Page 110 of All the Chaos of Constellations
He would love her. Marry her. And spend the rest of his days worshipping her until there was nothing left of this world.
Asher eased himself up into a sitting position and wrapped his arm around her waist. Dragging her against him, he inhaled the alluring scent of her, memorizing everything about her. This dazzling female, who somehow always ended up barefoot and was often attacked by bushes, had captured the one thing he never thought to lose—his heart. She’d mended some broken part of him, but more than that, she’d saved him from himself. He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, and knew within the deepest part of his soul, his love for Novalise would span an eternity.
Novalise cupped his cheek with one hand, and her eyes, those pools of endless wonder, filled with tears. “You love me?”
Asher grinned. “Until the end, Starlight.”
EPILOGUE
Drake stood in the shadows of the forest of Aeramere. Some of them stretched from the towering evergreens, some of them were of his own making. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants, leaning against the roughened bark of an ancient tree, watching through the thick grove of branches while a collection of fae, vampires, mortals, and witches gathered just beyond as Queen Elowyn prepared to close the Veil for Midsummer.
Soon, those who were invited would leave, and the rest of the world would be shut out once more.
The queen’s magic would not hold forever.
In the distance, he spied Novalise Starstorm and Asher Firebane, dancing and looking more sickeningly in love than ever. No doubt they were already planning their wedding.
Served them right.
His gaze skimmed the revelry, his focus drawn toheragain, despite his better judgment. She twirled with abandon, always the center of attention. Her eyes were too bright, her smile too radiant. It was obnoxious. Even from this distance, her laughter rang out like tinkling bells, the sound of it enough to cause his jaw to clench. Pretty rainbows and sprinkles of sunshine rained down upon her, a stark contrast to the blackened countenance of his soul.
Despite her sparkling demeanor, which he loathed, she was quite possibly one of the most stunning creatures he’d ever beheld.
Her hair—silver and threaded with pale hues of blue, pink and purple—was unbound. Wild and reckless, just like her. She had the body of a goddess, luscious curves and swaying hips. Large gold hoops swung from her pointed ears and a crown of dark pink flowers sat atop her head. Her lips were full, and damn, if that midnight blue dress she wore didn’t display her ample bosom.
He’d love nothing more than to sink his teeth into one of her perfectly round breasts, to have her writhing, screaming, and panting beneath him.
Already his cock was aching.
Fuck that.
Those kinds of thoughts, the ones where he wanted to leave her broken and begging for him, where he wanted to absolutelyruinher, were exactly why he would have nothing to do with Creslyn Starstorm.
Behind him, a puff of hot air ruffled the leaves, sending the birds seeking refuge in their cover flying for the skies.
“I know, Svartos. Patience.” Drake summoned a slab of raw meat and tossed it to the dragon. “I have no intention of leaving here without my future queen.”
Drake called to his shadows, drifting easily between where they crawled and lingered, their stealth a cold, familiar comfort.
He appeared beside two fae males a moment later.
Ariesian Starstorm didn’t even flinch.
“Prince Kalstrand,” he said coolly, his gaze never leaving the celebration unfolding before him.
“Lord Starstorm.” All other pleasantries were unnecessary. Ariesian knew why he was here.
His brother, however, looked downright furious. Solarius glowered. A pity his distrust was so misplaced.
“I thought you’d be on your way to Brackroth by now, Your Highness.” Solarius dragged out Drake’s title, his voice seething with contempt.
“On the contrary,” Drake crooned. Two could play this game. “I’ve come to collect what I’m owed.”
Solarius crossed his arms in a show of dominance. “Novalise made her choice. The contract is null and void.”
A slow, intentional smile tugged at the corner of Drake’s mouth. “I see your brother failed to explain to you the details of our terms.”
Ariesian stiffened, his complexion paling slightly.
