Chapter 42

Fallon’s POV

I scooted over to the passenger seat. The thick silence had returned. As we drove into the Salvatore fortress, I felt the return of a hollow sadness.

We stepped out of the car. I stole a final glance at him.

The cold-faced Darius had returned.

***

I knocked on the door and waited patiently for her to open up. It was just about two hours past midday.

I was about to knock again when the door opened, and her bright red hair announced her figure.

Ashley’s eyes widened in excitement, mirroring my expression. “Fallon?”

“Ashley.”

We locked in an embrace.

She pulled me. “Come on in.”

I laughed lightly. “Someone did miss me.”

She smiled. “Best believe I did. Tell me everything.”

“Ash, I just got back.”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t care. Do you know how lucky you are to leave the walls of this fortress? Most of us never leave once we set foot here.”

I had never thought of the possibi