Page 57 of Chains of Nightshade

"I know exactly how precious she is," Aurel growls, but there's no real heat in it.

Czana's lips quirk into a small smile. She touches my cheek one last time, then steps back. In a swirl of magic and morning mist, she vanishes, leaving only the lingering warmth of her embrace and the knowledge that somewhere out there, I have sisters waiting for me.

I turn to face Aurel, my heart full and steady. His eyes meet mine, a mix of hope and lingering fear swimming in their depths. The mighty naga who once manipulated me, who later took a fatal blow for me, now looks at me like I'm his entire world.

I step closer, placing my hand on his chest. "I'm exactly where I want to be."

The tension drains from his shoulders, his tail uncurling from its tight coil. "But the power they offered?—"

"Means nothing without you." I trace the scar on his chest where he took that blow for me. "You've proven your loyalty, your love. That's worth more than all the magic in the world."

His face lights up with such raw joy that it takes my breath away. He pulls me closer, his arms wrapping around me with a possessive tenderness that makes my heart race.

"My fierce little witch," he murmurs against my hair.

I tilt my head up, meeting his gaze. "Your mate."

When our lips meet, it feels like coming home. His kiss is both gentle and demanding, filled with relief and love and promise. My magic hums beneath my skin, reaching for him, and I know I've made the right choice.

I might not have a sisterhood of Purnas, but I have something better – a partner who would die for me, who chose love over power. And really, what better magic is there than that?

25

AUREL

Islither through the dense forest, my serpentine body moving silently over fallen leaves and twisted roots. Vera walks beside me, her hand occasionally brushing against my arm. The touch sends warmth through my entire being, reminding me that this is real—she chose me, despite everything.

"There's a valley ahead," I say, gesturing through the trees. "Isolated. Protected by natural barriers. No one will find us there."

Vera's eyes light up with interest. "Show me."

We emerge from the forest onto a ridge overlooking a hidden valley. A crystalline lake sparkles below, surrounded by ancient trees. Magic shimmers in the air—old protective spells that will keep others away.

"It's perfect," Vera breathes, her fingers intertwining with mine.

"I found it centuries ago," I admit. "Before... everything. I never thought I'd share it with anyone."

She turns to me, a slight smirk on her face. "And now?"

"Now I can't imagine being here without you." I pull her closer, my tail coiling protectively around her legs. "We can build a home here. Just us."

"No more dark elves," she says.

"No more prisons."

"No more fighting."

I press my forehead to hers, breathing in her scent. "Just peace."

"And us," she adds softly.

"And us," I agree, kissing her gently. The valley stretches before us, promising sanctuary and solitude. After centuries of darkness and decades of manipulation, I've finally found what I never knew I needed—not just freedom, but love.

I gather branches and leaves while Vera creates magical barriers around our chosen spot near the lake. My serpentine body proves useful, reaching high branches that would be difficult for others to access. The shelter takes shape quickly under our combined efforts.

"This reminds me of ancient ceremonies," I say, arranging the branches into a dome-like structure. "My people used to build temporary shelters for mating rituals."

Vera pauses her spell-weaving, interest sparking in her eyes. "Tell me about these ceremonies."

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