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Story: The Vampire's Soul

Grateful to have another chance at getting this right, Ari was relieved that Sage remembered everything so he could share this with her. He’d carried enough secrets through life, and this was a huge responsibility.

Having his queen by his side, who understood how important his role was and what was at stake should they get it wrong, would make what he needed to do much easier.

Her face lifted, and those sparkling eyes glistened with devout love as he pressed his lips to hers.

His mate.

His reason for choosing.

His everything.

Between them, Gio made baby noises, and they both gazed down upon the gift that was their child.

“I remember carrying him. I love him.” Sage kissed the child’s forehead. “Even if I know it didn’t really happen.”

“I do too. I guess God did a huge reshuffle of memories and we have two realities in ours.” Ari led them down to the thrones and opened the cabinet off to the side.

Lifting out the crowns, he placed one on the queen's head and Sage giggled.

Ari smiled proudly.

“It suits you.”

“Put yours on.” Sage giggled.

Ari lifted the king's crown and steadied the tremendous weight on his head.

“I feel like we’re playing dress up.” Sage shifted Gio in her arms, keeping one hand up to steady her crown.

Or was it a tiara?

He wasn’t sure.

Ari would buy her whatever she wanted.

Then he placed the small crown on Gio’s head, and it immediately got thrown to the floor.

“We will work on that.” Sage shot him a grin.

Ari put them away, and they walked to sat on their thrones. Holding hands, they stared out across the enormous room that would, at times, be filled with their senior warriors, the royal household, and other guests.

“I believe in you,” Sage squeezed his hand. “I know you have doubts, but I believe you will be the best king the race has ever had.”

“Vincent was—”

“You do not need to make excuses. He is a Moretti and nothing changes that. If I can make an observation...”

“Go ahead.”

“He is an excellent adviser and great at relations, but as a king—”

“I am the king now. We do not need to judge.”

“It is okay to acknowledge you are the more powerful and chosen one, Ari.”

He turned. “I’ve always been the most powerful. It has scared me. I’ve felt it burning inside me. But I lost my brother, I lost everyone I loved because they were threatened by it. Do you not think they sensed it?”

His queen’s lips tilted up ever so slightly. “I felt it.”