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Enid took a step back, grinning mischievously. “Wait, say that again.”

Avenay frowned, confused. “You have nothing to worry about.”

“Not that. I think you used a certain L word.”

Avenay’s skin flushed, and she covered her mouth.

Oh.

She had said that. So much had been happening that they’d scarcely been able to talk about their future. She knew the traditions of demons with their mates, so she had suspicions, but Enid hadn’t said she loved her or talked about being mates, yet.

Oh well.

She straightened her shoulders and gave her an imperious look. “I love you, Enid Erebus. What of it?”

Enid grinned, pulling her into a tight embrace, kissing her passionate.

“I love you, Avenay Claro.”

Her heart fluttered, and she started laughing. To hear it out loud was so different from feeling it inside of her. As if the words themselves cast a spell over the world, coloring it differently, making her feet steadier, her wings stronger. To say the words “I love you” seemed to set an enchantment on her that wouldn’t let go.

What a remarkable thing. She had half a mind to stop and make notes to think over why that was later, and maybe even theorize, but they were going to be late for dinner and she didn’t want to ruin the moment.

They arrived at dinner in the formal room. Seraphina was already there, skin bright, energy apparent. She hadn’t looked like this since they were teenagers and Avenay almost cried again. Gerard and Ilu sat on either end of the table, and both stood as they entered. Ilu strode forward, offering a hand to Enid. She took it, giving him a hearty shake. It was clearly two strong individuals performing a power move, and Avenay exchanged an amused glance with her father.

“We’re delighted to have you here with us,” Ilu said.

Avenay narrowed her eyes at him. He had his politician face on, which she supposed was to be expected.

Gerard was next, but he bypassed Enid’s outstretched hand and pulled her into an embrace. “I’m so happy you’re here,” he said, and Enid visibly relaxed.

The dinner moved with ease, the conversation flowing freely, floating from one topic to the next. Enid fit right in, charming them with her jokes, telling them her tales. By the end of the night, they were tired from good conversation and wine. They stumbled back to herbedroom. Enid closed the door and immediately pressed her against it, brushing her nose against hers.

“I love you, Avie.”

She would never tire of hearing that. Forever and ever, she wanted to hear the words as often as she breathed and she wanted to say them back like a binding around her heart, reaching to Enid’s, clasping them together for eternity.

“And I love you, Enid.”

Chapter 41: Enid

Three months later

Enid walked the cool cave halls of The Darkened City, Mandel beside her.

“You have a meeting with King Lionel of the Earth realm tomorrow, and…” Mandel looked over the parchment in his hand, the one with her schedule on it. “Dinner with the colony after.”

She nodded, coming to Dryston’s office and sitting in the chair. It was an odd feeling, sitting here, making decisions in his stead, but she felt honored he had trusted her with it now.

She missed her brothers, and Melina, but someone had to be present in The Darkened City. Melina was close to giving birth and after that, Dryston planned on flying them back here to be safe. Since she’d already had months with Kaemon, she had volunteered to lead by proxy.

It had been a joke at first, her not thinking he would take her up on it, but he had and she wouldn’t let him down. She was enjoying it more than she thought she would—she hadn’t fucked up once, which was a new thing for her.

Though she did miss them all so much.

Especially Avenay.

Avenay had been going back and forth between Lesern and Evolis these last few months, sending research teams. They saw each other here or there, but tonight she would be coming to The Darkened City. They would finally have a few months together. Longer if Enid got her way. If Avenay liked the surprise she had for her.