Page 46 of Finn's Solace

When Finn decided he didn't want to talk about his nightmares anymore, I told him stories from my past, the good stuff from the years since I escaped. I told him about the people I'd met, the things I'd learned, the places I'd been. He listened with fascination, asking all kinds of questions that kept me talking until well into midday.

We continued our conversation as we made lunch together—sandwiches and salad—and then as we ate and then cleaned up after.

Finn had just finished putting on his newly washed and dried clothes when the doorbell rang.

Greta raced for it as if she was going to open the door herself, then stopped short in front of it when she was rudely reminded she didn't have the opposable thumbs or height required to open the door. She shot me a look as if it was somehow my fault, and I rolled my eyes at her before opening the door.

"Hey, Levi," Ames said as she stepped inside, her dark brown eyes sparkling as she tucked back her straight black hair, and I held the door open wider when I realized the others were with her too.

"Oh wow, you got big," Mateo commented as he eyed me, and I chuckled. I could tell it was him just from his words. Even back then, he'd been the outspoken one out of the two. They both had blond hair, brown eyes, and a similar lean build, but their personalities made it easy to tell them apart.

"Hey, Mateo, Miles," I greeted with a smile, and Miles smiled back.

"Hi," he said in a soft voice, and Mateo's eyes flicked from his twin to me and then back again.

"Come on in. Hey, Penny, it's nice to see you again."

"You too!" she said with a grin, then glanced around as I closed the door behind them, her bright red ponytail dancingas she moved. "Now, where's my brother? I have some teasing to do."

"Hey, guys," Finn said as he came into the room, running his fingers through his messy hair.

"Hey, big bro. Did you have a nice night?"

Finn ignored his sister as he adjusted his glasses and moved to sit on the armchair while the twins and Penny took the couch and Amelia claimed the other armchair. When I'd bought my furniture, I hadn't really thought I'd have many guests. I might have to get some more chairs or something.

"Drinks, anyone? I have Coke, water, tea, and coffee." I didn't really drink alcohol, but maybe I should start keeping some beer for visitors? Did Finn drink? I'd have to ask him later.

"Water for me, please," Ames said, and Penny and Miles asked for the same while Mateo picked Coke.

They all looked healthy and happy, their eyes devoid of pain and fear like they'd been the last time I saw them. It made me happy to see them doing so well.

"Finn?"

"I'm good," he assured me with a smile, and I smiled back at him before walking into the kitchen.

"You are totally smitten!" Penny whisper-shouted, but she was still loud enough for me to hear.

"Shut up," Finn growled, making me smile. I could just imagine the blush on his cheeks.

"Aww, look at him blush," Ames chimed in, and Finn huffed.

"Hey, now. Have some mercy on the guy," Mateo said, though I had a feeling he was grinning as he said it.

I quickly gathered up the waters and Coke and took them to the living room before they could gang up on my mate. I knew they were just being friends, but after last night, I was starting to realize Finn was more fragile than he let people see, and I didn't want them to say something hurtful without realizing it.

"Here we go."

Once everyone had their drinks, I perched my ass on the arm of Finn's armchair, glad I'd picked the ones with padded arms.

We talked for a good long while, sharing stories and catching each other up on our lives.

Finding out Miles and Mateo's dad was Cassian Romanov, a mage I'd only heard stories about when I lived in Ravenshire, was a shock. Finding out he'd been wildly villainized in those stories? Not so much. There seemed to be quite a few ex-Ravenshire residents here in Mistvale, and I hoped I'd get a chance to talk to them at some point.

Reuniting with the people I'd spent the worst time of my life with felt strangely freeing. Seeing them all happy, healthy, and safe, with families that clearly loved them, freed me of the guilt I'd been carrying around since the day I went to rescue them and found them gone.

Eighteen

Finn

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