Page 90 of Deceiver

“Your love bond is complete,” Farnsworth says. “May your eternity be sweet.”

Wilder seems dazed. “Is he okay?” I ask.

Farnsworth nods, stepping out of the cloud of red smoke that is also quickly fading. “He is. Just a bit drained. He did give you part of his soul, after all.”

Part of his soul. “Right.”

“He felt it far more than you did, but he’ll be fine in a minute or two.”

And just like that, Wilder coughs before dragging in a few deep breaths. “Damn.”

“You’re okay?”

He turns to me, his eyes instantly softening. “We did it. We’re bonded.”

“We are.”

Aster claps Wilder on the back. “Congratulations, you two. We’ll get out of here so you can celebrate.”

“That’s it?” I ask, glancing around.

“That’s it,” Hudson says. “Pretty easy really.”

Farnsworth smooths a hand over his pristine suit. “Congratulations. I’m very happy for you, Wilder. Be well.”

Then he’s gone again.

Aster chuckles. “That’s the warmest I’ve ever seen him be.”

“Me too,” Wilder says, winking.

“Will we see you both at this year’s Chaser party?”

“There’s a party?” I say.

Wilder frowns. “Ah, I tried to block it out, but attendance is mandatory.”

“Where is it?”

“The underworld,” Hudson says. “In the Revival House. It’s pretty cool.”

I blink several times to process what he just said. “I’m sorry… I’ll be in the underworld for a party?”

“Yep.” Hudson nods, sliding his arm around Aster’s waist. “We can do that now. It’s not scary at all though. It’s like a regular place. Mostly.”

“Interesting.”

“Wilder absolutely adores forced camaraderie, don’t you, buddy?” Aster teases while Wilder rolls his eyes.

“I believe you said you were leaving.”

Aster chuckles. “Yeah, yeah, we’re leaving. Come on, Otto.”

“Thank you for helping us,” I call out as the two men and their dog exit the house.

Once they’re gone, Wilder turns to face me, his expression unusually peaceful. “Shall we consummate our bond?”

“It’s only fitting.”