I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Going from child to woman in a second, I lifted my chin and spoke with power. Not from either of the Gods. My power. “I am the World-Strider. I walk all worlds. But to do that, I can't rule them. None of them. Not even Fairy. Not without the men who stand beside me. They are the true monarchs. The Kings of the worlds and my heart. And the King of Heaven has stepped down.” I went forward, holding my hands out to Sever and Killian. “The Gods know this. They know I could never walk the worlds alone. That's why Anu helped me save Severriel and Astaroth today.” I looked at Star. “Star may not be my husband, but he is my friend, and that earns him a place in my heart. King Astaroth rules Hell and will continue the peace with my daughter, should she decide to ascend the Throne of Heaven. If not, he will work with any Angel chosen. Won't you, Star?”
King Astaroth of Hell bent his head in agreement.
“I'm not needed here,” I went on. “Nor can I be here. It's right in the name. My job is out there, walking the worlds, not sitting on a throne. So, before all of you witnesses, I herebyrenounce my claim on Heaven. If any of you have a problem with that, you can take it up with Anu.”
Gabriel gaped at me.
Sever snorted a laugh. “Well said, my miracle.”
I winked at him. “Now, let's get that motherfucker who tried to take you from me.”
Before Gabriel could say anything, I laruked Killian and Hunter Chung-ae back to Korea, leaving Star and Sever to get back on their own. They'd figure it out.
Chapter Forty-One
“Did you forget something?” Star drawled after we reappeared in the Seoul apartment.
I looked over at him and chuckled. He was holding the human—the one who had stabbed him.
“Yeah, I kinda did,” I admitted. “Thanks for bringing him.”
“As much as I would have enjoyed leaving a fairy-struck human in Heaven, we need to question him.”
“Star-crossed, not fairy-struck,” Killian said. “But, yeah, well done, dude. And, uh, I'm glad you're okay.”
“Thank you, Killian.” Star held out his hand, his expression going serious. “Thank you for everything. You've been good to me, even when you didn't know what I was dealing with. I appreciate that.”
Killian gaped at Star, then closed his mouth and grabbed Star's hand to shake it vigorously. “You're welcome, Star.”
Star. That made me lift my brows. The only ones who used my nickname for Astaroth were my children. And now Killian.
“You as well, Severriel.” Star went to him next and shook his hand. “Thank you.”
“You're a good man, Astaroth. I try to judge people by their actions, and you've done well by your world so far. You'll make a good king. I just don't want you as one of my brothers.”
Star chuckled. “I don't want to be among your number either.” He winced and looked at me apologetically. “Sorry, Seren. You know what I mean. I do love you as a friend.” He laid his hand over his chest. “You're in my heart as well.”
“Thanks, Star,” I whispered.
“Yeah, that was quite a speech, babe,” Killian said.
“Damn, I left you out of it, didn't I?” I grimaced. “I'm sorry, sweetheart.”
“Naw,” Kill scoffed. “I have the best relationship with you out of everyone. We work together. Let the others rule. I'd rather walk the worlds beside you.”
A shiver ran through me. A good one. “Killian,” I whispered, “that's beautiful.”
“Well, it doesn't come close to Sever's speech about you being a miracle, but thanks.” He shrugged.
“Yes, it does. You speak simply, and sometimes, profoundly. That was both simple and profound. I loved it.”
Killian grinned and pulled me into an embrace. “I love you, Twilight. You die, I die.”
“I love you too, Blair.”
Hunter Chung-ae cleared his throat.
“Dude!” Killian said with an annoyed look at the hunter. “Give us a moment, would ya? We just went through something intense.”
