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Between Gideon proposing, fulfilling our bond, my wings returning, and then having to explain to Gideon why I suddenly began sobbing… this has been by far the most emotional day of my life.

Tears of heartbreak and fury carved down Gideon’s cheeks as he listened to my story in its entirety. I had to remind him the war camp was already gone—there was no vengeance to be had.

I never imagined my wings could grow back—but if fulfilling our bond transformed Gideon from mortal to immortal, grants him some of my magic, and even daemonic traits, why shouldn’t it grow my wings anew?

Though they’re still too new, the muscles untrained, and it’s far too dangerous to fly or risk being seen, the thought tolls a solemn bell of longing. For the first time, I feel truly homesick. In Bellorum, wings are relatively common—especially since daemonkind migrated from Azrael’s realm.

How does one open a portal in a place with no magic?

A certain feeling of helplessness settles over me as the sun begins its descent toward the horizon. What I would give to be able to go back and show Gideon my realm. And to apologize to Reginald and make sure he’s ok.

Gideon gently strokes my wings as we lie face to face, limbs tangled, basking in the rightness of this moment. That somehow the entire past, no matter how painful, seemed to be sculpting us and leading us here. I can’t help but wonder if all that we’d been through hadn’t occurred, if we’d have even found one another or been right for each other at all. Whatever the answer, there isn’t a thing in my world or his that I wouldn’t sacrifice or endure to share my life with this man.

The trekback to Gideon’s house goes by faster on our return. Each of our tails instinctively wrap around one another’s thigh as soon as we settle in the saddle. Most of the journey has been spent answering Gideon’s myriad of questions in regard to our wings and magic. Though, I do think I’m even more excited than he is because I already have a grasp on all the breathtaking things magic can do, and I’m desperate to find out what gifts he’s been endowed with. Even if they are stifled as much as mine are in this realm.

Thankfully, since we’ve both fed from one another’s veins. I glamoured my wings before we left the apple orchard, so I have no doubt he’ll also be able to muster a human glamour.

Casting a glamour is arguably a rather simple magic to perform. After a brief explanation and providing a demonstration, Gideon is silent behind me in the saddle for a few moments.

“So, it’s really as simple as that? Just… focus on the energy center in my chest and visualize it?”

“Yes, but… don’t hold any emotional attachment to it. Just as you have no emotional attachment to the reins in your hand. They’re already there. If there is any emotion you feel toward it, let it be gratitude or love—but not yearning or wanting. Such emotions are the basis for absence and desire, and desire is toxic in magic. If anything, it creates the opposite effect of what you want.”

It takes him numerous tries and tweaking, and it isn’t until he’s ready to give up that it actually works.

The sensation of his tail disappearing from around my thigh has my head snapping backward to see for myself and take in the sight of his now hornless head.

With a gasp, my hand covers my mouth as my brows pinch with emotion. “Oh my gods, you did it!”

This man of mine is many things, but boyish and cute isn’t one of them, until now, as he gives me a sheepish grin, and for the first time since I’ve known him, his cheeks redden with a blush.

“All thanks to you, angel…”

Gideon’s mouth opens and closes as if he wants to say something more, but hesitates. At my pointed look, he heaves a sigh and trudges forward.

“I don’t think I’ll ever feel worthy of you. I’m still in disbelief that all this has happened. That you want me. That you love me. That you wanna marry me. That you wanna give me any part of yourself. I’m just a killer redneck with a shit ton of baggage and only a handful of useful skills…”

Gideon swallows, trying to quell the emotion glistening in his eyes as he lets out a shaky breath.

“You deserve better, angel. You have so much to offer. Far more than I ever could…”

He clears his throat, and his brows knit together in a grim line.

“Unfortunately for you, baby girl, I’m a selfish man and I’m holding on to you with both fucking hands. And there isn’t anyone or anything in this world that I’d allow to take you from me.”

My throat works around a massive lump of emotion. How this man could think so little of himself is beyond me, and it fucking breaks my heart to hear. Throwing one leg over Juniper, I twist in the saddle to wrap my arms around Gideon.

Still holding the reins in one hand, he clutches me against his chest.

“One day, I’ll get you to see you like I see you: a man who has survived the worst so he can be the best for others. A man who didn’t let any amount of suffering or cruelty harden his heart to the world. Someone with so much loyalty and integrity, he’d die protecting his friends. Someone with so much strength that helivesfor them. Chooses every day to show up for them. Someone willing to open their home to a complete stranger, feed them, clothe them when they’re at their lowest...”

Tears are streaming down both of our cheeks, and I have to force myself to breathe through the overwhelming fervor I feel for this man.

“You took me in and cared for me when anyone else would have turned me away.”

Gideon shrugs nonchalantly, before pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

“If I can’t be there for you at your worst, angel, I certainly don’t deserve you at your best.”