Page 76 of Wicked Savior
Sorrow and regret came later. I never dreamed I’d lose my home or my brothers. Cast out and vulnerable, I lived here with the humans. They taught me about strength and fear, love and hate, and the ability to hope beyond the boundaries of logic. Until the flood, when all hope was lost.
No matter what happened, though, I couldn’t let go of the past. If only Gabriel hadn’t said anything, I would be above where I belonged. The thought consumed me until I could no longer think of anything else. Alone again after the flood, the thought of revenge became the air I breathed every day. It fueled my rise to ruler of the Underworld.
Seeing Michael again, I realized it wasn’t revenge fueling me, but anger. Anger at my actions, the loss of my home, the devastation of humans, and everything else.
Michael was right. The reason I believe in free will so much is because I used it to choose my path, and I continue to use it every day. Listening to Michael preach the same tired narrative to Gabriel that he only exists to serve at the whim of another, it reinforces the freedom I’ve found by using my free will.
Did I expect this outcome? To become ruler of the Underworld and protector of humanity. Never. But I regret nothing now. Nor am I filled with the need for vengeance. Instead, all I see are possibilities.
Evren’s red locks are blowing in the breeze, and her fierce smile is free of the strain she’s carried the whole time she’s been here. When I thought her human, I tried to separate my feelings, but even then, they refused to be contained. I was already trying to figure out a way to keep her safe, and accessible, in a nearby world.
She bends down to help Valerian stabilize Zephyra while Rivan and Daire work on healing the griffin’s leg.
Her green eyes dart to mine. They were the first thing I noticed, but certainly not the last. Overflowing with emotion and hope, they are the windows to her soul and the key to her mind.
Daire finishes healing Zephyra’s leg and strides over to me.
He slaps me on the back. “I used to think you were the scariest thing on two legs, but not anymore. Michael’s in a whole other league. And the three with him might be worse.”
“Reassuring to know they’re fighting to keep the real monsters at bay,” I reply firmly. I turn to face Daire so he can understand the importance of what I’m about to say. “I know you have doubts about her, but Evren’s everything to me. Beautiful, courageous, incredibly smart. She challenges me to be the best person I can be, not just for myself, but for the people I rule and protect.” I pause. “It doesn’t mean I’ll forget your mother. She was my first love. But if Evren will stay, she’s my eternity.”
Daire searches my eyes with his own. “I know. I see it now. You’re happier than I can ever remember. With her, you don’t have to worry about keeping your two worlds apart.” His eyes dart to Evren. “I used to worry you would be alone when I passed, but hearing her say Viridians are eternal, it comforts me. Not that you need it, but I give you my blessing.”
Daire signals to Valerian, who walks over and shakes my hand. “Thanks for all the fun. I might have a few nightmares over the scary-as-fuck angels I saw today, but I guess it’s good to know they’re standing between us and the big bad. Call if you need anything. Arden’s family is our family.” His phone pings, and he looks at the screen, then laughs. “Arden is requesting you join us for dinner soon and bring Evren. You know, she gave us all hell, especially Daire, when she heard how rude we were to a guest in her home. It took us a while to get out of the doghouse, so make sure you don’t wait too long.”
Once they’re gone, I stroll over to Ishkova’s body and call Vargas to me. “Before you leave, can you help arrange a funeral for him? Full honors. He died a hero, and I want to celebrate his years of service and loyalty.”
“I’ll get it done,” Vargas states firmly, a harsh frown on his face. He bends down and picks up the body. “How did you know I was leaving?”
I lift an eyebrow. “The body you chose. It’s perfect for what you’re planning to do.” I glance at Evren and see she’s ready to go. “Do you mind helping Rivan and Zephyra get home, too?”
He agrees, and I walk over to thank the two valiant flyers. “Zephyra, I hope this helps soothe the anguish of the past. What you did today was heroic and brave. If you ever want to work for me in a different capacity, contact me.”
She silently dips her chin, but I can see the impact my words have on her.
I turn to Rivan. “Thank you for taking Ishkova’s role in this mission. He would have been proud of you.” My eyes dart to Vargas. “If you find yourself in need of a friend, there is none better.”
Rivan stiffens. “Thank you.” He walks over to stand with Vargas and Zephyra.
Unable to wait any longer, I pull Evren into my arms and capture those luscious pink lips of hers. An intense feeling swells inside me. “You were incredible today. Brave, powerful, and strong. A true goddess.”
I comb my fingers through her luxurious strands. “I’m sorry about your mother. Even if some part of you knows you will see her again, it’s still hard to hear she’s gone.”
Her smile is tinged with sadness. “I’ve had over two thousand years with my wonderful mother.” Her shoulder lifts. “No matter how small or great the number of years, there’s never enough time. I do the only thing I can do and take solace in the fact that we’re both eternal and will see each other again.”
I shift my hands to cup her face. “Do you know what it means to hear those words? Eternal myself, I thought I’d come to terms with the fact that I’d spend most of my life alone and without love. Then you come along, and I find myself fascinated and full of hope again. This last week with you has been incredible, but I want more. Stay with me? Forever?”
Her green eyes dance with happiness. “Forever’s a long time.”
“Damn right it is, and it still won’t be long enough.”
A mischievous grin lights up her face. “Yes, but with one condition.”
“Anything.”
“I want to run the science department. And I want to catalog the DNA of every Underworld citizen. Think of what we could do with that information…”
My lips cover hers to stop the flow of words. She immediately surrenders with a sigh. Shimmering to our bedroom, I undress us both and proceed to show her what she means to me. My forever love.
