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She laughs against my chest.

“Although I reserve the right to complain about your terrible customer service for the next several thousand years.”

“A reasonable condition.”

That evening, we stand beneath the stars in our little courtyard.

There are no priests.

No witnesses.

No elaborate ceremony.

Only candles, climbing roses, and the woman who brought me back to life.

Wren wears a simple white dress.

I have never seen anything more beautiful.

She takes my hands.

“Are you nervous?”

“No.”

“Really?”

“I have faced armies.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

I look into her eyes.

“Terrified.”

She smiles.

“Good. Me too.”

I lift her hand to my lips.

“Wren Holloway, I once believed the world deserved my wrath. Now I believe you deserve my tenderness.”

Her eyes fill.

“I promise to protect your freedom as fiercely as I protect your heart. I will stand beside you, never above you, for every lifetime you choose to share with me.”

She swallows.

“Vidar, you taught me that being loved doesn’t have to mean being controlled. That strength can be gentle. That even the most terrifying man in the world can wear gardening gloves with little yellow bees on them.”

I sigh.

She laughs through her tears.

“I promise to love you, challenge you, and remind you to use your words instead of threatening people with eternal damnation.”

“A demanding vow.”