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"Your connection to him," I explained, excitement building as the pieces began to fall into place. "You've already communicated with him in the dream-state. If we could establish that connection again, deliberately this time, you might be able to ask for his help."

She bit her lower lip, a habit she had when uncertain. "I don't know, Archer. That wasn't exactly something I controlled. It just... happened."

I cupped her face in my hands, my thumbs stroking her cheeks. "You're stronger than you realize, Sierra. Your powers have grown exponentially since your heat broke. And this is your bloodline, your heritage. If anyone can reach Azrael, it's you."

She leaned into my touch, her eyes closing briefly. "And if I can't?"

"Then we proceed with the original plan," I said firmly. "But having Azrael's direct assistance would significantly increase our chances of success."

Sierra nodded, determination replacing the uncertainty in her expression. "Okay. I'll try. Tonight, when I sleep. I'll try to reach him."

I leaned forward, pressing my forehead against hers. "Thank you."

She smiled, her hands coming up to rest on my wrists. "Don't thank me yet. I have no idea if this will work."

"It will," I said with more confidence than I felt. "You're remarkable, Sierra. More powerful than you know."

A faint blush colored her cheeks at my praise. She shifted on my lap, and I became acutely aware of her warmth, the subtle weight of her body against mine. My body responded instantly, desire stirring despite the gravity of our conversation.

Sierra noticed, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Is that a dagger in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"

I laughed, the sound rusty from disuse. "That's terrible."

"But effective," she countered, deliberately shifting again. "You're not thinking about the ritual now, are you?"

"I'm thinking about several things I'd like to do to you," I admitted, my hands moving to her hips. "None of which involve rituals or ancient prophecies."

Her silver eyes darkened with answering desire. "Such as?"

Instead of responding with words, I captured her mouth with mine. She melted against me, her lips parting in welcome as her arms wound around my neck. The kiss deepened, her tongue meeting mine in a slow, deliberate dance that sent heat pooling in my groin.

When we finally broke apart, both breathing harder, I noticed something in her expression, a knowing look that suggested she was holding something back.

"What is it?" I asked, studying her face.

Sierra shook her head, her smile enigmatic. "Nothing important."

I knew she was lying, but I let it go. Whatever she was keeping to herself, she had her reasons. Trust went both ways,and I'd learned over the centuries that some secrets revealed themselves in their own time.

"Let's go back to what we were doing," she suggested, leaning in for another kiss.

I obliged, pushing my concerns to the back of my mind for now. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, its own dangers. But for this moment, with Sierra in my arms and the taste of her on my lips, I allowed myself to simply be present, to savor what we had built together against all odds.

The puzzle of the ritual could wait a little longer.

55

Sierra

Iknow what I need to do.

The realization settled over me as I lay in bed, surrounded by the warmth of my sleeping mates. Callum's arm draped possessively across my waist, his breath warm against the back of my neck. Archer lay on my other side, his features softened in sleep, looking younger and less burdened than when awake. Rowen's massive form completed our circle, one hand resting on my hip even in slumber.

I studied them in the dim light, memorizing every detail, the curve of Callum's lips, the fan of Archer's dark lashes against his cheeks, the powerful line of Rowen's jaw. My mates. My loves. My everything.

And that was why I had to do this.

The ancient text had been clear, though I hadn't told Archer when he shared his revelation with me. It wasn't "dual blood" that the ritual required. It was a true hybrid of species. Since I was now bonded to an angel, a demon, and a dark fae, mixed with the Archangel and witch blood flowing through my veins, I was the sacrifice the ritual demanded.