The clouds above him began to churn, then twist, then whipped together in a black whirlpool sucking at Lucifer’s hair, and whipping wind through ours, making our clothing flap and hair lash at our faces.
The sound, like bestial roars, turned my heart cold.
Lucifer’s scream did not stop. He turned his head, as if struggling against an adversary of his own, his limbs contorting—until the twisting clouds finally reached for him, sucked him up, and… vanished, to the sound of thunder rolling slowly away.
That eerie light he’d created was gone. The hall blanketed in night—and screams.
‘Yilan!’
‘I’m here! I’m safe!’
It took only a breath for the first of the sconces to be lit. Within moments, the room was bathed in the warm, natural light of the flames.
I finally stood on solid ground, the stone no longer trembling, as the men around me slowly clambered to their feet, everyone surrounding Gall and Istral, who clung together at the center of the floor.
Alive.
52. Maybe, Peace
~ DIADRE ~
Dawn rose on a palace in which all golden eyed vermin had been executed, and a city that was being instructed toresist,bow the knee to Melek, and learn a new life—or die. I’d stopped fighting an hour earlier and been looking for Jann ever since.
I finally found him on the ramparts, staring down at the city streets. It was one of the last places I looked, because I hadn’t wanted to come back up here after everything that had happened. But somehow, I’d known.
Jann stood, leaning on the stone rampart walls, watching the streets below. The shouts and rings of battle still rose in the city—so many Neph refused to give up their hedonistic, violent ways. Which meant they had to be killed, but were fewer, while our allies grew.
We would win.
It was the time to celebrate. To hold each other. To eat and refresh andsatisfy.The worst of the battle had passed. It wastime to remind ourselves we were alive, and to thank God that it was true. But none of that reflected in my mate’s expression.
His eagle eyes followed movement below. His jaw tense, shoulders tight, as he braced against the stone.
The morning sun glowed gold and peach, setting off the sparks in his light hair, and warming his already tan skin. He’d thrown off his cloak somewhere. He stood in shirtsleeves and a leather vest, trousers and boots.
It took me a moment to realize why the picture seemed off.
He wasn’t armed.
I didn’t think I’d ever seen Jann without at least a blade.
Watching him, unmoving, his expression heavy, my heart swelled. He was safe. I was safe. We’d made it. Our baby hadmade it.Though, now that the adrenaline was wearing off, I could feel my body turning limp, and my stomach beginning to churn again.
I was going to pay for this long night. But it would be worth it.
Wouldn’t it?
“How’s Gall? And… Melek?” Jann asked softly, as if we’d already been in conversation.
I swallowed. “Both safe. Gall won’t let go of Istral at all—but she doesn’t seem to mind. As for Melek… he’s just Melek. Yilan’s pretending she knew he would be safe and she’s not bothered, but I know her. She’ll crack soon, when she’s really sure everyone’s safe.”
Jann nodded, but didn’t turn. He still hadn’t looked at me. “Caelan remained loyal. I saved her from two of the Council who’d come for me when they heard what I did to the others. They found her instead. She already had a knife in one…”
I walked slowly to his side and leaned against his shoulder, looking down to follow his gaze. “That’s good. I’m… I’m glad. But… how are you?”
He grunted, but didn’t answer.
I swallowed. “Jann, this is good. All of it. This is what we were fighting for. And you helped us get here.”
