Page 178 of Song of Her Siren

Resolve stiffened my spine. I would defeat these demons and live to raise my children in peace. “Very well, then I will bring on the light.”

Despite Arabella’s best efforts, the fog still crept toward us, washing over the seawall and then fanning out across the beach, spreading like a fungus. A powerful, frigid wind blew back my hair, and gasps rose up across the battlements as every single torchlight was extinguished, bathing us in darkness.

Several firemages cried out. “I can’t summon my flames!”

I felt Helian and Ash squeezing my arms.

We’re here for you, Helian projected into my mind.

I released a slow and steady breath, letting their love flow through me, the magic building up in my chest like a giant, glowing sun. And then I threw out my hands with a roar, magic exploding from my fingers and lighting up the sky. The light hummed as it rolled across the landscape, illuminating shadowy flying, crawling, and slithering creatures, their terrified screams rending the air before they vanished into the mist.

At some point, I remembered to take a breath as my light continued to fan out, washing all darkness away, leaving houses and Fae intact while turning only the shadow demons and their ships to ash.

Cheers rang up after the light faded, and I slumped in Helian’s arms, spent from using too much magic.

* * *

Tari

THIS WAR WASN’T OVERyet. The demon mistress still hadn’t made her appearance, and I was afraid she would go after the children, so my mates and I made the decision to get them. I gulped down a goblet of milk and ate a biscuit. Then I kissed Helian and Ash long and hard, letting their love restore my well of magic until I was strong enough to make a portal to Abyssus.

Finn howled when we arrived in the garden. We shared a joyful reunion and returned to the castle ramparts in Thebes, leaving the rabbits with Mrs. Euphemia. Triss flew off with a roar, joining her parents in the sky, and Finn welcomed his father with a bruising hug.

The girls clung to my legs, watching their fathers hug the older shifter. “Do you remember your grandfather, Adrean?” I whispered to them.

They nodded, burying their faces in my skirts.

Adrean knelt in front of the girls. “Hello.” He reached into a pack slung over his shoulder. “Look what I have.” He held out a ratty straw doll.

Ember let out a howl, reaching for the doll. “Bethamy!”

He handed the doll to her, and she clutched it to her chest so hard, the straw crackled and splintered. Frowning, she held it in front of her, dusting dirt off the torn dress that was made from a potato sack. “She’s so dirty.”

“I’m sorry.” He let out a wolf’s whimper. “I tried to take care of her.”

She blinked at him with glossy eyes. “I understand, Pappo.”

He wiped his one wet eye with the back of his hand. “I think she brought me good luck.”

Her mouth fell open. “You do?”

“Well.” He flashed a fanged grin, motioning toward Ember and Aurora. “She brought me to both of you.”

Ember threw herself into her pappo’s arms. Adrean tucked her against his side, opening one arm to Aurora with a hopeful look. He closed his eye when she fell against him, whispering a “thanks” to the Elements.

There wasn’t a dry eye around us as we watched their tender display of affection until the girls squirmed out of his arms like fickle felines, tired of being smothered.

“We’re hungry.” Aurora rubbed her belly. “Do you want to eat tarts with us?” she asked her shifter pappo.

“Tarts?” He slowly stood, his knees popping with the movement. “I would love to, but I need to talk with your parents. May I eat tarts with you later?”

Ember beamed up at him. “Of course.”

I hugged the girls to my sides, kissing the tops of their heads, so relieved that they were safe with us. “Papa Finn will take you to your nursery and summon the servants for some food. Does that sound good?”

They eagerly nodded.

Kneeling in front of them, I took their hands in mine. “I love you both so very much.” I squeezed their hands. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

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