Page 70 of Bound By Prophecy (Descendants)

“Brendan wanted to speak with you as soon as you woke,” she explained.

My brows drew together, and she stared at me like I was missing something obvious.

“To see what you wanted to do about the men.”

“The men?”

She glanced at the door, then back to me. “Your men.” Council.

I closed my eyes.

A full minute passed.

Emily whispered, “Aern?”

“Just. Just give me a minute,” I said through a wince.

I heard the smile in her voice. “Well, don’t take too long, it’s nearly morning.”

I opened one eye. “Tuesday?”

She looked confused for a moment. Nodded without much conviction. “Yeah, I think so.”

I blew out a deep breath before standing. “Tell Brendan I will be down shortly,” I said to the men waiting outside.

Emily began to step back from me, but I enfolded her tightly in my arms. “Tuesday?”

She waited.

“I have something for you.” I kissed her, slow and deliberate, and when I finally pulled away, she blinked dazedly.

“Do I get this every Tuesday?” she asked.

I smiled. She’d forgotten her birthday. I would tell her later. After we’d seen Brianna. After the men were dealt with. After I knew everyone who’d been lost.

She saw the nausea rise up again, and tugged on my hand. “Come on, let’s get some breakfast and take care of the men.”

I walked with her through the halls, but drew to a stop as we approached a large picture window. The sun was coming up, spreading over the trees in waves of crimson and orange.

“It can wait a few minutes,” I said, glancing at Emily as the light colored her cheeks.

She smiled, and we stood together as morning dawned.

We were linked. We had created the union, fulfilled the prophecy. Brianna was safe, and she would restore our heritage. Morgan was no longer a threat. There would be no war, because the Seven Lines were in my control.

We were going to live.

My chest eased where I’d not realized it had been bound, and I took a deep breath.

Emily looked up at me, her green eyes finally clear of the ceaseless worry over her sister, the prophecy, finally looking ahead to something else. Something unknown.

“What now?” she asked.

I sighed. “I guess we rule the world.”

She glared at me and I gave her my best crooked smile as I pulled her tighter to my side.