The Nexus cord sank into our skin like warm starlight.
Our Faction sealed.
Our future was so very bright.
Sadness filled my heart for the one who wasn’t here, but I knew we’d meet again someday.
The castle roared with celebration.
Finally, we were all together. There was still plenty of work ahead. Oren had plans for his father and the corrupt council. The guys were ready and willing to help.
Jet had his branding iron warm and ready, and Nathan kept muttering something about adding to his collection… I was smart enough not to ask any questions.
Lots of things to correct and reverse. Fortunately, together, I knew we could accomplish anything.
Epilogue
REVERIE- FIVE YEARS LATER
Emberhold Academy, Bellona-
Emberhold Academy no longer existed in a pocket dimension.
It stood in Bellona now, rebuilt atop the shattered remains of the coliseum that had once taken lives for spectacle. Where blood had soaked into the sand, gardens now bloomed. Where cages had stood, classrooms had taken their place.
I had insisted on that, and my men had made it so.
Those ghosts deserved to be buried beneath laughter.
Avery Cleopatra sprinted across the large lawn, blond curls flying, light flaring uncontrollably around her hands as she shrieked with delight. She was only four but utterly convinced she was invincible.
Emery Lilibet followed at a slower pace, shadows clinging to her heels like a loyal hound. She was always watching, calculating everything.
Both of my daughters, named after great queens and loved by all, looked identical from head to toe, except for their eye color. Avery had Nathan’s green eyes, while Emery had Jet's warmbrown ones. Both inherited their grandmother's white-blonde hair.
Emery had a combination of Zeke and Oren’s personalities; she cared for everyone but was also a bit bossy.Avery had the free spirit of Nathan and Zane, and unfortunately, their sense of humor.
Since the curse was broken, children had begun exhibiting their Nexus status earlier every year. My girls were going to be the most powerful Nexus this world had ever seen.
Don’t ask me how I knew this—I just did.
I rubbed my slightly rounded belly—only the Ancestors knew what traits this one would inherit.
“Avery! If you don’t come hereright now, there won't be any rides on Frynn later," Zane said, tryingto sound stern. However, even at her young age, she knew that her fathers rarely enforced punishments. Both of our girls were spoiled.
“I’ll bring her back,” Bennet spoke softly.
Blaze rolled his eyes but made his way over to Emery’s side, where he bounced around playfully trying to get her to join in.
Blaze and Bennet—five years old, identical smiles, and terrifyingly competent—were Chloe, Oliver, and Deshawn’s sons, instincts as sharp as both of their fathers combined.
Both were large for their age. Inheriting their size from Oliver, their skin tone and good looks from Deshawn. The only thing they got from my bestie was their piercing blue eyes.
Neither boy was ever far from my daughters, already very protective. I wouldn’t want to be the men competing for their Faction.
Chloe stood beside me, arms crossed, her expression equal parts pride and long-suffering amusement. “They’ve decided they’re the girls Aegisworn,” she said dryly. “I’ve given up trying to convince them otherwise.”
“I don’t doubt that if my daughters have their way, they will be.” I smiled.
