We move together—slow at first, then deeper, faster. His wings curve around us, cocooning us in darkness threaded with gold. Magic crashes between us in waves, building, cresting.
I dig my claws into his shoulders—not hard enough to hurt, just enough to anchor. His breath hitches.
"Chelsea," he groans, and it's my name and a prayer all at once.
The bond tightens, pulls, and then?—
I shatter.
The climax rips through me, and I feel his following a heartbeat later. Magic explodes outward, shadows and lighttangled together, and for one perfect moment we're not two people.
We're one.
When the world settles, we're both breathing hard. Eryx collapses beside me, pulling me into his chest.
My claws retract. His wings fold. The bond hums contentedly, satisfied.
We lie there for a long moment, just breathing. His fingers trace lazy patterns on my shoulder.
"I love you," I whisper.
"I love you back.”
The bond pulses once, warm and certain.
And then, very quietly from the back of my mind:Are you two done? Because I have thoughts about dinner.
I burst out laughing. Eryx groans.
"We're done," I call out loud.
Thank gods. I was getting bored.
"You were supposed to be giving us privacy," Eryx mutters.
I did! I gave you a whole fifteen minutes. That's practically forever. Now can we please discuss food?
I curl into Eryx's side, grinning. "He's right. I'm starving."
Eryx presses a kiss to my hair. "Fine. Let's eat."
Finally. Someone who listens to reason.
Epilogue
NINE MONTHS LATER
“I'm going to murder you," I tell Eryx through gritted teeth.
He's holding my hand, looking pale. "I know."
"No, I mean it. Actual murder. With my claws."
To be fair,Nightmare pipes up,he did help create this situation.
"Shut up," Eryx and I say in unison.
Another contraction hits and I squeeze Eryx's hand hard. He doesn't complain. Smart man.
