Page 18 of The Unseelie War
“For reminding me what it means to be alive. For showing me that…perhaps, companionship does not have to be a weakness.” He paused. “For choosing to trust me with this, despite everything.”
Ava looked up at him, seeing the vulnerability that he usually kept so carefully hidden. “I’m glad I did.”
They lay in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the distant sounds of the awakening city and watching the aurora lights above the treetops. But eventually, reality began to intrude—the sound of voices in the distance, the reminder that they weren't alone in this transformed world.
“We should probably get moving,” Ava said reluctantly. “And try to find the others. Who knows how far they’ve been scattered, but we’re going to need help if we’re going to try to put things right.”
“If that is your goal, then yes. We will need assistance.” Serrik made no move to let her go. “Though I have to admit, I am tempted to stay here forever. Just the two of us, reality bending around us, no responsibilities or threats or world-ending crises to deal with.”
“Tempting.” She sighed. “But hiding from our problems won't make them go away.”
“No.” He grunted. “And I have been locked away long enough.”
That was fair. She pushed up on her elbows and looked down at him. Reaching up, she toyed with a strand of his green hair. “Serrik?”
“Yes, Weaver?”
“Next time…I want to experienceyou.Get to…seeyou.I know you’re ashamed, and I—I get that. But…” She frowned. “I haven’t eventouchedyou.”
Looking down at her, Serrik's expression shifted through severalemotions—surprise, vulnerability, and something that might have been fear. “I still have difficulty believing you…wantto touch me, not this illusion I maintain.”
“I do.” She traced one of the golden tattoos on his chest, watching it pulse with light at her touch. “I know you're afraid I’ll be disgusted, or terrified, or that I'll run screaming. But Serrik—I’ve become something that reshapes reality with stray thoughts. I think I can handle my boyfriend being part spider.”
His laugh was soft but strained. “Boyfriend. Such a quaint human term.”
“Whatever you want to call it.” She leaned down and kissed him gently. “The point is, I want all of you. Not just the pretty parts you think I can handle.”
For a long moment, he was silent, his golden eyes searching her face. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Very well. But not here. Not where we might be interrupted. When we have time and privacy, when you can…adjust…without the pressure of immediate danger.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.” He caught her hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her palm. “Though you may come to regret the request.”
“I doubt that.”
They dressed equally slowly and reluctantly, if for probably very different reasons. She just really didn’t want to go back out into the world to face the bullshit she’d caused.
But for now, for just a few more minutes, she could pretend they were simply lovers in a beautiful, impossible place, watching aurora lights dance overhead while the world sang around them as the sun came up.
“Ready?” Serrik asked, offering her his hand.
Ava took it, letting him pull her to her feet. “Yeah. I guess. Let’s go find whoever’s left.”
Together, they walked toward the sounds of the awakening city, toward whatever new crisis or revelation waited for them.
Behind them, the flowers they'd created continued to bloom, spreading slowly outward in a perfect circle that she knew would encompass the entire park. It was not a bad way to start a day that would undoubtedly bring new horrifying disasters and shitty, terrible choices.
But hey.
Reaching out, she took Serrik’s hand in hers.
At least she wouldn’t have to face them alone.
CHAPTER SIX
The search for their scattered companions proved to be more difficult than Ava had anticipated. Sure, shecouldkind of sense them…but it wasn’t a skill she was used to trying to wield. Even with Serrik’s help.
“Close your eyes and pretend you are dreaming of them.”
