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She started to cry. It took all of her strength to drag Ilie’s wolf form to her lap, but she managed to do so.

In her mind, he told her hoarsely, If we fight again, Chalys will be trembling in terror because what would you ask of me then?

She choked back a laugh.Oh, Ilie.

Using what little power he had left, Ilie switched back to his human form and reached up to touch his heartkeeper’s face. “Would you have me take down Brimstone’s own castle, perhaps?”

She sobbed and laughed, and when she still could not speak, she simply pressed his knuckles to her lips.

The kiss made the marquis close of his eyes. Her love, her forgiveness, her pain – all of it was in her kiss, and underlying it was her answer.

She had come back to him.

“I love you, my heartkeeper. Believe me.Please.”

A smile wobbled over her lips. “I do, milord.” Her voice caught. “I do.”And I love you, my demon. My wolf. My marquis.

Epilogue

One week later

“Lord Ilie Marcovici,” the butler announced. “Le Marquis di Lunare.”

Soleil rolled her eyes as all heads turned towards her husband. Admittedly, he deserved all the fawning and fussing, the way he cut quite the dashing figure in his burgundy coat and tight-fitting breeches.

Even so—-

When the marquis reached her, she told him dryly, “Grand entrance, fashionably late...how terribly vain of you.”

Shaking his head, he said with mock hurt, “You always accuse me of things I am innocent of.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “You look utterly ravishing, ma lisse.” His gaze dropped to her cleavage.

She blushed. “Ilie!”

He laughed. “May I have this dance, milady?”

She rolled her eyes, saying, “Like I could give it to anyone else, since you made sure everyone hear you threaten to slash the throat of any gentleman who would dare ask me to a dance—-”

As he spun her into the dance floor, she let out a little sigh. “Oh, what shall I do now? My reputation as an Incomparable is no more?”

He drew her close, murmuring, “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” His eyes gleamed wickedly.

Oh no, she knew that look—-

And then he was dipping her low—

Ilie,she said warningly.

He placed a kiss just right above her neckline.

Her entire body turned red.

Curse you, Ilie!

She could feel everyone staring at them as he pulled her up.

“What did I do?”

But before she could answer, the marquis was already swiftly leading her to the powder room.