Chapter 56 Chapter 55

Chapter 56 Chapter 55
The thumbs-up from Katrina made me feel like I could breathe again, even in a place like this. 

It was such a small thing, really, but damn, it was like she was telling me without words, "You've got this." 

I smiled—couldn’t help it—and gave her a quick nod before the guards led me back inside. The sound of the doors slamming shut behind me was usually like nails in my brain, but today? 

Today, it didn’t feel as heavy.

The cafeteria was its usual mess of noise and clattering trays. I grabbed my food—if you could call it that—and found a seat. Barely a minute in, and Lucifer leaned over, grinning like he’d just won the lottery.

“Wow, your lawyer looks young and she’s good at handling your case! I’m so envious of you!”

I chuckled, shaking my head, but before I could say anything, another guy, Damon, piped up.

“I heard she’s the one who paid off the rest of your fees too. Must be nice, huh?”

“Yeah, guess I got lucky.” I tried to sound casual, but it was more than luck. That girl really came through for me.

As I ate, my eyes drifted around the room. 

There was Big Mike, sitting a few tables over, his arms crossed like he was daring someone to mess with him. Then there was Slim, shooting the breeze with a couple of new guys, his mouth running a mile a minute as usual. 

And of course, Tiny—quiet as always, but his presence was enough to make most people think twice before crossing him. These guys had been with me through thick and thin. They weren’t just criminals to me—they were my brothers in here.

Before I’d been led out earlier, someone had pulled me aside, their hand gripping my arm. Their voice was soft, almost too quiet to hear over the hum of the prison.

“Don’t forget about your promise,” they whispered, their words laced with desperation.

I didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I’ll get you out of here,” I whispered back, locking eyes with them. I meant it.

I finished my meal in silence, the chatter around me fading into the background. Tomorrow was coming, faster than I thought. The weight of it settled in, but so did a strange sense of relief.

I packed up my things, if you could even call them that—a few worn books, clothes I wouldn’t miss—and got ready to leave.

Saying goodbye wasn’t easy. Big Mike gave me a nod, nothing more, but I could see the respect in his eyes. Slim cracked a joke, as always, but it was softer this time, less bravado. Tiny didn’t say anything, but his hand on my shoulder said enough.

As I walked through the big, white gate of the prison, the fresh air hit me like a wave. Freedom smelled different—cleaner, sharper.

I blinked against the sunlight, and there they were, waiting for me. Katrina, standing with Mr. Brown. They both looked like a picture of calm, but I could see the relief in Katrina’s eyes when she saw me.

“Sir,” I said, bowing slightly to Mr. Brown.

“Sorry to hear about it, son,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “That scumbag, Steven, and the rest of his family... They will repay for his sin.”

I nodded, appreciating his words more than I could say. Then I turned, catching sight of Lupus. His skeletal figure stood out as always, but there was something solid, something dependable in his stance.

“Lupus!” I greeted him with a grin.

“I didn’t break your promise, boss,” he said, his voice steady. “I made sure she’s safe.”

“Thank you, Lupus,” I said, and I meant it. He’d done what I couldn’t while I was locked away. Now, it was my turn to keep my promises.



As soon as I stepped inside Katrina’s house, the smell of roasted meats, baked bread, and rich sauces hit me like a wave.

The whole place was buzzing, filled with warmth. It was like stepping into a different world, far away from the cold prison walls I’d just left behind.

Katrina’s mother was the first to greet me. Her eyes lit up, and she rushed over, pulling me into a tight hug, her energy overwhelming.

“Oh my gosh, it’s really you! I can’t believe it—the Smiths! I never thought I’d see the day!” She gestured toward the banquet table, filled with more food than I’d seen in years. “Come, eat, Archer! This is all for you!”

I glanced at Katrina, who shrugged her shoulders. "Well, my parents approved of you."

My heart leaped for a second after hearing that news. I couldn't believe it. I have been gone for many years, so I need a lot of catching up to do.

"Archer? You must have been hungry. Come, my son. Let's eat now!" Mrs. Brown said, smiling at me ear to ear and giving me the chair.

I offered her a small smile, feeling the weight of her words, but the excitement in my chest was starting to fade.

There was something I needed to do first. “Thank you for the food. It really looks incredible, but… I need to see my mother and baby Emily. They must be worried sick about me.”

The room fell silent.

Katrina, who had been standing nearby, suddenly froze. Her eyes shifted toward her father before locking on mine.

“You didn’t know?” Her voice was soft, hesitant. “They aren’t at the apartment anymore, Archer.”

My heart stopped. “What?”

“They went missing the night you disappeared,” she continued, her words falling heavy like stones. “I looked for them everywhere. I asked around the pack. No one’s seen them. They just… vanished.”

Katrina’s father stepped forward, his face grim. “We searched for them, Archer. Everyone did. But it was like they disappeared into thin air. Like ash.”

My stomach twisted, and the room around me began to blur. My mother, Emily… gone? How could that be? How could they just vanish without a trace?

“I don’t understand,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. “They wouldn’t just leave. They wouldn’t...”