Page 39 of Damian

“Ioannis tortured all three of the women with the same requests. The last witch Frank carried out inherited her seer abilities when the previous seer in her family died while imprisoned in your tunnels. Kate witnessed what the Somes did to your mating calls. She also witnessed the end of the Somes’ coven, along with the death of every male and female in here if mates were claimed before Ioannis’ defeat.

“She reiterated what the Somes did to your people, except with a clause to lift the curse with the fall of Ioannis.”

A collective shiver runs through the crowd. Damian’s gaze meets mine, and I can see the determination burning in them. He squeezes my hand, drawing strength from our growing bond.

He looks around the circle, meeting each gaze. “We carry a new fate. The power to shape our destiny lies within us. It’s up to each of us what we will do with this new path.”

Some women nibble at the remaining food on their plates. Silence fills the air, save for the one cricket and the fire. All seem lost for words.

As the night deepens, the campfire burns brighter. The memories Willow shared are now a part of the herd’s collective consciousness. Hopefully, many will use these visions to guide them forward into an uncertain future filled with light.

Chapter 27

Emjay

“The Fates never forgot me or the others. Whether in this life or the next.” ~ Emjay

“You’ve been carrying that all day?” I ask Damian, my tone soft with concern and admiration.

He rubs his beard, a gesture that brings me comfort when he speaks. It’s a small, familiar action that grounds me. It reminds me I’m not the only one nervous. “I thought I’d have to hold on to it longer, but with everyone coming together, it just seemed right,” he explains, his voice steady but tinged with relief.

“Thank you,” I tell him, my gratitude profound. He’s shared so much, and the weight of it must have been immense.

“There’s more. For you, and for Georgia,” he adds. His eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat.

I look at him with a puzzled expression, waiting for him to continue. The firelight dances across his face, casting a shadow that highlights his features, making his expression even more enigmatic.

“Hallie added a clause to the curse she placed on us. If the Fates ever brought us together without the mating call, the clock would begin again,” he explains, his octave dropping to a whisper.

I hold my hand over my heart. My organ beats rapidly beneath my palm.

Damian steps closer, his presence a comforting warmth in the cool night. He gently brushes the hair away from the scar I usually hide. His fingers slide down my cheek, the touch tender and filled with unspoken emotions. “How did it happen?” he inquires, his voice trembling slightly.

I swallow hard, the memory flashing through my mind. “I turned my head to the side the first time I hung on the pole for a whipping from the girls’ father. The whip caught my face,” I whisper.

Damian’s pupil grow wide with anger and sorrow. “I see a symbol. Nothing and no one had the power to keep us from finding our way to each other. Destiny always wins,” he says with conviction.

His words resonate deep within me, a promise that no matter what obstacles we face, our destiny will prevail. And hopefully love one day.

I lean into his touch, finding solace in the strength of his presence. “We’ve come so far, and there’s still so much healing my heart longs for. But knowing that destiny is on our side gives me confidence,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling within me.

Damian nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “Together, we can face anything. The past, the present, and the future. We’ll forge a future free from the circumstances that haunt us,” he promises.

I fear if we continue, he’ll lean in for a kiss that I’m not ready for. “You said you had a message for Georgia too,” I say. My words tremble slightly with the effort to change the subject.

He nods, understanding my unspoken hesitation. “Let’s go find her.”

We walk hand in hand. The connection between us was comforting, yet tense with unexplored emotions.

The camp is lively, filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter.

We find Georgia watching Frank, giving piggyback rides to a group of children. A line has formed with eager participants, waiting their turn. Frank reacts as if he notices Georgia’s gaze on him. He stops mid-piggyback ride, looks over, and winks at her.

“Georgia,” I call out. A flush creeps up her cheeks, and she fans her face, clearly embarrassed that we witnessed this moment between her and Frank.

She looks over, still flustered. “Yes?”

“Damian said that Willow told him something about you,” I explain, my tone gentle but urgent.

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