I embrace him, wrapping my arms tightly around his waist and burying my head in his chest. He cradles me. “Anything for you.”
I would’ve never guessed I’d find love in the afterlife, but I’m relieved I did. I never could’ve imagined how healing it would be to allow myself to be loved. Let alone by someone I share a soul tie with.
After learning about our tie, I did some digging on the nature of soul ties using some books in the archives. At first, I assumed bound souls were one and the same with soulmates, but it turns out, they’re slightly different. Destined from birth, soulmates are incredibly rare. While still relatively rare, these soul-tie bonds strengthen over time and deepen as your bond grows.
Kai and I were able to speak within our own minds relatively quickly because of how strong our chemistry was from the time we met in the archives. This type of connection also only forms in the afterlife. Not many people know they even exist. I didn’t know myself, and I take pride in the amount of research I’ve done in the afterlife.
Essentially, after watching Kai as his Watcher and then keeping an eye on him, I formed a tangible connection with him. It was different from the connection I held with others, not that I recognized it for what it was at the time. This connection cannot be broken by simple means.
My mind is bound to his.
Forever.
Consequently, we can effortlessly communicate within our minds, feel each other’s emotions, and locate each other easily when separated.
I break away from our hug to admire the work we’ve done, then he wraps his arms around my waist from behind.
We did it.The archives look better than ever—every section is precisely organized, decorative and powerful artifacts are strewn throughout in intentional spots, and the crystal floors look brand-new.
“Are you ready, angel?” he whispers into my ear. Finally, I allow a tear to escape. It streams down my cheek before hitting the ground. I nod silently.
“It’s time.”
We promised each other that when we finished our work at the library, we’d ascend.
Today’s the day.
We’re going there today.
“I figured you’d enjoy bringing your favorite book to the Golden Realm.”
“You figured correctly.” A comfort book is just what I needed.
Apparently, a couple of angels will deliver our belongings to the Golden Realm for us, so we won’t have to bring them ourselves when we ascend the staircase itself.
I gaze at the archives, knowing that, although we may visit again at some point, it won’t be for a while. Usually, once angels ascend, there’s no need to visit Eloras or even Earth anymore because of how vast and magical that realm is.
I’ll miss this realm. Earth, too. Kai and I have gone on a couple of fun Earth dates over the past couple of months.
But it’s time. At last.
We enter the throne room, hand in hand. I asked the angels to only send the necessities to the Golden Realm—my favorite clothes, books, and shoes. Kai sent even less—just some of his favorite clothes.
“You two make a dashing couple,” Annalise says with a warm smile as we approach the dais.
“And we couldn’t be more thrilled for you both,” Jessenia squeals.
“This process is simple and rather cliché if you ask me. You’ll simply ascend the stairs together until you lose sight of us below. Once you lose sight, you’ll be able to behold the Golden Realm fully. Your bodies will remain the same, but you’ll feel a difference in the atmosphere within the air,” Luke says stoically.
“Magic is everywhere in Aurathine. You two will love it,” Jessenia affirms, giving me an especially reassuring look. Honestly, I needed that.
“Let’s make this quick, shall we?” Nial says in a dry tone, eyeing me. “I’ve never been a fan of goodbyes.”
“Aw, is thegreat and superior Nialgoing to miss little old me?” I tease, raising an eyebrow. Kai tenses beside me, but grins widely. He has gotten a bit more used to my unorthodox friendship with Nial.
“I’ll visit you up there at some point, but don’t hold your breath.” He smirks. “Take care of yourselves.”
“Thank you.” I smile at him, then look at the others and bow my head. “Thank you all. We won’t forget you.”
