Page 100 of Born of Blood and Ash

“I wish we could just enter without it being a big deal,” Iadmitted as Ash’s thumb continued to sweep over my hand.

Rhain arched a brow. “It’s tradition, Seraphena.”

“Sera,” I murmured, eyeing the archway.

“And Rhain also likes to make the announcement,” Rhahar commented, his shoulder brushing Rhain’s as he movedto a narrow table along the opposite wall. “Because he’s good at it.”

The auburn-haired god’s cheeks turned pink. “I’m excellentat it,” Rhain corrected.

Rhahar snorted as he picked up apitcher and then came to our side with two bronze chalices. “I believe it’smulled wine.”

“Thank you.” I accepted the chalice and took a hasty gulp. Ibarely tasted the spice.

Ash took a far more sedate drink as Lailah appeared in thearchway, her braids swept back into a knot at the nape of her neck. “Everythingshould be ready in a few minutes.”

Only a few minutes?

I took another drink, this time only a sip. “How many peopleare here?”

Lailah glanced back over her shoulder. “Everyone.”

“Everyone?” I squeaked. That was a hundred thousand.My grip tightened on the chalice. Well, it would be more than that, actually,if one counted the new arrivals.

Holy shit.

“Go ahead and make your way out there,” Ash said. “Just giveus a couple of minutes before you make the announcement.”

Rhain nodded, glancing briefly at me. He started to turn butstopped and spoke in a low voice, “You will do fine, Sera.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“Us, too?” Rhahar asked as Rhainpassed him and entered the main floor.

“If you would,” Ash requested.

Rhahar turned as Kars bowedcurtly. “We will see you out there,” the godling said.

I gave them an awkward wave that earned another grin fromKars.

Then, it was just Ash and me.

Ash set his chalice on a nearby pedestal. “Do you rememberthe last time we were here?”

“Of course.” My heart skipped, but for a far differentreason this time. “It was when I realized I was in love with you.”

His lips parted. “Is that what you wanted to say when youtold me you wanted this union between us?”

“Yes, but I was too afraid and thought—”

Ash kissed me.

And gods, it was a wrecking kiss that was beautiful and raw,yet somehow infinitely tender. It was another of his kisses that spoke so muchlove.

He was breathing heavily as he rested his forehead againstmine. “When we were here last, I told you that your beauty captured my breath,”he said, cupping my cheek. “That remains true, is even more so now, but it isyour strength and your courage that have truly ensnared me.”

A rush of emotion swelled, stirring the eather.

“And it’s okay to be nervous right now,” he said, his eyessearching mine. “But do not forget how strong and brave you are and what youhave faced and conquered. You’ve got this. I have faith in that.” His thumbsswept over my cheeks. “In you.”

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