Page 153 of When Death Whispers

Steo’s hand is cool and steady as he helps me sit up. His grip is gentle, like he’s afraid I’ll break—like I haven’t already shattered and reformed in his arms more than once.

His shadows don’t press in. They hover. He sits beside me, offering support without crowding me.

Hudson props a pillow made of twisted roots and moss that somehow works behind me. He fluffs it twice before stepping back.

I sink into it with a sigh, glancing between the three of them. “What happened?”

Hudson kneels beside me, jaw tight, eyes wide with relief and lingering concern. “You almost exploded with Evergloom magic, Parker,” he says softly, brushing white hair from my face. “You scared the shit out of us.”

Rad grunts, folding his massive arms. “You would’ve leveled this whole fucking realm. And yourself along with it.”

Steo’s growl vibrates against my side. “The Gloom chose you. It recognized your worthiness but did not care for your mortal limits. We almost lost you.”

There’s an edge of fear in his voice—something I’ve never heard from him before, and it sends a chill down my spine.

“I’m okay now, though, right?” I ask hesitantly. “The power—it’s quieter.”

“For now,” Rad says, his gaze intense as he studies me. “But you’re bonded to the Evergloom. And us.”

I freeze. “Bonded? What do you mean, bonded?” But I already know what he means. I can feel it everywhere, in my veins, in my limbs, in my heart. It’s like a presence that isn’t entirely mine, but that feels like it belongs, like an extension of who I am, of who I was always meant to be. It hums, and responds, giving power to my every move. It’s strange… but also familiar.

There’s one thing I need to know however. “How?”

Hudson flushes slightly and looks down, I can feel embarrassment that isn’t mine spreading in my chest and I reach up to rub at it.. “It’s uh... sort of complicated.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Explain.”

Steo’s voice fills the silence. “When the Evergloom’s power threatened your life, the only way to stop it was for us—all of us—to anchor you. Hudson’s blood. My shadows. Rad’s demon essence. All bound together to keep you here.”

I look between them, heart skipping a beat. “So we’re… all connected?”

Rad growls softly. “In a way, yes.”

Steo’s shadows shimmer faintly—bright pink, as if to agree.

Hudson rubs at his chest where faint black veins mark his skin. “I guess we’re stuck with each other now.”

A hysterical bubble of laughter escapes me. Relief. Absurdity. Confusion. All tangled together.

But I feel it. I thought it was just the Evergloom’s power that was thrumming under my skin, but it’s obvious now, the different threads tying me to each of them.

They feel the same but also not. Nuanced like each of them—quiet acceptance, loving devotion, fierce possession. They’re braided and woven together like they are linked to each other too, filling my chest with emotion and warmth.

It feels foreign, and overwhelming, especially since I’m not entirely sure which of them are mine and which are a result of theirs, but they also feel comforting. Like they belong to me.

Hudson grins. “Not exactly how I pictured our future, but I suppose it could be worse.”

“Speak for yourself,” Rad mutters, though there’s no real heat behind it and I can feel devotion inching its way through the bond from him. Or at least I think it’s from him. That may take some getting used to.

Steo remains silent, but his arms relax just slightly around me.

My stomach chooses that exact moment to rumble.

Hudson snorts. “Your stomach has impeccable timing.”

I glance down, cheeks heating. “I’m also… naked. Again.”

Before I can finish the thought, Steo rises abruptly. “I shall fetch additional sustenance.”

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