Page 131 of Shrine of Fire

“Save it,” Stefan held up a hand. “You spied on us and gave the king the worst version of the story in hopes of currying favor. I’m done with your games.”

Stefan walked away from the man, and I got to see Baylin’s utterly devastated face. I smirked, not too proud to gloat.

In the weeks following the events of Hella Mora attacking the Ember King, other nobles offered aid and assistance. They were trying to earn our favor because the spirits were back.

I had spent most days juggling my time between the Ember Island and the Shrine of Everlasting Fire.

I stared out at the ocean crashing along the shore. The nights were the worst. Kalahar was in the spirit world, searching for a way back to us. I felt a flash of warmth, smelled his bonfire scent at odd times during the day.

But Cuan was exhausted from Sealing Hella Mora away, and so was I.

Zara put her hand on my shoulder. “I thought I would find you here. Brooding.”

“I’m not brooding,” I muttered.

“Aki taught you well.”

I sighed. I spent the nights with my pack pressed around me, but we all missed Kalahar.

I went back over what happened, the steps we’d taken to Seal Hella Mora away.

It was always going to end with Kalahar in the spirit world.

That was just a bitter pill to swallow.

“Vicente is settling in at the Sanctuary.” Zara handed me a croissant. “Cuan just got back with Kivai from the Spirit World. Cuan’s very powerful.”

“He brought me back after Hella Mora…” I trailed off. “After she used my grief against me.”

Zara frowned. “I’m sorry she did that. If I could have stopped her…”

I smiled at my friend. “It’s alright. We had it handled.”

It was the truth. While we were sailing around the world, Zara had patched several holes in the spirit world and found another spirit omega.

“I’m so sorry.” Zara pulled me into a hug. I moved the croissant, careful not to squash it.

Hashir approached us, and I wonder why this deserted piece of rock wasn’t so deserted.

Zara patted my shoulder. “I’m going back to the Sanctuary, but I’m always around in the mirror glass. Let me know how things go. Congratulations again on bonding your pack.”

I gave my friend one last hug. “I’ll be okay, Zara. Really.”

Zara smiled and left. I turned to Hashir, pulling him into a kiss.

He wrapped his arms around me, and together we watched the sun slowly sink into the horizon.

“Stefan figured out a compromise for the grain shortage.” Hashir kissed my temple.

“Of course he did.” Stefan was proving to be an extremely capable leader, and Ember Island was already benefiting.

I leaned back against Hashir, remembering the first time I saw him. “You were there for me from when I first needed you. You always have been. Thank you.”

Hashir smiled at me, so much love pouring into me from his bond it took my breath away. “My heart has always been yours, Nova.”

I squeezed him against me.

“You weren’t ready to have it, so I was patient.”

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