I receive a chirp, neigh, and howl in response, and Reaper speaks into my mind, sending her love.
“If you need me for anything, like taking down an enemy, just call me,”she says, reminding me she’s a scary beast when she wants to be.
“No enemies today,” I say out loud. “This is a day for celebration and family.”
Reaper lowers her head in a small bow before she melts into the foliage around her, disappearing stealthily from sight. Wild Girl and Ingrid also vanish into the forest again, but with a lot more noise, and then it’s emptier in the clearing, but my heart feels fuller than ever.
“Ready, Nova?” Roman asks, holding out his hand.
“So ready,” I reply, taking his hand as we head toward the light tunnel that will transport us to the city. “I’m excited for my family to return to Mortem—this time without anyone trying to kill them. And for Mom to see it for the first time.”
Roman nods. “I’m sure your father has found it challenging being separated from her so much over the last month.”
My happiness fades a little. Crone and Esta caused a lot of damage during their short time in power. My father has spent the last month, with Koda at his side, restoring stability. It was only because Koda insisted that he had everything under control that Jareth visited Earth a few times.
As soon as Koda’s coronation is complete, my parents can be together again.
“I think that I’ve come up with a rune that will make the distance easier for everyone,” Roman continues. “A way to boost your communicator rune so that you can speak with each other between worlds.”
My excitement spikes at this, since it’s been hard not being able to converse with my mom and sisters while I’m in Mortem. “I don’t know how you’ve had the time,” I say, only half-joking since he’s kept me very satisfied for the past month.
Roman’s laugh is low and sexy, and I’m immediately reminded of this morning. Since now is not the best time for my body to start throbbing as it tends to when it needs its mate, I force myself to focus on other things.
Like the fact that today, my whole family will stand together in Zilron.
* * *
When we arrive at the city, it’s bustling in a way I’ve never seen, not even during the Elimination.
Many of the demons who stood with Esta and Crone have been dealt with by Koda, Jareth, and Roman, who are all supremely feared and also supremely okay with that.
Zilron is a better city because of it. The demon world, for all of its flaws, has stepped back into its place in the Balance. Taking the souls it was supposed to and housing them in the prison. Once again, energy flows on its natural course through the great circle of Mortem, Centrum, and Astrum.
As we stroll through the streets to the nearest light beam that will take us to the crystal bridge where we’ll meet my family, the demons around us bow their heads and avoid looking at Roman, and it seems that some things don’t change.
“Knowing you as I do, I can see where your reputation comes from,” I tell him, feeling amused and just a little turned on. “But it’s extra impressive that even when you made your home in the Wilds and isolated yourself from this city, no one forgot to fear you.”
He shrugs. “Demons have long memories. My reputation will stop anyone from trying to take the Wilds or step out of line against Koda.” He glances at me. “You have proved that you will stand at Koda’s side and that anyone who goes against him goes against you. Your reputation will protect the throne now.”
“Mine?” All it takes is a swift study of the demons around us and I suspect Roman may be right. Whereas before, demons cast angry glances at me, they keep their eyes firmly averted now. Particularly as my demon wolves stroll casually behind me, baring their teeth for dramatic effect every now and then.
When we reach the glowing light beam that will take us to the bridge, Roman pulls me onto it and my wolves jump on after us. Then the beam rises up above the crowds and we leave the city behind.
From here, I can see the battle arena—which demons are busy repairing—and the open area at the front of the Citadel, where the crowning ceremony would take place. I’m still not sure if the “crown” was literal or figurative, but I know for sure that the mantle and power to run this world would officially be Koda’s from today.
When I last saw him, I could tell he was nervous about the responsibility, but I sense a steely resolve to do the best job for everyone. I have all the faith in him. Not to mention, he can’t have a better demon to guide him through it: Jareth. The demon father I’d never wanted in my life turned out to be another gift I never saw coming. Wise, kind, with a surprising sense of humor. More importantly, he brought the light back to Mom’s eyes. For that, I’ll be eternally grateful.
When we step onto the crystal bridge, silence envelops us and blocks the bustle of the demon world. This juncture between the worlds is amazing in how it insulates against the noise and energy of all three worlds.
I look for my father, since he is going to meet us here, but it looks like we’re the first to arrive.
When we’re halfway along, we pause to wait for my family’s arrival from Earth. “An amplified communicator rune would be amazing if it works,” I tell Roman, thinking of his new experiment. “It’s hard to know when they’re arriving without being able to communicate with them.”
“We’ll test it out later,” he says. “But I think we’ve timed it right today.”
Ace and Ruby sit on either side of me, like sentinels keeping me safe. Releasing Roman’s hand for a moment, I reach out and place my palms on their thick fur, feeling comfort and the twang of our new bond.
“They approach,”Ace tells me, and I jump a little, still not used to the rumbly tone of his voice in my head.
