Ava placed a hand on his face and kissed him. Gentle and soft. “I’m here now,” she whispered.
He pulled her back into a hug. Ava wrapped her arms around his neck. They held each other, neither one of them wanting to let go. Swathed in overwhelming grief and gratitude, they stayed in an embrace for a long time, shedding tears for what could have been. For what almost was.
“I love you so much,” Ava whispered.
“I love you too.”
After a while she loosened her hold and pulled back to look at him. “How?”
“Jareth.”
Ava glanced over Casimir’s shoulder, meeting eyes with his brother, who now stood at the edge of the clearing. Jareth gave her a small smile and she could have sworn his eyes glistened. He turned around and disappeared into the crowd.
“I still don’t understand. Jareth would never give up his powers.”
“He didn’t,” Casimir answered. “I gave up mine.”
“You told me you didn’t have enough astral magic to do that.”
“I didn’t. But blood relatives can share power. Jareth helped. Gave me enough to be able to do it. Without losing his own.”
Casimir traced her face as they spoke, unable to stop touching her. As if he still didn’t feel this was real.
“You knew it would work?” she asked.
“No. But we tried anyway.”
Ava pushed a piece of hair behind Casimir’s pointed ear. “So, no more astral magic?”
He shook his head. “No more astral magic.”
“I’m sure you’re thrilled.” She gave him a small smile.
Hand at the nape of her neck, he kissed her with urgency. Her fingers curled into his hair. Their tongues danced, renewed tears streaming down their faces. She was here. She was back. In the safety of Casimir’s arms. Her soulbond, her love.
Without breaking the kiss, Casimir scooped her up and stood.
Remembering their audience, she pulled away. “Let me down. I’m not weak. I feel…I feel fine…” He hesitated. “I promise, I’m okay to walk.”
Relenting, he set her on her feet, remaining close.
Seconds later she was yanked into a hard chest, the person squeezing so tight she almost couldn’t breathe. But she didn’t even need to look up to see who it was. She recognized that hug. Recognized the arms that held her, the way he kissed the top of her head.
“Raine,” she wheezed. “You’re hurting me.”
“I don’t care,” he said through his tears. “You died. You fucking died in front of all of us. You left us…you left me…” His voice broke.
“I know. I know,” she said, trying to soothe him as she rubbed his back. “But I’m not dead. I’m here, okay? It’s alright now.”
He pulled away, wiping his face. There was so much joy and love in his expression. With a deep breath, his eyes regained their usual twinkle. “You know…the nickname I gave you is even more fitting now.”
She thumped his nose and scoffed. Casimir muttered, “Not funny,” from behind her.
Raine pulled her back in for another brief hug. “Don’t ever do that again, little frog.”
“I don’t plan on it, wolf man.” She sighed into his chest and squeezed. Her best friend.
Raine released her at last and she continued her celebration, hugging her loved ones. Kai and Jorrar embraced her. The latter beamed and told her he knew she’d be able to do it. That he had believed in her and was so exceedingly proud. The former reminded her of how far she had come from the day he had healed her many wounds.
