I locked my arms around his neck and held his gaze. For a long moment, neither of us spoke. We didn't need to. Everything we felt—the love, the relief, the promise of tomorrow—passed between us in the silence.
Finally, I smiled. "Me too. But don't you think we should get ready for dinner?"
He leaned his forehead against mine, still pumping slowly inside me. “Probably. They’ll all be waiting for us with a thousand questions.”
“The water’s getting cold,” I said.
“I know.” He slowly lowered my trembling thighs and pulled out of me.
I leaned into him, reluctant to let go. We'd have dinner. Questions. Responsibilities. But right now, I just wanted five more minutes of being his—nothing else, no one else, just us.
He turned, positioning his body between me and the cool air as he reached to turn off the water.
We stepped out of the shower, and he wrapped a thick towel around me. For a moment, I let myself sink into the warmth. The safety.
But as I dried off, my nerves tightened again. Dinner with the king and queen of Havenwood. His entire family watching me, judging me.
I couldn't help but think this was a test—like it had always been at the coven. Prove yourself. Earn your place. One wrong move and you're out.
I stared at my reflection in the foggy mirror.
I just hoped I passed.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Alice
An hour later, Darius escorted me down the stairwell. He wore his beloved hat along with a black leather jacket, a purple T-shirt that matched his hat, and black jeans.
Gone was the ridiculous pink suit. Gone was the hollow-eyed man who had stood at Alanna’s altar. Gone was the madness. This was the real Darius. My Darius.
I held onto his hand tight. A tremor of fear ran through me.
He leaned close. "You're trembling."
"I know. I'm nervous, Darius."
He stopped on the stairs and turned to face me. "You don't know my family. I can't tell you how many times we've all made mistakes. Look at me, I went mad. And no, we don't always follow the rules." His silver eyes softened. "Our love for each other is unconditional—for better or worse."
"For you," I said softly. "You're their son."
He pulled me close. "And you're my mate. If it ever came to that, Alice, I would follow you. Wherever you go." His jaw tightened. "No one will ever separate us again. No one."
I took a deep breath and nodded as we headed toward the Great Hall. I could smell roasting meats and baking bread, and my stomach grumbled loudly.
Six impossible things before breakfast, I reminded myself. I'd done all of them. Surely I could survive dinner with the royal family.
There is a place called the Elder Dimension. A hat can force you to tell the truth. Weapons pick you. Harpies can be tamed. I can freeze time.
And love can survive madness.
I glanced up at Darius as he led me into the Great Hall. He smiled down at me, his silver eyes warm.
If I could believe in all of that, I could believe in this too.
Everyone sat at the table. Were we late? There were two empty seats next to Abrianna.
Darius pulled out my chair, and I sat down. Chester was on the other side of me, his golden eyes gleaming.
