Page 104 of Gods of Prey

“What’s that?”

“We are innovative.” She looks up at me with mischief in her eyes. “Who else would think to govern the realm of Death through love instead of fear?”

I laugh, pulling her closer. “Well, when you put it like that, we sound positively revolutionary.”

“We are.” Her expression grows serious. “We’re proving that duty and love don’t have to be enemies. That choosing happiness doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility.”

“Sebastian would be proud.”

“Sebastian is proud. He told me so in his last letter.” She settles her head on my shoulder. “He said watching us find each other gave him hope that his sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”

“It wasn’t a sacrifice,” I correct gently. “It was a choice. Just like this is.”

We fall quiet, listening to the soft sounds of Umbraeth settling into its eternal rhythm around us. Somewhere in the realm, souls are finding peace. Somewhere else, new life is beginning in Aurelys under Sebastian’s care. And here, in our sanctuary, love rules alongside duty in perfect balance.

“Revel?” Sienna’s voice is soft, drowsy.

“Mm?”

“I love you.”

Three simple words that reshape my entire existence. I tighten my arms around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I love you too,” I whisper into the darkness. “For eternity.”

And as sleep takes us—yes, even gods need rest—I know that we’ve found something rarer than perfect cosmic balance. We’ve found perfect happiness.

In the morning, there will be duties to attend to, souls to guide, and realms to govern. But tonight, there is only this: Sienna in my arms, love in our hearts, and forever stretching ahead of us like a promise.

The Goddess of Death and the God of Life, ruling together in harmony.

It’s a better ending than any of us dared to hope for.