Page 60

Killian

I can feel the shards of Dani’s shattered heart piercing my own, a collective ache that resonates deeply in the silence. Carter had made the ultimate sacrifice, stepping in front of Octavia’s blast to save Dani’s life, a gesture that will forever embed him in my memories with gratitude.

I carefully lift Dani’s fragile form from the forest floor, where the cool earth cradled her as if trying to hold and comfort her.

We had given her a few moments to process the chaos, but now, I can sense her small body growing cold.

Instinctively, she nestles closer into my chest, yet her eyes, once bright with life, now stare blankly up at me, void of emotion.

In an effort to reassure her, I offer my warmest smile, though the weight of the moment lingers heavily in the air. I focus my energy and teleport us back to the familiarity of our home.

“Is she okay?! Dani!” Jules’ voice trembles with panic as she rushes into the living room. Her eyes are wide with worry as she takes in the sight of me cradling her best friend.

“She just needs a little time... you both do,” I respond softly, trying to comfort both of them.

“Why don’t you two relax in my room for a bit?

Maybe watch some TV and get some rest—it could help.

” I can see the distress etched on Jules’ face, her brow furrowed, and her lips pressed tight, reflecting the turmoil swirling inside her.

“That would be nice, Kil. Thank you,” she replies, her voice steadier but still laced with sadness.

As I start to ascend the staircase, I nod subtly for Jules to follow, and she trails behind me, her footsteps hesitant .

I gently sit Dani on my bed, the soft comforter enveloping her like a warm embrace.

Although aware of her surroundings, her eyes remain vacant, like a fog has settled over her spirit.

I lean down and press a tender kiss to her forehead, feeling the coolness of her skin against my lips.

Just as I turn to step away, I feel her fingers wrap around my wrist, her grip weak yet insistent, pulling me back with an almost desperate need.

Even with her tear-stained face and swollen eyes illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp, Dani remains the most breathtaking person I have ever encountered.

Her auburn hair shimmers like glowing embers, catching the light with fiery undertones that dance around her face, reminiscent of a warm autumn sunset.

“I thought I had lost you, Kil. I thought you…” Her voice trembles as a sob escapes her lips, each word steeped in the fear of that fleeting moment. I can feel the weight of her worry.

I sit on my bed, pulling her into my embrace, wanting to shield her from the fears that grip her heart.

“Shh, it’s okay, baby. I’m perfectly fine, thanks to you,” I reassure her gently, but she interrupts me, her eyes still shining with unshed tears. “And Carter,” she adds, hastily wiping another tear away with the back of her hand.

I lean in to kiss her temple softly. “Yes, and thanks to Carter. He was the real hero tonight, wasn’t he?” I say, eliciting a slight nod of agreement as she gradually collects herself.

Jules sits on my bed next to Dani, her eyes welling up with tears at the sight of her.

Without a word, Dani and Jules are wrapped in each other’s arms, the overwhelming emotions spilling out of them both.

I watch them momentarily, my heart breaking for them both, before leaning down to press another tender kiss to Dani’s head.

As I step away, I glance back, filling the space between us with my words, “I love you, sunshine.” The sincerity in my voice lingers as I leave them to their moment, knowing that they will find strength in each other.

“Okay, but you saw the flames erupting from her hands, too, right?!” Dax exclaims, his eyes wide with disbelief as he leans forward across our large dining room table. The heavy oak surface reflects the warm glow of the flickering candles, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

Adonis, with a practiced grace, pours another glass of our deep crimson demon wine, the liquid swirling like a storm within the glass.

“Yeah, Dax, I don’t think any of us could possibly forget that…

” Adonis retorts, a hint of playful sass lacing his tone.

I shoot him a pointed glance, reminding him to temper his humor.

“Sorry, it’s just been a long day,” he admits with a heavy sigh.

“So, the curse is broken, we have our wings, we’ve reclaimed our power, and we’re finally free,” Dax continues, his voice steady.

He takes a hearty gulp from his glass. “I guess Amelia was right… once again. When Dani broke the curse, some of our power transferred to her. Maybe she has more abilities...” he says, his brow creased as he contemplates what it all means.

“I think…” Amelia pauses for a brief moment, her face in deep thought.

After a short hesitation, she continues.

“I think we didn’t fully grasp the extent of that curse.

It seems to me that the curse possessed various potential outcomes, each hinging on the choices made by the mate involved.

You know, the choice of free will... Octavia didn’t truly understand the depths of the magic she wielded when she cast that curse.

And Dani… I believe she is incredibly unique now. ”

The notion hangs in the air, intriguing and thought-provoking.

