Page 133 of Crave Me

I could hear it in his mind, feel it in his touch, and see it in his eyes.

“When my medallion brought me here, I’d been enthralled by the magic,” I confided softly. “I’d thought this world might be my new home. But now I realize that it was never about finding a place to live. It was about finding the other half of my soul.”

Thatwas what had driven my need to explore the various realities and realms—my soul had desired its mate.

I hadn’t realized how empty I’d felt until now.

I’d been wandering worlds for millennia, enjoying passing affairs and indulging in brief friendships. But none of it had left me feeling fulfilled… until Vesperus.

I stared at him and simply felt complete. Like I’d found a new purpose to my existence. A way to thrive and live. A reason for being.

“My medallion wasn’t playing a game with me. It was searching for a new purpose. Because it knew I’d found what I was looking for in this realm. So it had left me to find another fractured spirit to mend, as my partial soul was about to become whole. With you.”

Vesperus’s silver eyes glittered. “Then I suppose we need to make a new medallion together, one that responds to our joined souls and takes us to a realm where we can make a home. Together.”

“Yes,” I agreed, my palm opening to collect the stardust freely falling from the sky. “A medallion that will take us to a new reality where we can plant the seeds of our own magic.”

“Yes,” he echoed. “A reality where you’ll reign as a goddess, and I’ll worship you as your chosen king.”

“Only if the worshipping goes both ways,” I told him. “I rather like licking you.”

His lips curled. “You are welcome to lick me whenever you want, Nyx, Goddess of Night.”

“And you are welcome to lick me whenever you want, Vesperus, King of Night.”

“Mmm,” he hummed. “A new title.”

“Yes. It seemed fitting.”

“Perhaps, but a beautiful woman once told me titles don’t often mean much. And that they also fail to reflect true power.”

“She sounds like a brilliant goddess,” I replied, smiling. “One you should probably accept a title from, as it’s likely not something she bestows often.”

“True,” he agreed, his arm encircling my lower back as his focus went to my palm. “Well, Goddess. Are you ready to make a new future?”

“I am,” I whispered, the medallion already forming in my hand. “Are we done with our goodbyes in this realm?”

“We are,” he confirmed. “Kaspian’s ready. Cara and Larus will become his seconds-in-command. The House has been informed of his new reign. And the other leaders will soon learn of our disappearance.”

“Without a trace.” Because that was the only way for Gold and Garnet to be safe. We could no longer be affiliated with them or this world. To do otherwise could tip the scales and create strife among the Houses.

We were leaving to avoid that.

To keep Gold and Garnet safe.

And to find joy in our own world, one where we could live freely. Together. Forever.

I would miss the friends I’d made here. Especially Cara. But life was long for an immortal. She would move on, as would I. However, I would forever carry the memories of her in my heart.

Fallon, too. Even though our time together had been brief, my magic had connected us. I would never forget her.

I would never forget any of them.

A subtle weight rested against my palm, the medallion fully formed.

I stared into Vesperus’s gaze, loving the way his silver irises glimmered beneath the moonlight. “Are you ready, King?”

“I am, Goddess,” he confirmed.