Ipos laughed. “Even Tap’s found himself a mate? And one from the celestial plane, unless I’m mistaken?” He looked at me, eyebrows raised.
“Nephilim,” I corrected him. “My father is an angel, but I’m demon on my mother’s side.”
“She’s bonded to a hound,” Tap added proudly, making me blush. “Ramsey.”
“Truly? Well, I’m already impressed. Chosen by a houndandyou can tolerate him?” He smirked and tilted his head. “You’re clearly either mad or brilliant.”
“Perhaps both,” I said quietly, which only made him throw back his head and laugh.
“What are you doing here?” Seir asked.
“Picking up my exit documents. I’ve only got a few weeks left at the grounds, and then…” He shrugged. “My contract is up. I’m not sure I want to retire altogether, but I’m not taking another assignment for a while.”
“Reach out when you’re done! There are lots of places for you to stay earth-side if you don’t want to bunk here.” Seir shifted on the balls of his feet like he was anxious to sweep his brother up to the glade.
Ipos grinned, and his own extra sets of sharp canines were revealed. Unlike Seir, he had them on the bottom as well. “Will do. It would be nice to see everyone for longer than an afternoon party.” Ipos sighed and glanced over his shoulder. “I should be going, Raxos still holds my leash. For now.” His mouth flattened. The brothers embraced again, and he lifted a hand to me. “Very pleased to meet you Phin.”
“You too.”
“See you soon,” he promised before disappearing down the hall.
Seir sighed. “I worry about him.”
Tap chuckled and laced his fingers through mine again, then kissed the top of my hand. “You worry about all of us.”
He nodded. “I do.”
“Come on, Feather, let’s go find this administration office so you can get your paperwork.”
Seir led the way, explaining how he was only too familiar with Rune’s office from his time awaiting release back to Earth when he and Hailon had been separated.
“Always paperwork,” I teased.
“But now there’ll be less.” He squeezed my hand. “Thanks to you.”
As we maneuvered the halls, getting several wide-eyed stares as we passed other demons, I couldn’t help but wonder what other changes were coming. A Nephilim was being hired as the new archivist, and the stone kin had been contracted to supply the armory for Hell’s legions.
It was a whole new world, and I, for the first time in ages, wasn’t afraid to be an active part in it.
Epilogue
PHIN
Igasped as Tap hung the portrait depicting him and his brothers on the wall over the sofa. “You’re so talented.” It was very clear who everyone was, though I of course hadn’t met them all yet. He’d described Orobas and Sitri to me, and they were right there for me to see in delicate strokes of paint.
Ramsey lifted her head from the arm of the sofa.Well done, Watchman.She was back for a few days, her time spent split between my mother and me when she wasn’t on some other mission. Hunting down unknown portals had become her new favorite pastime, so she was often gone for weeks before returning to one of us to recharge.
“You flatter me.” He stood back, fingers laced through mine, as he stared at it some more. “But I fear I need to make a new one. One that includes all our new members.” He pulled me close with a hand around my shoulders.
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” I smiled. “I’ll sit for you, if you need a model.”
His eyes flashed red. “You tempt me, Phin.”
I stared back, not blinking. Sooner or later he’d figure out it was a serious offer.
“Come with me?” I asked. “If you’re showing me your art, I want to show you mine.”
“I’d follow you anywhere, Feather.” He smiled, taking my hand as I walked us down the hall to the tattoo room.
