Page 131

The blinding sun overhead is suddenly marred by a shadow. It’s a shadow that grows and grows, getting larger and larger.

I blink with shock.

There’s a sleek, powerful spaceship coming over the horizon.

The ship slowly lands, and the doors to the side of it open.

I watch in astonishment as Daccia steps out, followed by Kitos, and then Hadrian.

The three of them have more scars on their bodies, more anger in their eyes, and they stride forward with more purpose to their steps.

“Daccia,” I can hardly believe it’s them. My voice is a croak. “I’m sorry, I…”

“Shut up,” Daccia says, and suddenly he kisses me.

My whole body melts in his embrace, and then I feel the heat and presence of Kitos and Hadrian stepping up either side of me.

Together, the three Aurelians scoop me into their arms, carrying me towards the small, simple house I’d shared with Lilac for a lifetime.

Ahumanlifetime.

I forget than an Aurelian lifetime is a thousand times longer – often more…

…and because of the Bond, I share that lifespan.

I melt into the arms of my beloved triad – realizing that my choice to spend a lifetime with Lilac wasn’t a rejection of these three gorgeous, devoted warriors…

…it was a postponement.

I gave Lilac a full and happy life – and yet it was just a blink in the life I still have left ahead of me.

A life I can now spend with Daccia, Kitos and Hadrian.

I’d spent so many years fighting to prove that I could make it on my own. Lilac had taught me that I had more to give by sharing it with somebody else.

I shared my life with her, and we were both richer for it.

Now, I have three gorgeous, devoted men to spend my life with – and a hundred more lifetimes during the thousands of years that lie ahead of us, as I bear my beloved warrior triad a legion of strong, healthy Aurelian sons.

The door of the house slams shut, and Daccia, Kitos and Hadrian begin eagerly peeling off my clothes.

I fall into their arms, and eagerly accept their kisses – excited for the next chapter of our long, long lives together to begin.

* * *

* * *

* * *