Page 64 of Mortal Reaper (Shadow Shifter)

The next hour blurred between spoken words and cheers from the crowd. Her eyes remained locked with his throughout the ceremony. An endearment that would last till she took her last breath. That time waited, reminding them they had a lifetime together, and it started now.

He kissed her hand, turning them toward the crowd. “Together, we usher in a new future. A renewed hope for all shadow clans.”

The crowd roared and applauded.

He leaned towards her and whispered in her ear, “Tomorrow, we get our tattoos.”

“Of what?” she asked.

He winked at her. “It’s a surprise.”

“I hate surprises.”

He laughed. “You’ll like this one. It’s a reflection of your beauty, your soul, and your commitment to not only the family you have now, but the ones that went before. The family that helped shape you into the amazing woman you are today.”

She put her hands on either side of his face. “Thank you. I love you.”

“And I you.”

EPILOGUE

Julius stood in the forest, hidden in the shadows, as he watched his sister kiss her husband. The white dress would look beautiful when it was stained with Dannika’s blood. He shifted to shadow form, stepping into the dark pathway. The pain was nothing compared to what he would inflict on his sibling.

He coalesced in the parking lot of the Bokor’s shop. Hakim was waiting for him outside.

“Were you successful?”

“I have the demon caller,” Hakim said.

Julius smiled. “I’m impressed you could retrieve it.”

Hakim nodded. “Your reapers were effective in assisting me. Savon hid our presence while Camar allowed me to travel the shadows with him. It’s not an experience I wish to repeat.”

“How do we open the portal and retrieve the crown?”

Hakim’s eyes narrowed. “Only a highborn demon can retrieve it. Enslaving a demon with that kind of power will not be easy.”

Julius’ eyes flared. “I don’t care what you have to do. Call the demon.”

Hakim nodded. “I will do as you ask, but I need Dannika’s blood.”

Julius’ fangs flashed when he smiled. “Then you shall have it.”

* * *

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