Page 107 of The Demon's Delight
Everyone made space for us, and I pulled over two extra seats.
“We’re going to need a bigger family table,” Calla said, and I could see the moment her smile went a little extra wide and her eyes started to shimmer. “Isn’t that wonderful?”
“I do love seeing everyone’s faces,” Vassago agreed. “Even that one.” He gestured to me with a grin.
“Did we miss anything good after we left?” I asked, Grace dropping a plate under my hands as if by magic.
Hailon was reserved but watchful, sipping at her coffee and politely nodding.
Magnus reached across the table, covering Hailon’s hand with his for a brief moment. “We owe you many thanks, Hailon.” Her head popped up. “With some encouragement, Brookes told us a great number of truly disturbing things. We may be able to find many lost souls thanks to you.”
“I didn’t really do anything,” she protested.
“That’s not true at all.” He shook his head. “You helped expose a man who spent nearly a century manipulating his position, exploiting his power. Thank you.”
She nodded softly, a blush in her cheeks. I smiled back proudly, meeting my brothers’ eyes, silently asking their thoughts on my mate. Both nodded gently.
“We’ll get started on your necklace immediately,” Rylan told her. “Imogen returned to the conclave last night and said she planned to work on the dagger. I do think it’s safest for you under more powerful warding for the time being.” He frowned. “Please don’t misunderstand, you are more than welcome here, but until we thoroughly vet the members of both councils,I think it’s safer for you somewhere your power can’t be discovered.”
“Wards won’t be a problem,” I volunteered, glancing up to find Magnus nodding. He had been integral in helping move along my plans, and I was very grateful.
Hailon scooted some of the eggs around her plate. “I can spend time at Ophelia’s. Her invitation was open.”
Grace returned and took a chair next to Magnus. He dipped down to kiss her temple, and she snuck a sausage off his plate.
Greta set a vial of shimmery silver liquid in front of herself, then handed one each to Grace, Calla, and Hailon.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“Elixir of Life,” she said in a hushed tone.
“What does it do?” Hailon asked.
“This specific formula will match one’s lifespan to that of their mate.”
We all quietly absorbed that, my brothers and I looking from one to the other and back to the women we loved.
Grace was the first to speak. “So, if I take it, as a plain old human, what happens to me?”
Greta shrugged. “I’m not sure. Not completely. But I would assume that your human lifespan would be extended by at least several decades, if not centuries. It’s calibrated on both demon and stone kin blood, so it should be a significant extension either way. I suspect it will slow your aging, but not make you any less… fragile… than your body is naturally. If nothing else, it will give me plenty of time to figure out an alternative if it’s not quite what I expect it to be.”
“I…” She looked from the vial to Magnus. “I have to think about this.”
Magnus patted her hand, adoration in his gaze. “It’s not a small decision. Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”
Meanwhile, Calla had opened hers and, after staring at it a moment, then sniffing it, drank it down. She turned to give Rylan a kiss, a broad smile on both of their faces. Greta eyed Vassago and did as Calla had done—bottoms up, no hesitation.
“One less thing to worry about,” Calla said with a smile.
“I know this is all very new, and quite a lot to take in,” Greta said to Hailon. “But that’s yours. Take it with you. It won’t spoil.”
“Thank you,” Hailon said, one of her hands a claw as it dug into my thigh. My strong, dangerous Moonflower was emotional.
Then breakfast continued as normal—eating, drinking. Talk of torture. Comparing weapons and discussing next steps for righting the wrongs done to our kin.
I loved these people, especially the incredible little creature beside me. And I couldn’t wait to start my forever with her.
Chapter 46
