Page 58 of Eternal Mate

We’d already proven it by managing to outlast the Upper Council and the Free Kingdom both.

When Aria gently tugged on my hand, we slipped away from the gathering, our steps light and swift; I glanced back to give everyone a soft goodbye, only to be met with smirking faces.

It didn’t take long for us to hurry up the stairwell and back to our apartment.

A rush of excitement coursed through me as we stepped inside. The air was filled with a current of intimacy and tranquility, a haven away from the chaos that awaited outside.

I pulled her close, my hands finding their place on her waist. Our lips met in a passionate kiss and a fiery embrace that spoke of our longing and desire. The rest of the world melted away, leaving only the two of us entwined in a dance of love and affection.

We moved through the apartment, our bodies pressed together, exploring the depths of our connection. Time seemed to slow down as we reveled in each other's touch, savoring the moments of closeness that were all too rare in the midst of our mission.

In the bedroom, we shed the weight of our responsibilities, leaving behind the worries and burdens that had plagued us. The soft glow of the bonfire cast shadows upon the walls through the window; Aria's eyes met mine, her gaze filled with love.

We surrendered ourselves to the moment, to the shared passion that ignited between us. The world outside ceased to exist as we lost ourselves in each other, and as the night waned and our bodies relaxed, we were intertwined, our breathing gradually slowing.

Aria nestled her head against my chest, and I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.

I pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head, my heart overflowing with gratitude for the woman in my arms. I traced my fingers along the contours of her back, relishing in the softness of her skin. The gentle rise and fall of her breath against my chest was a soothing rhythm.

“Sweet dreams, pup.”

She mumbled something incoherent to me, making me chuckle.

We drifted into a peaceful slumber, hearts beating in sync.

In the depths of our dreams, we envisioned a future where our love triumphed over adversity. We would emerge from this trial stronger, more resilient, and ready to build the life we had envisioned together.

22

INTERTWINED DESTINIES

SARIEL

The morning sun cast a soft golden glow over the trees as I stood on the rooftop, contemplating the weight of our impending task. Aria stood beside me, her presence a comforting anchor amidst my swirling emotions.

The plan to seal Lucifer away had been set in motion, so now it was time to gather the representatives from Heaven and Hell.

As we awaited the arrival of Michael and Barimuz, the wind whispered through the trees, carrying the distant sounds of bird song. A sense of foreboding hung in the air, mingled with a hint of anxiety.

We’d come so far and faced countless trials, and now the final battle was on the horizon.

I took a steadying breath, reminding myself that this was it. It was almost over.

We were almost done.

Aria's hand slipped into mine, her touch grounding me. "Sariel, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched into her features.

I squeezed her hand, letting out a long breath before I turned to her, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I'm just... nervous, I guess.”

I shuddered at the thought of having to return to Hell. I didn't want to. My time in the cage was tattooed onto my psyche, readily reminding me every time I closed my eyes of the torment I'd gone through.

I hated that it was haunting me like this.

Aria nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding. "I get it."

Her guilt itched in the bond even still, but that was something we could work through when everything was settled. I wasn't upset with her anymore; she’d been just as much a victim of Lucifer's games as I was.

That was yet another reason to hate the man on top of everything else.

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