Page 133 of Hell-Bound

Ren wasn’t looking or listening to the older god, only Azur, who gave a weak smile and inclined his head in encouragement.

“But I’ll…never see you again!” she blurted, her hands beginning to tremble.

“You don’t know that, darling,” he said, voice soft as he reached up and stroked her cheek. “Your life is very long, and mine is…infinite. Our paths could certainly cross. Just try not to forget me? A third introduction sounds quite tedious.”

The slight quirk of his mouth could not hide the grief on his face.

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was desperate and inelegant, but it might have been the most painfully beautiful thing she’d ever do. Tears were running down her face, and she couldn’t tell if they were hers or Azurs.

When they finally broke apart, she did not look at him again. She thought that if she did, her entire chest would crack open.

She walked up to Nainaur.

“I’m ready.”

The god didn’t acknowledge her words. He simply flicked his wrist, and a portal appeared.

“You will arrive in your hometown with your memories intact.”

The fiery portal burned brightly and gusted hot air, blowing her hair back.

“I will bless your path,” the god said.

“Go fuck yourself,” was the last thing Ren said before she turned, sparing one last, longing glance at the hard expression of King Azur Pelegros. That single second was unbearable before she threw herself into the portal. But in the fraction of amoment before her vision blurred, she could have sworn that the sad smile on his lips revealed two striking dimples.

EPILOGUE

Renata

Renata woke up with a start, head pounding. She was in bed with the same familiar sheets she had bought at her favorite market.

“Finally! I’ve been waiting all morning for you to get up!” came a pleasant voice.

Across the room, sitting in a small wooden chair, was Nephele. His smile was so wide that his eyes crinkled at the corners.

“I woke up this morning to your letter!” he said excitedly.

Renata matched his grin and scrambled to the end of her bed.

“Why aren’t you in bed?” she asked, flinging her hands around his neck and crawling into his lap.

He smelled of home and the nutty scent of fall.

Nephele wrapped two strong arms around her, and she heard him stifle a sniffle. She pulled back.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, a crease appearing between her eyes.

Nephele’s cheeks were pink, and his eyes were welling with emotion.

“You remember,” his voice broke.

Renata squinted at her partner.

“What are you talking about?”

“Your letter said that you found a cure in Ataria. That you arrived last night. I’m so…” he sniffled, “thankful you’re back.”

She laughed.