The half-breed healer who had saved me in Elora stood beside the bed, appearing as short as I remembered, with the same scaly green skin and graying red hair. Though maybe fewer gray hairs. She held a small bundle in her arms.
“Is he okay?”
“Yes,” the male replied, running a cold hand down Miriam’s head and cupping her cheek tenderly. “You did well.”
Undeniable warmth and love filled us as she gazed at the male and reached up to place her hand over his. His red eyes crinkled, and I saw the love he had for her. She must’ve too, because her feelings flooded her, easing some of her pain.
“Do you want to hold him, Miriam?” Hana asked.
Him?
“Yes.”
Hana brought over the bundle of blankets, placing the warm, squirming weight in Miriam’s awaiting arms.
It was Aspen.
And the male standing beside us was not only Aspen’s father, but Miriam’s lover. When my mother said Miriam used a greater demon to create Aspen, I had imagined a vile creature and a horrific scene of Miriam forcing herself on something grotesque. I had not expected an adoring male who shared Aspen’s bone structure and the same hair.
“Look at him, Az. Look at what we created,” she whispered, completely enamored.
All the pain we felt before didn’t even touch the adoration and healing this baby gave Miriam.
Az smiled at us, then took hold of Aspen’s tiny hand. “I’m glad he’ll receive your eyes and not mine.”
She brushed her fingers against Az’s temple. “Even if they were red, I’d love them as much as I love yours.”
He gave us a small smile before returning his gaze to Aspen in wonder.
Aspen didn’t make a sound. He only stared up at us.
“She’ll come for him now.” Worry filled Hana’s voice.
“She will.” Miriam smoothed back the dark, wet curls on Aspen’s head. “You remember what I told you needs to be said, Az?”
“Yes.”
“Word for word. You can’t mix any of it up, or the future will change.”
“I know, my love. In five years, I’ll tell Lilith exactly what you toldme to.”
Five years?He couldn’t mean—no. Did Miriam plan her death?
But as Miriam peered into his face, and I nearly drowned in the intensity of her sudden regret, I had a horrifying feeling my assumption was right.
She held out her hand. “Then give me my feather and bring her in.”
Azazahl pulled out a white feather with a black quill and handed it to her, while Hana opened the bedroom door.
“She’s ready for you,” Hana said to someone outside.
Miriam unwrapped Aspen and moved him so he rested on her chest. Once he was settled, Miriam lifted our gaze, and my heart stopped.
What the Heavenly Hell was going on?
It was her. The female from my head in the flesh, in the past. She wore the same billowing cloak, covering her head and features, swallowing her body in fabric.
“Are you prepared for what’s to come?” Miriam asked.
