small smile — thin, weak, like it's been scraped together from whatever scraps of hope he still has left.
The light in his eyes has dimmed.
A lot.
