Her gaze met his—and the rest of the world fell away when she saw her feelings reflected in his eyes. She was his witch, and he was her demon, and God help anyone who came between them.
Nathan collapsed to his hands and knees, keening in wordless anguish as the last remnants of the forest power tore away and landed safely within Justinian’s sword. Another second and Nathan’s original power would be obliterated.
Raya slammed the connection shut. Her vision darkened and the room spun.
Strong arms caught her as her knees buckled.
Phoenix caught her as she fell, wrapping his wings around her to buffer her from harm. He eased her into a comfortable position on the floor and pillowed her head with his wing as he knelt beside her.
Her eyelids fluttered and the corners of her lips lifted in a triumphant smile. “We did it.”
Phoenix smoothed her hair from her forehead. “Hush, now. You’ve overexerted yourself.”
“Have not,” she murmured.
“But you must be all right—you’re still arguing with me.”
“Mm.” Raya chuckled softly but didn’t dispute the point. “Is Lizzy okay?”
“She’s fine. Justinian caught her. Justine would have caught you, but I beat her to the punch.”
A commotion caused both of them to look to the source of the noise.
Cosmo and Justine dragged an unresisting Nathan out the door, and—from the sound of it—none too gently down the stairs.
“And stay out!” said Cosmo, her voice floating up the stairs and into the bar.
The outer door slammed with satisfying finality.
Cosmo sauntered into the room like she owned the place—which, technically, she did—then vaulted over the bar. “Drinks on the house!”
The demons roared in approval.
Justinian and Lizzy joined George at a table, and all three of them leaned in over some ancient-looking tome George had produced from a hidden pocket.
Justine slid onto the stool nearest the absinthe fountain and began setting up glasses, slotted spoons, and sugar cubes.
Raya nestled closer to Phoenix and caressed his wing feathers. “I’m glad you caught me.”
“Are you really?”
Her eyes flashed. “Don’t make me tell you twice, demon.”
“In that case”—he helped her sit up—“I’m going to kiss the hell out of you, witch.”
“Not if I kiss you first.” She threw both arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, the impact nearly knocking him over.
He recovered and plunged his hands into the tangle of her hair, cradling her head to brace her as he returned the kiss with equal fire.
Now that was the kind of argument he could live with.
EPILOGUE
Waves crashed on the beach as low tide dragged the water farther away from Raya’s lounge chair. She dug her toes into the soft, powdery sand and let the onshore breeze push her hair back.
It was good to be home.
“More sunscreen?” Phoenix held the bottle out from an adjacent lounge chair. “Wouldn’t want you to burn.”
