51. Epilogue

Six months later

Kintsugi: The Chinese art of repairing things with gold. Kintsugi teaches us that in life, we can turn adversity into something that is beautiful and resilient.

I can't believe how my life has turned out. After the events of last year's horror maze, I decided to go back and finish Med School. Much to Draven's dismay. After I murdered Jarvus, everyone who was left working at Midnight Menagerie took a vote and decided that Draven should take the position to replace him.

Once again, much to his displeasure, it meant he couldn't follow me back to California. So, for the past six months, I've been dealing with my professors, classes, working in the hospital closest to my brother and getting my degree.

Sasha, Deck, and I don't really talk about the events of last year and the three of us decided to leave as much out of conversation as possible. With me in California and Draven in Arizona setting things up for the next traveling maze, we haven't exactly had a lot of time to see each other.

Which is why I'm currently waiting for him to get home.

Home.

It's weird to say that really, considering we have only been together for six months. I knew neither of us were going to let the other go but at the same time, we both knew we have commitments to fulfill first and foremost.

I packed everything up two days ago and bought a one-way ticket. Draven thinks my exams are complete at the end of the month, and they are, I just finished everything quicker than expected. Troy dropped me off an hour ago and I asked him to distract Draven for as long as possible so I could sort some things out.

He didn't ask me to move in like a typical guy, instead he sent the deed to the house with my name on it. The moment the front door opens, I hear his heavy footing as he makes his way through the hall.

Stopping immediately. I opted for no perfume or my usual fabric softener either. I'm hoping to get the jump on him and, maybe this time it might have worked, because he just continues walking straight past the hallway I'm hiding down.

Granted it's dark out, I told him to put the lights on when he gets home. It's fucking weird that he stalks around in the darkness. I silently make my move, tip toeing from my spot and making my way through the long hallway toward the living room.

The moment I step through the archway, the light goes on and I freeze. Dropping my shoulders in defeat. "Shit," I whisper.

" Bonjour Petit Mouton ." His gravel toned voice carries from behind me and I turn around instantly. My eyes landing on him leaning against the wall and it seems that every single time I see him, he becomes more handsome than the last time. Then again, I'm probably bias.

" Tu m'as fait tres peur! "

Taking a step toward me, he snatches my wrist, pulling me against him. "Your French is getting better." He winks, leaning slightly and wrapping his hands under my thighs. Lifting me up, I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck.

"Did I even get a little startle out of you?"

"No," he grabs my ass and gives it a squeeze. "Shade is whining to come in, I could hear him the moment I turned my bike off."

I moan out a frustrated sigh, "Damn it."

With a soft chuckle, he pulls me into a demanding kiss, only saying, "How long do we have?" between turning his head.

"I finished early. I live here now, no?" I giggle against his lips. His hands reaching for the button on my jeans. Covering his hands with mine I stop him.

He growls, looking up at me. "Max."

"Just one second, I have something for you. Seeing as it's your birthday." I grin. Reaching behind me and dragging the envelope from my back pocket.

He puts me down, back onto my feet and I lean against the back of the couch. Draven takes it from my hand, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What is it?"

"Open it and find out." I shrug.

"I don't need—"

"Will you just fucking open it." I widen my eyes at him. Clapping my hands twice. "Come on, chop-chop." Rolling his eyes, I wait on bated breath as he begins to open the small envelope. Pulling the paper out, his eyes scan the words and in a split second his head jolts up.

" Petite Mouton … What is this?" he asks.

"With the money I won from Troy's maze." I take a deep breath. "I set up a charity center for those who have been the victims of rape and sexual violence." I watch as he freezes, then looks back down at the letter. "The Alyson Quinn Foundation. That way, at least she can help others right?"

"Why?"

"Because she deserves to be remembered. For you to know that even in death, her heart is still in the right place."

Stepping forward, he grabs onto my face, the paper still in his right hand. "How did you know my last name?"

"I know people, y'know?" I chuckle.

" Je t'aime, Petit Mouton. " He kisses me.

" Je t'aime la mort ."