“It’s a port city,” Acheron said. “I have a place on Pirate’s Alley so that I can watch him, and I’ll establish a larger than normal number of Dark-Hunters, as Adarian’s presence will draw a lot more evil here.”
Savitar nodded. “I can ensure there’s a Were-Hunter sanctuary put here in order to keep an eye out as well.”
“And I’ll move in my Hellchasers.”
Acheron met her gaze. “Between us, he should be covered.”
“What happened to Vine?” Bane took his wife’s hand. “I want to make sure she doesn’t crop back up.”
Thorn snorted. “They fed her to Adarian. She didn’t last long. Then again, few do. Evil like that, Adarian drains them and eats them whole. It’s what a Malachai does.”
Mara winced. “I feel for her.”
“Why? She killed me and wanted to kill you.”
“I know, Duel, but she’s still my sister. I didn’t want her dead.”
Valynda took Nibo’s hand, as she knew he could relate to that complicated feeling. “So, this is it, then? We part ways?”
Thorn wrinkled his nose. “Not exactly.” He turned her wrist so that she could see her mark wasn’t completely gone. Though faint, it still could be seen. “Some of you are still Hellchasers.”
“Deadmen,” Will corrected.
Thorn laughed. “Yes, Mr. Death—”
“Deeth!”
“Death, you’re still Deadmen. But the gates are sealed. So, you’re not needed at sea at the moment.”
“Futtocking landwalkers.” Bart groaned. “Put me neck in the noose.”
Sallie scoffed. “Hang that, put me arse in a tavern.”
Will pointed to Sallie. “Likethatoption much better. I’m going with me friend here. To Valhalla!”
Shaking her head, Belle rolled her eyes. “Men. You’re ever off on some nonsensical point.”
“That’s the fun of it.” Paden adjusted his tricorne. “I guess me and me sister and Kalder will be heading back to Virginia, then.”
“Aye.” Sadness darkened the captain’s eyes. ’Twas the same that Valynda felt in her heart at the thought of losing her friends.
But all things came to an end eventually.
“Hey now,” Thorn chided. “This isn’t the end. You know that. We’re immortal. Most of us. We’ll be back.”
“Aye. That we will.”
Nibo stayed by her side as they dispersed. “And what of us,mon ange?”
Her heart fluttered at the way he said that. Most of all, she trembled at the knowledge he’d given her the choice of staying or joining his pantheon. If she said the word, he’d leave his people for her.
But she would never do that to him.
While he might fight with his brother and other family members to the end of time, they were still family. Blood should be thicker than water. She believed that.
So she smiled. “Wherever thou goest, I shall go. Thy people shall be my people. Forever.”
He kissed her hand and laughed. “In that case, and given where we are …laissez les bons temps rouler.”
