I smile faintly to myself. Realizing this truly will be the last time I visit this spot, I let the memories surface.
While gazing at the lake, the memories replay like a movie. I can see my brother, sister, and me chasing dragonflies along thelake’s perimeter as my dad chases us. My mom’s inside, baking some fresh French bread. Being the eldest and tallest at the time, I take the lead, glancing back to grin at my dad as he catches up to each of my siblings.
Suddenly, it’s down to just me and the dragonfly. I keep my eye on the magical little creature, chasing it until I land in the water.
Once I hit the water, I know my dad can’t catch me now—there’sno wayhe’s jumping in fully clothed like I did. Upon reaching the surface, a delighted squeal and round of cheers greet my ears. I turn toward them, but something huge blocks my line of sight. I realize a moment too late that it’s him. He must’ve dove into the water while I was under.
I swim as fast as my nine-year-old body can, but my dad inevitably captures me. Once he captures me, he holds me tight and cracks the biggest smile. I giggle uncontrollably and splash the water around us, making sure he is just as soaked as I am.
Tears prickle my eyes as I watch that little girl and her father swimming in a fish-filled lake without a care in the world.
In a way, it looks like they’re dancing.
Heavens. I miss them.
Imissthem.
I missthem.
Turning the brass knob, I enter the cabin to say goodbye to some of the best moments of my life.
Twenty-Seven
Kai
Talk about an emotional roller coaster.
One minute, I was riding the high of my life. Or is it of my afterlife? Eh, semantics, really. Anyway, I was riding that high over the fucking moon because I got to spend a night in the company of the most painstakingly beautiful being I’ve ever encountered.
Waking up with her luscious body in my arms felt like a dream come true.
Hell, I don’t know if my dreams would even do the feeling I got this morning justice. While looking into her eyes today, I realized just how doomed I actually was.
I’d trade every single twinkling star in the sky for a chance to relive last night over again.
I’ve never been one to jump into commitment excitedly. But when I looked at her this morning—reallylooked at her—I realized I’d do anything for her. That’s when I knew.
I love her.
I love the stubborn, quick-witted, and frustratingly irresistible Cleo Graves.
And heaven knows I have no idea what to do about that.
Even in death, I still don’t know if I’m ready for what our relationship could turn into.
I also can’t brush over the way she lied to me. Since reuniting with her down here, I had a feeling she was hiding something, but her intention to run away with me seemed so honest.
She fooled me. But looking back, maybe I didn’t doubt her, because I desperately wanted her words to be true.
That doesn’t matter anymore, though, does it? The truth is plain and simple.
She was the hunter. I was the prey.
Once she caught up with me, she lured me into her trap.
She lied effortlessly. Knowing she can lie like that to me hurts.
Sure, she may feel differently now, but that doesn’t change the facts. The Archangels took her wings away and won’t give them back unless I return to the Middle Realm. She suffered their wrath because ofme.
