Page 107 of Verses and Blooms
Her expression softened when I choked back a sob.
“Congratulations, Audrey,” she said quietly. “You’re free.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Audrey
Moonlight filled the conservatory, bouncing off the colorful leaves of the flowers and the green vines.
This was my favorite time of day to be here.
It was also my last.
Each of us had been given an insane amount of money as an apology from the Omega Network, an attempt to avoid legal action. There was no telling if they’d be safe from that, but at least for us, we were ready to take it and move on.
Iwouldadvocate like hell for change,demandpolicies that required regular check-ins to facilities like ARC, mandatory surprise inspections, and tighter oversight to stop people like Malik fromevertaking advantage again.
They’d opened it, put their name on it, and then let private pay keep it running, only to forget about it.
That had to stop.
As for my pack, we were leaving in the morning. It was too late to drive anywhere tonight. Caspian had already called his sister, and none of us had much to take with us. Just my violin,a few sketchbooks, and Ares’s things, which were boxed up and ready to be shipped wherever we ended up.
At this point, I didn’t care where that was, as long as I didn’t spend another night within these walls.
I’d more than earned my freedom. I’d fought for this moment, endured torment for it. It was time.
Eventually, the others passed out, but I couldn’t sleep. Maybe I just needed to say goodbye to this conservatory in my own way.
Larissa had followed me out here, along with one of the guards. They waited near the doorway while I pulled out my violin for the last time.
I wished I could talk to the groundskeeper once more. Val had given me the confidence to take my treatment seriously, even when this place didn’t. Those flower beds had been more therapeutic than most of the other “treatments” here, at least until Alice arrived.
I owed him a lot.
With a breath, I lifted the violin into place. The bow slid easily across the strings, notes filling the air as my body relaxed. I played a song that was my own. An intricate story woven from battle and victory. One that felt fitting for what we’d experienced within these walls.
As the melody filled the room, I felt the pack bond flare. The others had joined me. Apparently, they weren’t asleep after all.
No one interrupted until the last note faded and I opened my eyes.
Ansel stood in front of me with a small smile, the rest of them gathered around.
“Did you say your goodbyes?” Ares asked softly.
“Yes.” I packed away my violin and snapped the case closed.
“We’re getting out of here tonight,” Ledger said. “None of us can sleep. We’re ready.”
“Don’t we have paperwork or something?” I asked.
“Fuck paperwork,” Ansel muttered, making us laugh. We were all eager to leave now.
“Exactly,” Ares agreed. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”
Ares reached for my case while Rydell helped me to my feet, tucking me against his side as we walked out. I expected them to lead me back toward our wing, but instead we walked to the front lobby.
Sanchez, Colt, Vance, Cooke, the chief, and Director Cross were all waiting by the doors.
