Page 104 of The Star's Sword

Mates. Forever. Could it be possible again, even with my destiny?

“Come on, let’s take her to the stables,” Zadis said. “I think all of us need to rest, and I have something to show the two of you. Luren, can you take the unicorn to a luxury stall?”

Luren nodded, and I swung a leg over the unicorn’s back, getting off of her. As my hand ran over her silky coat, I didn’t want to let go.

But I knew I would see her again tomorrow, and look badass riding into the vampire trials on the back of a unicorn.

As my unicorn followed Luren away, tossing her head to look back at me here and there, I felt more invigorated than I had in a long time.

It felt good to be tested, and to pass.

It felt good to look up at Zadis and Samael and feel like there was hope for us.

Now more than ever, I knew it was fate that had drawn the three of us together.

“Samael, did you get what you needed earlier?” Zadis asked, sparking my interest.

Samael nodded.

“Good,” he said. “I’m going ahead. The two of you relax for a moment, and then join me in the courtyard. I want to show you something.” Then he took off into the night, black hair swinging, and Samael moved to me, lifting me up and burying his face in my hair.

“You’re all right,” he said, nearly squeezing me to death. “I mean, I knew you would be. But every time you’re at risk, I nearly die inside.”

“I know how you feel,” I said tightly.

We just held each other for a moment, and then pulled back to look into one another’s eyes. “Do you really think there’s hope?” I asked. “From something so simple?”

“Why not hope, just in case?” Samael asked, lowering his head to claim my lips in a kiss.

For a second, I was just caught up with him, in the heat of our chemistry, the feelings of love between us and elation that I’d passed the unicorn’s trial.

It felt like hope was breaking through.

“Sam, live with me forever,” I said, pulling him in tightly again.

“I want nothing more,” he murmured, stroking my neck. Then he pulled back. “We should go. I still have something to show you.”

My stomach twisted nervously. It had already been a pretty stressful night, but with the excitement, I was awake and ready for more.

“Did your training with Cayne go okay? Do you think you’ll be ready for the trials tomorrow?”

I nodded. “I might not be ready for ascension, but I’m ready to fight that fake Morningstar, beat her ass, and show everyone who really has their best interest at heart.”

I could prepare for ascension after.

“Good,” he said. “That means you’re all mine tonight, and I can tire you out as much as I want.”

I nodded. “I’m a demon. That kind of thing just powers me up.”

He just gave me a mysterious smile, and led the way to the courtyard, where Zadis had disappeared.

My night wasn’t over just yet.

36

When we entered the courtyard, holding hands, I was shocked to see torches placed around the area, lighting it up with glowing warmth.

There was a large arch in the center, with a walkway of rose petals in front of it and torches leading up to it.

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