16: War

XANDER

“I’m finding your new interest in the outdoors highly suspicious.”

Daciana speaks from behind me. I don’t turn to look at her, knowing she’ll make sure I see her soon enough.

Without wasting another second, she eliminates the distance between us. Walking the rest of the way. Standing beside me on the terrace, looking over the rest of the estate.

The night is dark with no moon and rarely any stars in sight. The front of the house is illuminated by the multiple security lights. Giving it a glow more beautiful than it should ever be.

“You know, I still remember when this was being built.”

“Renovated.” I corrected her.

I don’t turn to look at her, but I know she rolled her eyes. I could feel it.

“Renovate, build. Same difference.” She waves a dismissive hand. “All that matters is how far we’ve come from there to here.”

“Feels like a day.” I muttered underneath my breath.

It felt like it was just yesterday. But I could almost feel all the years in between. The distance. The wars. Th