Chapter 56. Together

Author’s POV

Jake held his breath as he stepped out of the grand limousine. A gust of air swept across his face almost slapping him, trying to wake him up from his trance. The Rodgers’ mansion felt very different this time. Jake noticed the servants bowing and greeting them as they entered.

It felt awkward. But then he felt Mercy’s hand on his back. “Keep going. It’s a homecoming, brother. Don’t think too much!”

Jake nodded as he took his step forward. His eyes found Phill and Percy standing side by side in the great hall. Then his eyes fell on Elizabeth Rodgers, who stood with her back turned towards them.

As she slowly turned around, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath. Her eyes locked onto Jake’s, and she began to walk towards him with deliberate, measured steps.

A scrutinizing expression crossed her face, and Jake instinctively took a step back as she came closer. His mind raced, uncertainty and anxiety gnawing at him. The air