Page 106 of The Star's Sword

Both of our hearts admitting what we’d known all along.

No matter what our destiny, our fates were bound together.

And every day, every moment, every minute I could have with him was enough.

Now it remained to be strong, and hopefully make sure all of my friends made it safely back from ascension.

Time to prepare for the vampire trials.

As our friends came around us to congratulate us, I could feel how relieved they all were to have me accept what the prophecy said. To not be pushing away my place as the Morningstar or avoiding Samael anymore.

Even Cayne was emotional, as he pulled me in for a jerky hug and said I better ‘fucking take care of’ his brother.

Simon was next to congratulate us, coming over with a slight smile. “Congratulations to the both of you.” He cocked his head. “I hope this means you won’t be opposed to revelries, though?”

Samael laughed. “She’s mine now. If anything, I’m even more secure with experiencing anything she wants to.”

Simon’s face lit up, and he looked around the clearing. “I have an idea then, to celebrate.”

“Come on, you vampire,” Cayne said, grabbing him by the scruff of his collar and dragging him away. “Let’s go get a drink and a show and get you fed. You need a break from Vasara, I bet.”

Simon sighed. “You have no idea, Cayne.” He looked back at us. “The trials tomorrow won’t be easy, so try and get some sleep.”

“Not too much, though,” Zadis said, walking forward to take his turn to congratulate us.

I felt so happy still, buzzing with energy. I wondered if this had been at all Zadis’s idea.

“The incubus wanted to,” Zadis said, as if sensing my question. “But he worried about locking you down, if he was gone. But I thought no matter how long you have together, you are mates. You shouldn’t have to hold back on what you both know is right, just because you’re worried about the future. And all our friends were already here.”

Sam and I moved in to give Zadis a hug. “You will always have a place with us,” Samael said.

Zadis put up both hands, coming in to give me a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I looked forward to bonding with both of you more. But not tonight.” He looked between us. “I know you two have been miserable the past few days, thinking of things sadder than I can comprehend. So I’ll probably head over to the bar with the others.” He looked at me. “Is that okay?”

I nodded, laughing and feeling like I could start crying at the same time. “Thank you, Zadis. And I love you.”

Zadis’s eyes widened and he stopped, flushing and rubbing his jaw. “Well, if I knew you were going to react like that, maybe I would have helped arrange this mating ceremony sooner.”

“You are her other twin flame,” Samael said. “And I will always acknowledge you as such.”

Zadis dipped his head in a nod.

Samael’s hold on me tightened slightly. “Zadis?”

Zadis had been about to leave, but turned back.

“In case this doesn’t work, in case the unicorn’s blood, you know. I need you to take care of her.”

“You know I will,” Zadis said. Then one corner of his lips lifted in a smile. “But let’s not worry about that. Let’s just get strong and bring all of us home. You two go heal each other.” He stretched. “After all of this drama, I need a fucking drink.”

Then, with a wink, he extended his wings and took off, landing smoothly with Griffin and Os and Mor, walking alongside them.

Finally, we were alone.

“I’m sorry it was rushed,” Samael said, cupping my face. “Zadis said we should do the ceremony, just in case. He said you would want to, even if the worst happened.”

“He was right,” I said, leaning into Sam’s touch. So warm. So electric. There would never be anyone like him. “Samael, I love you. I’ve loved you for so long and you’re finally not holding back. That means everything.”

“I thought you deserved a mate who could stay forever,” he said, using his thumb to brush my cheek tenderly.

---