Chapter 40

Elara's POV

Almost thirty minutes pass before I'm able to convince my dad to let me go with Lorenzo. He wants me to stop working for him and travel with him and Uncle Damien to the North. But the thought of all I've grown accustomed to—Jayden, the orphanage, the East Side, Alexander, and the grey-eyed man standing behind me—makes me choose to stay here.

Uncle Damien stops Dad from trying to persuade me, then tells me they'll just relocate to the Central Side and stay with me.

After exchanging goodbyes, we finally head to Lorenzo’s vehicle. Once we’re strapped in, the driver pulls away. Lorenzo glances at me, his voice softer than usual. "Thank you, Elara."

I raise an eyebrow, as much as I can, considering how tired I am. "Thank me? For what?"

"For choosing me. Choosing to come with me," he whispers, a smile playing on his lips. "I don’t know what I would have done if—"

"Oh, Lorenzo, please," I cut him off. "You don’t really think I chose you, do you? The only reason I’m her