Page 113 of The Demon's Delight
My pace sped in harmony with her, guiding the rhythm, her panting and my shallow breath a perfect match. As the sun slipped below the horizon, her body began to flutter around me, and I dove headfirst into my own release, pounding into her as she moaned into the mattress.
“Mine,” I breathed, collapsing against her back, kissing her shoulder, nipping at the sensitive skin by her neck.
“Yours,” she replied, turning her head so I could capture her mouth. “Perfect.”
Once I could finally bring myself to pull away, I carried my mate out to the springs and bathed us both under the light of the stars.
We floated, dreaming while awake. I pulled my fingers through her hair, which was now almost completely white. My moonflower was in full bloom.
“Are you happy, Hailon?”
“Yes. Are you?”
“I could live here with you and nothing else forever and be perfectly satisfied. Our journey taught me that very early on.”
“Should we get you a ring, then?” she asked, making my heart stutter in my chest.
“A ring?”
“To match mine. So I don’t have to get murderous when the shop ladies try to impress you. To make an honest man out of you and your untoward intentions.”
Her jokes and little smile put a grin on my face. “Definitely, Moonflower. Will you take the elixir Greta gave you?”
“I already did.”
She spun and kissed me, the night sky throwing sparkles on the water. I wanted for nothing except to stay in that moment with her, forever. And now I could.
Epilogue
HAILON
Life in the glade was more lovely than it had any right to be.
Seir quickly fell into a smooth pattern with his job, and I even got to meet his brother Tap several times while they got the portals set up to their liking. Coltor was initially grumpy about the changes happening within the castle ruins, but once he realized he could leave for prolonged periods, his mood changed dramatically.
“Sheets, towels, knives, dishes,” Seir listed off, then kissed me soundly on the mouth before heading for the door.
“I know.”
“You’ve been unsuccessful at bringing home those things the last several times you went to Revalia. We’ve been moved in, with running water and a fire in the hearth, for weeks.”
“Because I was too busy healing children and the elderly,” I reminded him. “Or visiting with your family. Testing my powers. Checking on Ophelia. Besides, all the things we used on our journey are still perfectly functional.” And a bit sentimental, if I were being honest. I needed to make a trip to see Widow Callahan soon too.
“Make our house ahome, Hailon. I beg you. If you don’t choose some things soon, you’re going to come back fromdoing all your good deeds to find I’ve purchased mismatched everything. The couch and rug are just the beginning. It’ll be paint and cabinet knobs. Tables and bedding. You might love it, but you might hate it so much you leave me. I’d never survive that. Please, save us both from such a terrible fate by taking this pouch of coins andspending it.” He shoved a purse overflowing with money into my hands. “Sheets, towels, kniv?—”
“Get to work,” I teased him, leaning in for one more kiss before he dashed out the door.
I wasn’t far behind and took the portal straight to d’Arcan like I had started doing with regularity. My stomach still spun every time I went through the device, but I was beginning to understand why Seir enjoyed them so much.
Today, however, instead of going inside, I met Coltor in the courtyard.
“Greetings to you, Hailon.”
“Hello, Coltor. Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” We were headed to Ophelia’s today, so he could consult with her about a talent he’d started developing. What that was, I wasn’t privy to, but I was her most frequent visitor lately, so I was asked to be his escort. He held up my repaired little horse carving. “This is for you.”
“Coltor! Thank youverymuch.” I stroked the golden hooves before putting it in my pocket. “I’ve missed him terribly.”
