I just shook my head. At least life around here would never be boring.
EPILOGUE
MEREDITH
Four Weeks Later
Idanced in place and beamed at the sign leaning against my wall. I wouldn’t be hanging it for some time, but I’d ordered it anyway, unable to stop myself.
Meredith’s Bar and Restaurant
It was happening. Thanks to the money Nereus had paid me, along with the money I was saving from not paying Nero, I could even afford it. Vas had also convinced me to move in with him at the tower, so I could rent out my apartment above the bar.
I’d taken a few days to think it over. And during that time, I’d noticed just how often we ran into each other. How often Vas’s wings bumped into furniture, and just how small my space was. It hadn’t taken long for me to agree to move in to Vas’s tower apartment.
“I’m so proud of you.”
Vas’s arms came around my waist, and he rested his chin on my shoulder. We both gazed at the sign.
“It’s a risk.”
He shook his head and nuzzled my neck. “You’ve got this, baby. And I’ll be here every step of the way.”
My heart flipped in my chest. Sometimes, I still couldn’t believe it was possible to be this happy.
“We better go,” Vas said. “Or we’ll be late, and Samael will kick my ass.”
I turned, pressed a kiss to his jaw, and then leaned down, picking up the bag I’d already packed. Vas slung his own duffel over his shoulder, then added mine to his other shoulder.
I locked the door and followed him onto the street, where he pulled me into his arms and launched into the air. There would be a dinner after the ceremony, which sounded like we were having a potluck at the neighbor’s, not like we were chowing down with the rulers of the underworld.
Dean’s funeral had been a few weeks ago. Jade and Jimmy had wanted to wait until Daimonion was no longer a threat. Vas had held on to me like I washislife vest. After the service, Jade had told me about how Uncle Vas had taught her to ride her bike. And how he’d insisted on flying above her even after she got the hang of it, to her father’s amusement.
“You were so small,” Vas had said defensively, a tinge of color on his cheekbones, and I’d fallen in love with him all over again.
It wasn’t my first time back in the underworld after the battle, but I still shivered as Vas went through the portal and flew us over the field where so many had died.
He landed in front of the gate, and I grinned at the goblin statue. It guarded the gate, right where the lethal garthia plant was destroyed.
Hundreds of goblins were pouring into the castle, along with paranormals from every faction. Vas linked his fingers with mine, and we strolled toward the throne room.
“Vas, Mere!”
Danica grinned at us from where she was standing, Samael’s arms wrapped around her. He gave Vas a long look and then nodded at us both. I knew him just well enough to know the underking was pleased.
“Hey, Danica.” I smiled back. Evie and Kyla were standing on one side near a few of the wolves. Even Finvarra was here, and I blinked as he gave us both an icy smile.
A few minutes later, I realized someone had magically expanded the throne room so it could hold even more people. Now, several thousand people were standing in the space, across all factions. Even some of the light fae were here—including Aubrey, who smiled at me as I waved.
Selina strolled toward me, wearing an apricot-colored dress, her long hair pulled up into a bun. She kissed both our cheeks. “It’s so good to see you two. And you both look so happy.” She gave me a knowing look, and I winked at her.
Gary stood near Danica and Samael, his kids practically bouncing in place in excitement.
Samael took Danica’s hand and led her toward the left wall, which had been covered by white sheets. She grinned at him and then turned to address the crowd.
“I learned many things while I was trapped in the underworld. I learned that those we think might be enemies can end up as friends.” Danica grinned at Pischiel, and he winked at her. Vas had told me the demon had flown in for the ceremony.
“I learned that even when it seems all is lost, hope will prevail.” She nodded at Nacheran, who smiled back.
