Page 67 of Eternal Mate

"I'm here now," I murmured, my voice muffled against his chest. "I'm sorry for making you worry. It was a difficult battle, but we did it. It’s all over. Lucifer won’t bother anyone anymore."

Sariel pulled back slightly, his hands cupping my face as he searched my eyes for any sign of lingering danger. The worry lines on his forehead deepened as he took in my worn appearance.

"Then why do you look like you’re barely holding it together?" he asked.

I couldn’t help but laugh, and that quickly dissolved into sobs. Collapsing into my mate's arms, I took a deep breath, recounting the events that unfolded in Hell—the fight against Lucifer, the messages delivered, and the farewells exchanged.

Sariel listened attentively, his grip on me never faltering.

As I finished, his eyes softened with understanding and compassion. He brushed his thumb gently against my cheek, wiping away the tears that escaped despite my efforts to contain them.

“Thank you.”

The whisper nearly sent me into more sobs as his forehead pressed into mine, both of us breathing through the waves of emotion that were bouncing back and forth along our bond.

“You don't have to thank me for that,” I managed, sniffling.

He shook his head. “Let’s go inside—the others are going to want to hear this once they learn you’re back.”

He sighed once our emotions started to settle. I leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his lips, a silent affirmation of our secured future.

As we stepped into the warmth of our home, the weight of the battles and farewells began to fade, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose—to live fully and cherish every moment we had together.

25

EPILOGUE

ARIA

As the dust settled and the world began to heal, I found solace in the quiet seclusion of our little cabin.

Sariel and I had carved out a peaceful life together, away from the chaos and battles that had consumed us for so long. The home stood as a sanctuary nestled amid a picturesque landscape, its walls bearing witness to our journey of healing and growth. Within those humble confines, we discovered the power of solitude and reflection, allowing the wounds of the past to gradually mend.

Though I had always toyed with having my own children, fate had dealt me a different hand. The years of taking wolfsbane—which had been necessary for survival by keeping my hybrid status hidden—had left an indelible mark on my body, just like I’d feared it would. Its powerful effects had rendered me sterile, forever unable to conceive and bear children of my own.

At first, the news had been a heavy burden, a cruel twist of fate that taunted my deepest desires, but as time passed, I embraced a different form of motherhood.

My nieces, the children of my sister and Sariel's brother Mikey, were radiant lights filling my heart's void. Their presence, laughter, and unique spirits brought immeasurable joy and purpose to my life. I cherished them deeply, and our bond grew stronger each year.

I reveled in the moments we spent together, whether it was reading bedtime stories, embarking on whimsical adventures, or simply holding them in my arms during times of uncertainty. They were like the daughters I never had—or would have—and my love for them knew no bounds.

Lucia, now a wise and compassionate Fae Queen, had welcomed Blossom back with open arms after a few years of separation, as well. The pain of their estrangement, fueled by blood and tears, had dragged on her, but as time proved, love could heal even the most profound wounds. The sisters had chosen reconciliation over resentment, forgiveness over bitterness, and their bond was mended, stronger than ever before. The kingdom flourished with Lucia's benevolent rule and Blossom's astute counsel, radiating a sense of unity and harmony.

As such, the daughters of Lucia and Blossom were growing up together within the opulent halls of the palace. Their childhoods intertwined, forging a sisterhood that defied the boundaries of mere cousin relations. They shared secrets, dreams, and laughter that echoed through the grand corridors, infusing the air with an infectious joy. As they navigated the intricate dance of courtly life, they discovered the strength of their bond, supporting each other through triumphs and tribulations.

The palace had become a haven of love and laughter, a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and the unbreakable bonds of family. And I got to witness all of it.

While Sariel and I embraced the seclusion of our cabin, the outside world continued to evolve. Barimuz, our unexpected ally, had reluctantly found his place in our lives. As the begruding messenger, he occasionally brought updates about Mikey, Kiran, and Neo during the Upper Council meetings.

The reports, delivered with solemnity and hope, offered a glimpse into the lives of our departed comrades. Although they could no longer walk among the living, they had embarked on extraordinary journeys in their respective supernatural realms. Heaven and Hell were bigger than Earth itself, and despite what people’s popular conceptions were, they held no shortage of their own wonders.

Knowing that they thrived, even in their otherworldly state, brought me reassurance. It was a reminder that their spirits lived on, woven into the tapestry of fate.

Maybe, if I lived long enough, we would get to see them again. Mikey, especially.

The Upper Council of America had undergone a significant transformation since the war's conclusion, embracing a new era of leadership and proper cooperation.

Zuzanna now stood at the helm, representing the witches. Alongside her, Elias, Ashe, and Auren had stepped into positions of influence, representing the wolves, hybrids, and angels, respectively. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives harmonized within the meeting chambers, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. Together, they embarked on the arduous task of bridging the gaps that had once divided supernaturals, seeking to maintain peace and harmony in a world scarred by brutal conflict.

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