I look down at her—at the woman who chose us, who forgave us, who’s still choosing us even after everything.
“No more ghosts,” I echo.
Jace presses his face into her hair, and I see the way his shoulders finally relax.
The sanctuary hums softly around us, alive and whole.
And for the first time since Riley, I don’t feel like I’m watching from the outside.
I feel like Ibelong.
This isn’t forced. Isn’t cruel.
This isours.
And I’ll protect it with everything I have.
Chapter 43
Bree
For a long moment, none of us move.
We’re tangled together—warm and sated and quiet. The Ether hums softly around us, silver threads weaving through the air, calm and content.
Rhett’s arm is still draped over my waist, his chest pressed against my back. Jace is on my other side, propped up on one elbow, watching me with those green-gold eyes.
Nobody speaks.
We just… breathe.
Eventually, Jace breaks the silence.
“We should probably get up,” he says quietly.
“Probably,” Rhett agrees from behind me—but his arm tightens slightly, like he’s not quite ready to let go.
I smile despite myself. “The sanctuary’s not going to run itself.”
“It’s been doing fine without us for the last hour,” Jace points out.
“Two hours,” Rhett corrects.
I blush, and Jace grins—crooked and unrepentant.
But he’s right. We can’t stay here forever, no matter how much I want to.
I slip out from between them—reluctantly—and start looking for clothes. Rhett’s shirt is on the floor, and I pull it on without thinking. It hangs to mid-thigh, warm and smelling like fire and safety.
When I turn around, both of them are watching me.
“What?” I ask.
Jace’s grin widens. “Nothing. You just look good in his clothes.”
Rhett makes a low sound of agreement, and I feel heat creep up my neck.
I’m halfway to the door when Jace speaks again.
