Page 38

EPILOGUE

“ I feel like there are safer ways of entertaining her,” I grumble half-heartedly as Ash and Daion fly over our heads.

“She loves this,” Rio waves my concern away, as he watches his brother and Ash practice different aerobatic tricks. Rio has Thea on his shoulders while she squeals with delight at the show they’re putting on.

“We’re supposed to be cleaning up for my family's visit this weekend,” I remind him with a huff.

Forrest, Kit, and my parents will all be staying with us for a few days so they can visit with Thea. Where they struggled to relate to me as parents, they’re thriving as grandparents. They spoil my kid rotten, and I appreciate it.

Everyone who knows her spoils Thea.

We had Suvi and Matt over for dinner a few nights ago, and I swear I saw a twinkle in her eyes while playing with her, but maybe that's just because she loves my kid. I wouldn’t complain if she did decide to have one of her own, though, if only because seeing our kids be friends would be the most adorable thing ever. I know that any child of Suvi’s would grow up to be a friend worth having for her.

“Eden’s being a spoilsport again, huh?” Torrin asks as he joins us outside, handing me a small piece of chocolate before kissing my cheek.

“I am not!” I protest, melting for him as he scoops me into his arms, nuzzling my neck until I squeak.

“You should join them,” he says gently, but I shake my head. It’s not that I’m opposed to flying, but I’m not exactly great at it. I can barely keep myself upright on two feet, there’s no need to throw in two massive wings to see how uncoordinated I can be.

I haven’t really needed to use them or my other powers. I practice with Daion and Ash from time to time, but once Thea was born and the coven realised the level of fucked up that Zenith was striving for, they backed off. The council, surprisingly, accepted the coven taking responsibility for Zenith’s madness and their willingness to keep an eye on how Thea develops. With the firm promise not to act like a mob this time.

It definitely helped that they knew of Daion from his career before his demon side emerged and had respected him for it. Because of that, they were able to take his testimony into consideration. They weren’t super jazzed to learn that I’ve developed powers as well, but it really only made our case for Thea stronger. If we can handle this power without losing our minds, she can definitely do it. Especially as she’s going to grow with good examples, surrounded by support and love.

“You’re so beautiful when you scowl,” Rio teases as he walks back a few steps to lean in for a kiss. This makes Thea giggle, her chubby little hands immediately grabbing for fistfuls of my hair. Demon child, I think fondly as I gently detach her fingers from the strands before she can yank it out. Rio is no help, laughing right along with Thea’s giggling.

“You’re lucky you’re holding our kid, or I’d have to punish you for your disobedience,” I scold, and Rio just smirks.

“I feel like we could arrange that.”

“Incoming!” Daion hollers, but no one moves because he lands just fine beside us, followed by Ash. They both tuck their wings, then lean in for kisses before Daion snatches Thea off from Rio’s shoulders and twirls her in the air.

“Do you want to go inside for some pie?” Dai asks, nuzzling her chubby cheek. “Papa Torrin made some yummy pie!”

I giggle as Ash whisks me off my feet, spinning me around in a similar way to how Dai did for Thea.

The last year has been the happiest I’ve ever been. I honestly didn’t know I could be this happy, and it’s all thanks to the people around me. To Ash, for knocking me up. To Daion for being willing to help a witch in need. To Torrin for his offerings of pie. To Rio for his fiercely protective nature. And finally, to the little girl who’s become the centre of gravity for the five of us.

My amazing, wonderful, crazy family.