Page 129

"Do you know who we are?" Rowen asked, the question laced with dread.

I reached up with trembling fingers to touch his face, tracing the strong line of his jaw. "Rowen," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "My king. My mate."

The relief that washed over his features was like watching a mountain crumble. He pressed his forehead against mine, his breath shuddering out in a ragged exhale.

"And me?" Callum asked, his arms tightening around me.

I turned my head to meet his pale green gaze. "Callum. My fae. My protector."

His eyes closed briefly, a shudder running through his powerful frame.

"Archer," I called softly, reaching for our third mate.

He took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. "You remember," he said, his voice thick with disbelief. "You remember us."

"I remember everything," I assured him, squeezing his hand with what little strength I had left. "I have a message for you. From your mother."

Archer went completely still, his face draining of color. "My mother? But how?—"

Before I could explain, the chamber around us began to shift and blur. The forge's heat seemed to recede, the obsidian walls fading like mist in the morning sun. I felt Callum's arms tighten around me, heard Rowen's startled curse, saw Archer's wings spread protectively over us all.

The world dissolved around us, and when it reformed, we were no longer in the depths of Hell but in a sunlit garden thatI recognized immediately. The same garden where I'd spoken with Azrael and Lianna in my dreams, though now it seemed more solid, more real.

"What the fuck?" Rowen growled, his tail lashing behind him as he scanned our new surroundings.

"We've been transported," Archer said, his daggers appearing in his hands as he moved into a defensive stance. "But by whom?"

"By me."

The voice came from behind us, and we all turned to see Azrael standing beneath a flowering tree, his massive form somehow fitting perfectly into the garden's peaceful aesthetic. His silver wings were folded against his back, his colorless eyes regarding us with ancient wisdom.

"Grandfather," I acknowledged, my voice stronger now.

Callum carefully set me on my feet, though his arm remained around my waist, supporting me. The three of them formed a protective semicircle around me, facing Azrael with wary respect.

"I have brought you here because the forge is no longer safe," Azrael explained. "The Shadow Beast sensed the forging of Lightbringer and was drawn to its power. It will be searching for you now, with renewed determination."

"Why would you help us?" Rowen demanded, his stance aggressive despite addressing the Angel of Death himself. "What do you gain from this?"

Azrael's lips curved in what might have been a smile. "My granddaughter's happiness is sufficient gain, demon lord."

"Where is my mother?" Archer asked, his voice tight with controlled emotion. "Sierra said she had a message from her."

Azrael's expression sobered. "Lianna has made the ultimate sacrifice. She took Sierra's place in the ritual, offering her memories and powers so that Sierra might retain hers."

Archer staggered back a step, as if physically struck. "What? No, that's impossible?—"

"It was her choice." I reached for him. "She wanted you to know that she loves you, that she's proud of the man you've become."

Archer's face contorted with grief, his daggers disappearing as his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Where is she now?"

"Her physical form remains in the mortal realm," Azrael replied. "But her memories, her powers, her essence—they were consumed in the forging of Lightbringer. She is... diminished."

"She's alive?" Hope flickered in Archer's eyes.

"After a fashion." Azrael's gaze was compassionate. "She exists, but the woman you knew is gone. In her place is a shell, a blank slate. She will need care, guidance to build a new life. She is also now mortal."

Archer's shoulders slumped, the weight of this revelation crushing him. I moved to his side, wrapping my arms around his waist and leaning my head against his chest. His arms automatically encircled me, though his eyes remained fixed on Azrael.