Everan's violet gaze softened in relief as his hand stroked my face. “Shalani,” he whispered reverently, “you're back.”
“Hello, darling.” I turned my face into his palm and kissed it, smiling as I thought about our future. I didn't remember it but I remembered thefeelingof it and I knew it would be magnificent. “Our love has saved the Universe.”
“Our...” Everan blinked at me.
“According to Kolltean and Adhara, we have fulfilled our destiny.” I sat up and took his hand. “They asked me to thank you.” I turned toward Braxis, who was on his knees on my right, his hands clenched as if to keep them from doing something foolish and his face slack with relief. “And you as well.”
“Your gods thanked me?” Braxis asked in amazement.
“We would have failed without you.” I reached out and laid my hand over his fist. “Thank you, Braxis. Your intervention saved Danu and the universe attached to it. Billions of people owe you their lives. You're a hero.”
Braxis' pale green eyes shivered and he swallowed roughly. “I only said what you told me to.”
“Yes, but you also made the decisions that led you here. Don't diminish what you've done.”
Braxis nodded once, crisply.
Everan helped me to my feet. “All of the asha has been returned?”
“Yes, even mine.” I grinned and lifted a hand to the back of my neck. “Malik must sense it; he's happy. Still irritated but happy.”
“As am I.” Everan pulled me into an embrace. “You saved Danu, Shalani.”
“Wedid,” I insisted.
“Yes.” Everan eased back and looked at Braxis. “Since your actions, though villainous at first, have resulted in the survival of my wife and my realm, and since the Gods themselves have given you their gratitude, I forgive your transgressions, Braxis Fengoth.”
Braxis got to his feet and bowed his head gratefully to Everan.
“And you are welcome in my kingdom, Chief Braxis,” my grandfather declared before he swept in and claimed me for a hug. He released me to add, “Anytime my granddaughter wishes to twist you here at least.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Braxis bowed.
“Twisting,” I said brightly. “I'm looking forward to that.”
“Not so fast. You need to say a proper goodbye to your family first.” My uncle drew me into a hug and then ushered me into my grandmother's arms.
“Can't you stay a little longer?” My grandmother asked. “We should celebrate this victory.”
Her eyes darted to the side. I followed her stare to Halvram's body. He looked emaciated—as if he'd been starved for months. His eyes were wide, their irises blue instead of amethyst, and his expression was horrified. He had touched divinity and then lost everything.
“I have men waiting for me at home and Braxis needs to return to his warriors,” I said regretfully.
“We can return Braxis to Earth and bring the others back here,” Everan suggested.
“You don't mind having them here?” I asked in surprise.
Everan had accepted the Fusion. In fact, he accepted it more easily than Kyrian and Malik had but that was because his gods had blessed it. His people, however, were another matter. Everan worried that they'd think less of him if my other men were brought to Danu. It's one thing to know that your king allows his wife to bed other men and quite another to have those men shoved in your face.
“We are in the North.” Everan shrugged. “It's about time they saw Danu and they deserve to celebrate with us.”
“I would like to stay, if I may,” Braxis said softly. “My men are hunting Gregory, they won't miss me yet, and I'd like to see more of Danu than a few rooms in a castle.”
Everan and I turned to look at Braxis. I looked at Everan for a decision. I didn't want to push things when they were going so well.
Everan nodded. “I suppose you deserve to see the realm you helped to save and celebrate our victory.”
“Wonderful!” my grandfather exclaimed. “We shall feast and rejoice in the survival of our realm. But first, let's remove ourselves from this dreary dungeon.”
