Page 46 of Dark Rapture

I am mesmerized by the destruction, captivated by the sight of everything burning down before me. It isn’t until a set of large, powerful arms wrap around my waist and pull me out of the room that awareness floods back in.

As Stolas pulls me out of the burning room, my back pressed against his broad chest, an invisible barrier keeping the fire contained to that one room shatters. The rest of the house begins to catch on fire as the room collapses, the inferno spreading so quickly that within seconds the entire house is engulfed in flames.

Wrapping me in his arms, my demon turns and heads for the stairs. He walks down them with ease, cradling me protectively against his chest as the fire destroys my uncle’s home.

Stolas tightens his embrace, his dark power rushing over me like cool water. Tranquility fills the empty places my rage left behind when I purged it, soothing all the scorched places inside of me. I close my eyes and relax in his embrace as we hit the bottom of the stairs. His lips press against my forehead in a kiss as he sets me down on my feet.

When my eyes open, I gaze up into his. Two endless black voids peer back at me, full of constellations and dazzling stars. The demon is unbothered by the fire, and he offers me a knowing smile as he extends his hand towards me.

My smaller hand slips into his, and he wraps his fingers around it. We turn together as the structure of the house begins to crumble, falling to ruin at our backs. He guides me forward, the door opening with a quiet chant falling from his lips.

I step through the burning door first, pulling him with me. The house collapses the moment our feet hit the driveway, but I don’t bother looking backwards.

There’s nothing for me in the past, no reason to turn around. Life exists on the path ahead of us, and I don’t intend to leave it waiting.

As we walk together down the driveway, Stolas tightens his grip on my hand. I turn my head to look at him, catching his otherworldly gaze. His smile is wicked, full of promise. “Feel better, little witch?”

I nod, because words aren’t needed. He knows everything. His smile widens and he turns his gaze upwards to the clear night sky. His beautiful eyes mirror the view overhead, reflecting the cosmos back at me.

“Would you like to learn how to fly, Selene?”

I smile, a new excitement blossoming within me. “Absolutely.”

…

I thought wielding my magic in the form of fire felt transcendent, but flying through the starlit heavens with Stolas is a whole new level of divine happiness.

THE END