“What leads you to this conclusion?” Dax inquires, his curiosity piqued as he leans in closer.

“Dax… I’m a celestial being,” Amelia retorts with a playful smirk, her confidence palpable. “I know everything, you just said so yourself.”

We all chuckle at Amelia’s words, the sound echoing off of the walls. She speaks the truth, after all; Amelia has always been the one with a vast well of knowledge, the keeper of secrets who often chooses not to divulge all she knows.

Adonis glances towards the flickering flames dancing within the hearth. “Once Dani regains her strength, we should explore whether she can conjure those flames again in her hands. It’s possible that just as the curse was lifted, her ability to produce those flames emerged.”

Amelia’s expression grows serious, and she sets her wine glass down on the polished oak table with a soft clink.

“Now, with your fire element coursing through her veins, she likely also possesses other abilities. The visions she’s been experiencing—psychic phenomena run deep in her lineage.

But Adonis, consider this: you are a celestial being.

What if Dani not only inherited the fire element from Dax and Killian but also acquired some form of celestial power from you?

And with the three mystical symbols already etched on her body, along with the new one on her neck—”

Woah, what now?

Adonis interrupts, his voice laced with urgency, “Wait, what do you mean, the new one on her neck?”

Amelia’s eyes widen, her puzzled expression shifting between Adonis and the rest of us. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me?! You guys didn’t see the sowilo rune appear on her neck?! It’s huge! I’m pretty sure it goes down to her back, too,” Amelia says.

“How?!” Dax asks .

“So, you’re saying Dani has a rune etched into her neck now? A demonic rune of her own? Yet, she didn’t die in the process—how is that even possible?” I inquire, my voice tinged with disbelief as I lean forward

Adonis shrugs his broad shoulders. “Maybe because that’s her destiny? Maybe because that’s what she willed when she was holding Carter’s body as she was breaking the spell?” He suggests, his tone filled with uncertainty.

I run my hands through my hair. That all sounds possible.

Amelia, ever the calm center amidst our chaotic thoughts, smiles softly, her eyes sparkling with hidden wisdom. We all turn our attention to her, waiting for her to give us answers.

“Well, come on, spit it out,” I tell her.

“Alright, so,” Amelia flicks her long, shimmering hair over her shoulder.

Her eyes glint as she gathers our attention.

“Dani’s rune appeared because she willed it with every fiber of her being.

Adonis was right about that. She didn’t want Carter to die, but her desire to free the three of you burned even brighter.

She kept pleading into the cosmos for your freedom but also to see Carter again…

and in response, the universe granted her wish… the sowilo rune.”

We all stare at her, dumbfounded, like deer caught in headlights, grappling with the weight of her words.

“Oh, goddess and gods above! Do I really have to spell it out for you all?!” she exclaims, exasperation lacing her tone.

“Yes, yes, you do!” Adonis shouts, his voice rising impatiently.

Amelia presses on with a dramatic roll of her eyes.

“You guys! The sowilo rune represents life and energy. It nurtures growth and inspires expansion, serving as a destination and a guidepost along the way…” She pauses, letting the gravity of her words sink in, her gaze sweeping across our faces.

“With that rune, Dani can teleport wherever the hell she desires!” Amelia beams, her excitement infectious.

“Dani can travel to the afterlife anytime she damn well pleases!” He r smile is radiant, lighting up the dim room with the promise of possibilities that lie ahead.

Well, holy fucking shit…

“This is huge… this is good,” Adonis says, his eyes filled with excitement.

“Yeah, like really fucking good,” Dax chimes in, his cocky grin spreading across his face.

Amelia beams, nodding her head up and down. “Yes! She can see Carter anytime she wants! And we can all go with her… we can all go back home!”

“And what about Jules?” I ask her.

“Isn’t it obvious? Jules comes too… if she wants to, of course. But Dani can bring Jules with her, or… or I can.” Amelia admits. “Think of Dani’s rune like a real time portal. She can go anywhere and bring anyone with her.”

That’s news to me… we have never been able to bring anyone into the afterlife unless they were already dead or dying

“We have to go tell her. Dani needs to know this,” I say to everyone, knowing this news will cheer her up.

“I agree, but let’s let her and Jules sleep. They are fast asleep right now,” Amelia says.

We pop open another bottle of our rich, velvety wine, letting the tantalizing aroma waft through the air as we immerse ourselves in a quiet celebration.

We raise our glasses to the wonder of having our wings fully unfurled, harnessing our complete power, and to the breathtaking realization that our mate is the most perfect specimen ever to walk this planet.