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Balthazar’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, really? Someone is going to come to the academy who doesn’t want to be there? How could that be? I assure you that Caemorn and I have planned foreverything.”

Christian let out a choked laugh as he laced the fingers of one of his hands with Balthazar’s. “You do realize that you’ve just tempted fate big time there, right, Balthazar?”

“On the contrary! What could possibly go wrong with Caemorn and myself in charge?” Balthazar asked with an expansive gesture.

Christian shook his head. Caemorn’s eyebrows rose. Arcius and Fiona laughed. Julian couldn’t help but grin. A small smile played on Daemon’s lips.

“King Daemon?” Sophia lifted her glass.

“Ah, yes, it’s time. I propose a toast,” Daemon said with a broad smile.

Everyone lifted their glasses.

The Vampire King brought the sparkling liquid into the light. “To what comes next.”

“To what comes next!” They all cried in unison and they clinked glasses.

Julian drank down his champagne. It felt like fireworks in his veins. He turned so that he was now chest to chest with Daemon. He looked into those crimson, glowing eyes. Daemon leaned down and their lips met in a searing kiss.

With you by my side, Julian,Daemon swore,I am eager to meet every challenge.

Whatever comes next,Julian sent with all his love,will be wonderful and exciting and an adventure, because we’ll be together, Daemon.

Always.