Page 98

My throat suddenly closes up. “Little fairy?—”

“No, let me.” Her hands curl into the lapels of my jacket. “I know I never said that I forgive you. For taking me. For the cave. For the wards.”

I go still, dreading what she might say. If she decides to leave now, it will be the end of me.

“I want you to know I have,” Simone continues. “A long time ago, I think. I forgive you, Az.” Her fingers trace my jaw. “I'm yours. By choice. Forever.”

For one long moment, I can't speak. Then I press my forehead to hers.

“I don't deserve you,” I murmur, my voice weak with relief.

“Probably not,” she agrees, smiling. “But you have me anyway.”

I laugh, the sound shaky. “I always was greedy.”

“Selfish, even.”

“Possessive. Demanding. Entirely without scruples.”

“And mine.”

I tip her face up and kiss her, slow and reverent. The way I will kiss her every day from now until the world ends. When I pull back, she rests her cheek against my chest, and we stand there for a long while, surrounded by night-blooming flowers and the soft sound of distant water.

“I love you,” I murmurinto her hair.

“Je t'aime, Az.”

We hold each other in silence for some time, savoring the bond between us. But there's another bond calling me. One I never expected. One that means everything to me now.

“I miss Leander,” I say, unashamed of the fact that our baby has me wrapped around his tiny finger.

Simone giggles breathlessly. “I was just thinking that. Why don't you take us home?”

I gather her into my arms, my wings unfurling and spreading wide behind me.

“Gladly, little fairy. Let’s go home.”

EPILOGUE – SYRINIANA

Ikeep my eyes down, watching where I’m stepping. The skulls and bones are unavoidable, though, covering the ground like a macabre carpet.

I can’t believe I’m in the Burning Pits of my own volition. Neph is going to have a stroke when he finds out I went to talk to his father. Can ancient demons have strokes? My Nephithar will find a way.

I follow the grotesquely paved path to the foot of the dais that hosts Sataniel’s throne, a gothic monstrosity of suffering. Only then do I look up, acknowledging my paramour’s creator. The first fallen angel. Hell’s dark prince.

“Daughter-in-law,” he greets me, his voice low and sensual. He looks nothing like his son, and I have to wonder if that’s on purpose. Is the Devil so vain that he didn’t want his son to take after him in looks?

“Sataniel,” I reply, glad my voice isn’t shaking. “You wished to speak to me?”

He grins in a way that lets me know my thoughts aren’t safe around him. “Yes, I did. Thank you for answering my summons.” He tilts his head like a curious cat. “Tell me, how is my son?”

I’m not sure I manage to hide my surprise. He’s asking about Neph now, when I was the one he wanted to see?

“He is well,” I answer truthfully. “Happy.”

But not for long. Once I come home and he smells the sulfur on me, he will be very unhappy.

Sataniel grins as if he knows and relishes the drama. “Good.”