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Chapter 28: Returning Home

Author: Bee Diaz
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-29 15:31:38

Delaney

The Underworld looks just like I remember it; the only difference is that this time, I feel unwelcome, and I’m not just imagining the looks I’m getting from the people I walk past.

The meeting is held in Francesca’s bar. I’ve never seen so many people gathered in one small place all at once. People are standing because there certainly aren’t enough chairs, and I spot Francesca standing at the bar, though I don’t approach her.

Matteo is greeted like a celebrity, which makes me wonder how Paola and Pollux didn’t know him prior to our meeting in the tattoo parlor. We’re eyed curiously by a few people, and I wait to see how this will unfold.

“Welcome you all,” Matteo says in a loud, booming voice. “Thank you for being here. This is the first meeting we’ve had in…what? Five years?”

There are murmurs of agreement, and he continues. “I’ve been upstairs for a long time, but no amount of fresh air will ever beat being down here with all of you. This is a place we’ve built with our s
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