Justin's POV
The gates of the cave rose before me like the maw of some ancient beast—an imposing, black-iron barrier etched with rust and runes stolen from nightmares. But as I drove down the long, winding driveway, the beast revealed its true shape: a colossal mansion carved from onyx stone, lit by hidden LEDs that traced every archway and buttress, its mirrored windows glinting under the moonlight. This was my sanctuary—and my prison in reverse.
I eased to a stop at the motor court, where a sleek Phantom Black Range Rover rested under a sculpted portico. I killed the engine and climbed out, kneading the tension from my shoulders. June sat beside me, her head lolling toward the door, eyes wide and haunted. I reached in and gently unstrapped her seatbelt, my fingers trembling against her skin. She didn't respond; she was already slipping away.
I opened her door. "Come on," I murmured.
