A wizened, matronly voice echoed through her mind.So different from the monster who had just been in her head.This one was warm and familiar.
I heard your call across the realms, Iyana Astalle.I will help.
The fire receded from the woman’s figure, and for the first time, Iyana was able to see her face.One she recognized.
“Elena,” she breathed in awe.
Although Elena and Imera were identical, something within Iyana knew she was correct.The lost Goddess of Knowledge was the woman of fire who had helped her harness her magic.
You have given enough, Aztia.
Elena reached out until their fingers brushed together, and a cleansing fire raced through Iyana’s entire being, restoring her magic back to full strength.A gift from a goddess who was slowly retreating away.
Wait!Iyana called after her.Where are you?Will I see you again?
Her only answer was a gentle caress against her soul, and then Elena was gone.
Opening her eyes, Iyana saw she had never stopped pumping Emmeric’s chest, but his heart still wasn’t beating on its own and air was not entering his lungs.
With all her magic again at her disposal, Iyana funneled every last drop into the man she loved.
Chapter 72
Emmeric
Hehadwantedtostare at Iyana for as long as he could before the darkness took him, but the gentle rushing of a river made Emmeric feel at peace about dying.His only regret was that he wouldn’t be there for Iyana.That they hadn’t had enough time together.
But she had done it.She had banished the stars and was beautiful while doing it.Covered in mud and blood, a murderous expression on her face—she was breathtaking.So at least Emmeric could die knowing she was safe.Talon had promised to look out for her, and that would have to be enough.
The sounds of the river became louder until the darkness ebbed and he could see the edges of a beautiful green meadow.A bright silver butterfly flitted around him before alighting on his tunic.Emmeric smiled down at the pretty creature flapping its wings lazily.With a gentle finger, Emmeric lifted the butterfly so he could inspect it more closely.It was like none he’d ever seen.Metallic silver with a sparkle when turned into the light.Absolutely gorgeous.It was strange, but it brought Emmeric a certain amount of peace.
Another butterfly joined the first.Then another, and another.More flocked to him until Emmeric was completely covered in swirling and diving butterflies.The beating of their wings was the only thing he heard, and he was drowning in a sea of silver.
The meadow and the river both disappeared.Everything was silver, and his body felt sohot.
As the tempest of butterflies dissipated, Emmeric was again left in the dark.There was a weight upon his chest, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.Desperate whispers reached his ears.
“Just come back.Please, come back.I can’t do this without you, and I’ve only just found you.Please,Em, come back.I love you so much.”The words were punctuated by sobs.Blood and death were the first smells he registered, but underneath it all was a faint scent of lavender and coconut, and Emmeric knew he was home.
Because home was wherever Iyana was.
“Such pretty words, Mouse,” he groaned without opening his eyes.“Are they all for me?”
“Emmeric,” she gasped.The weight on his chest increased as she shifted closer to him.But he only grinned and hugged her tightly, finally blinking open his eyelids.
Iyana hovered above him, tears streaming down her face and onto his skin.A guarded hope shone in her expression.
“Are you really here?”Iyana whispered.
“I’m here.”Emmeric wiped the drops away from her cheeks.“Did you think you could be rid of me that easily?”
Iyana gave him a watery smile, then crashed her lips against his.Emmeric wound his fingers into her hair, undoing her plait, and held her close.Phaedros take him, he’d never get enough of this woman.
When they finally slowed, Emmeric murmured against her lips, “Marry me.”
His heart soared when Iyana nodded and more of her tears overflowed.
“I will, Em.I’ll marry you.”
