Striding forward, I kicked the pile. Wind gusted through the tent, carrying with it the scent of black roses tipped with silver.
Mama?Her soft fingers stroked my brow, and her whisper of a kiss met my cheek for the very last time.
Her wind lifted the ashes and carried them out to scatter them across the plain.
The cacophony of battle died in an instant.
I strode to the tent opening, watching as the enormous, slashing beasts disappeared and the surviving wicked fae flitted to places they hoped to hide.
A cheer went up among the victors. A cheer for us and each other. For a future I hoped the fates would help all of us deliver.
It was finally over, but at what cost? My soul felt torn yet born anew. Tattered and healing.
A sound behind me sent me spinning.
Free from the vines that had been eager to bind him once more, Vexxion stood before me, as gorgeous as when I first met him. His thick black hair was still a touch too long, and just like back then, I itched to run my fingers through the strands and tangle them up.
The same network of scars twisted from beneath his black tunic collar, snaking around the right side of his neck to his nape.
As I stared at him, his full lips twitched upward in a smile just for me.
This man had exposed my every secret, my every desire,and all the best I had to offer. He’d laid me bare for the entire world to see, and the thought of that no longer scared me.
All he saw was me.
And that was enough.
Precious love,he rasped in my mind.Come be mine forever.
When he held open his arms, I leaped into them.
73
TEMPEST
EPILOGUE
A Week Later
The ceremony was about to begin.
I stood waiting in a room outside the courtyard at Lydel. Today, I’d marry my true mate, the only man I’d ever love. My Vexxion.
“You’re gorgeous,” Reyla said, tucking a stray strand of hair up into the ornate arrangement on the top of my head. It had magically appeared as soon as I’d donned my gown, and I sensed Airia’s involvement, though she hadn’t made an appearance. “Vexxion is going to swoon when he sees you.”
“Swoon, huh?” My low laugh hitched out. “I doubt anythingcould make that man swoon.”
“Only you, friend. Only you.” She gave me a quick hug. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
The ship had arrived to take her to Evergorne Court, and they’d set sail with the tide tomorrow morning. I wasn’t sure when I’d see her again. With so much going on here in faerie, we couldn’t travel with her, let alone be there when she formally wed the king.
He’d sent a proxy to stand in for him at the binding ceremony that would take place while they were at sea.
“I’ll see you as soon as I can,” I said. “Even if I have to fly Madrood across the ocean to reach you.” Vexxion had warned me not to flit there. He said magic was different in that world, and there was no guarantee I’d survive the journey even if I locked my mind on my best friend.
“Madrood might have some say in that,” Jessia said, rising from where she was sitting on one of the upright chairs. Dressed in a formal uniform, she strode over to stand in front of me. Her gaze skimmed my frame before she nodded. “Beautiful.” Tears sparkled in her eyes. “You look a lot like that portrait of your mother.”
My favorite picture hung above the living area mantel here at Lydel. I loved it because Aunt Vera stood beside her, her face unlined, and her eyes sparkling with joy. They were finally back together once more.
