The walls were recessed with large arches, niches built into the sides of the beige stone. The room was empty except for three large coffins. They were each made from carved bone, much like the thrones in Xavier’s castle. They twisted over stained glass, which had a design etched on its surface, one that matched the tattoo on my left arm, on Xavier's right.
They were beautifully crafted. Regal even.
The third coffin matched, having the same twisting bone and glass, but that coffin had a separate design. Tiny roses were painted on its surface and my brows touched as I stared at them.
All three sat open, and my eyes went wide as I realized that is what I had been lying in when I had woken up. I met Xavier’s gaze again and his features softened as he nodded once in confirmation.
This was where our bodies would forever lie. Together, here.
Sucking in a shaky breath, I forced myself to ask the question. “Who is the third coffin for?” If I had a heart, it would be racing, and I watched as Xavier chewed on his words. As if he was afraid to tell me.
“Who, Xavier?”
He ran a hand through his inky black hair, and scratched at the back of his head. The muscles in his bicep bulged and I couldn't help but stare at them—at him.
He was okay. Alive.
Xavier reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled-up piece of parchment, and handed it to me. I took it cautiously, peeling open the message, and blinked.
“I die and my reward is spending eternity with you and your mate? I think I regret not passing on. Lex and I went ahead to the castle. As usual, you took too long to wake up. See you soon.”
–Lana.
I read the message again, and then a laugh, a genuine barking laugh left my lips, startling Xavier. That bitch had always been good at surviving.
I kept laughing but it slowly morphed into a choking sob the more the information sank in. Part of me was relieved, happy even. Maybe this meant we could have another chance.A chance to be true sisters. Ones who laughed and took care of one another instead of poisoning each other and bickering. To finally not be in some sort of twisted competition.
The thought warmed my chest, but it was quickly replaced with ice.
How was she going to spend eternity with me and my mate, when hers was going to die? Her mate was mortal, and eventually his soul would pass on. And what would that mean for them? For us? Why had she agreed?
Tears fell down my cheeks and Xavier reached up to wipe them away as another jarring thought entered my mind. My back straightened, and fear coursed through me. Xavier must have felt it as he moved closer, his brows drawing inward as he looked down at me in concern.
“If Lana is still alive, doesn’t that mean?” I let my question hang, my body vibrating with unfamiliar energy but Xavier’s shoulders relaxed, and the action calmed me.
“She is no longer mortal. Her essence has changed. Morgana can no longer take her magic, her life. Gods can’t be controlled like that. Morgana is gone for good.”
“But Jaxon—” I began, but Xavier shook his head, a soft smile on his lips.
“Turns out, my brother is technically my cousin. He isn't a part of Morgana’s bloodline.” He sighed, and his smile fell. “According to the Fates, they approached my uncle and mother when Jaxon was born. Whatever they showed them, it convinced them to alter my mother’s memory, making her believe she had another son. This happened before Morgana’s soul merged with hers, and by the time it did, the lie was too ingrained, too widespread for Morgana to question it. Just another lie my uncle told.”
My mind raced, and just as I was about to speak, a voice boomed around us, making me jump.
“Turns out I have more than mommy issues I have to work through.”
Spinning, I saw Jaxon enter the room, a smug grin plastered across his face as he approached us. His piercing golden eyes seemed to bore into my very soul. His blond hair was now cut short, and a single strand curled over his forehead. He was dressed entirely in black, his suit shimmering with an intricate silver embroidery.
I collided with him, and his breath escaped in a huff as I threw my arms around him and squeezed. He chuckled, returning my embrace. He held my body tightly against his, sighing into my hair. “Good to see you too, Zara.”
A low growl echoed around us, and we both laughed at hearing Xavier.
“Same old possessive asshole,” Jaxon murmured, and he gently pushed away from me and strode toward his brother… or I guess his cousin?
“Brother,” Xavier grunted, not moving, and I rolled my eyes at his greeting.
Jaxon snorted and slammed into him, pulling him into a tight hug. “Cousin.”
Xavier pulled away, slapping Jaxon on the cheek, and Jaxon frowned at the action, knocking his hand away.
