Remus descends from the sky with those massive black wings spread wide, and he’sglowing. Like, actually glowing—his whole body radiating light so bright I have to shield my eyes.
I don’t care.
I run.
My feet pound across the courtyard stones, arms reaching out even though he’s still ten feet up, and when he touches down I practically tackle him.
“Remus!”
His arms come around me immediately, crushing me against him so tight I can’t breathe, can’t think, can only feel the solid reality of him. Alive. Here. Home.
The light from his chest vibrates through me, hot and bright and so intense I have to squeeze my eyes shut or go blind.
“I’m home, my love,” he says, and his voice is different. Deeper. Like it’s resonating from somewhere beyond just his chest. “You gave me strength when all was lost.”
“What happened?” The words come out half sob, half laugh. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“I vanquished the foe.” He says it so matter-of-factly, like he just ran to the store for milk instead of, you know, saving the entire freaking world. “We are safe.”
I squeeze him tighter, not ready to let go. Not sure I’ll ever be ready to let go.
“We have to tell everyone,” I manage. “They’re still freaking out, thinking the world might end.”
“In a moment.” His arms tighten around me. “I must hold you first.”
And he does.
At first, it’s just warmth from the light—pleasant, like standing in sunshine. But then it starts to build. The warmth becomes heat. The heat becomes burning.
“Ow.” I try to pull back but his arms are iron bands. “Remus, that’s—ow, let go?—”
“Do not be afraid, beloved.” His voice is calm. Too calm for how much thishurts. He bends his head over mine, holding me impossibly tighter. “Trust me.”
“It’s burning!” The pain spikes from uncomfortable to agonizing in seconds. I struggle against his grip, which is completely useless—he’s always been stronger, but now he’s literally immovable. “It’s burning me! Let go!”
I start to scream—I can’t help it, the pain is that intense—but right when I’m about to completely lose it, something shifts.
The burning becomes cool. Icy tingles spread across my skin like I’ve been dunked in a frozen lake. And there’s something else—a humming warmth blooming in my chest that has nothing to do with external heat.
Remus finally releases me.
I stumble backward, gasping, tears streaming down my face. What the hell was that? Why did he?—?
I can finally open my eyes without pain. The first thing I notice is that he’s not glowing quite as brightly anymore.
The second thing I notice is why.
“What did you do?” My voice comes out shrill as I stare down at my own chest.
BecauseI’mglowing now. Like someone stuck a nightlight under my ribs.
“I have shared my life spark with you.” Remus steps close, his glowing eyes wilder than I’ve ever seen them—and that’s saying something. He reaches out and traces my cheek with one finger. The touch sizzles, but not with pain. I hiss at the intensity.
“After absorbing power from the Devourers when I destroyed them, I saw so many things clearly. My brothers—without even realizing it—they bestowed extended lifespans upon their wives through offspring.”
My eyes go wide.
“But I could not wait for that chance with you.” His voice drops, rough with emotion. “An extended life is not enough. Today, I realized how easy it would be to lose you.”
