Page 57 of Loving Amari

Tears would be streaming down my face if this realm allowed them.

You protected King Amir’s son Solomon from souls escaping limbo before you even understood what you were becoming. You accepted the role of Queen of Limbo, became Guardian of Realms, all while humans called you monster and supernaturals kept you at arm’s length. You begged for acceptance and received only tolerance at best.

“Please,” I beg. “Stop.”

You know more than anyone that the position you’re in is a thankless job. A burden that breaks most who carry it. Yet you carry it still.

“What can I do to get back to Wintermoon?” My voice breaks. “So I can save them? Please. Tell me what to do.”

I’m so happy you asked.

“Why?” I turn in the void, searching for any sign of the entity speaking to me.

Because it has to be a choice. Free will is my greatest gift and my heaviest curse. I cannot force you. I can only offer.

“I will do anything.” My voice is fierce. “Anything. Just tell me.”

I know you will, child. You have a much stronger bond with Amari than most mates. Because you didn’t need the mate bond for your love to bloom. The mate bond is simply a bonus. You don’t need my supernatural bond to love him.

The voice softens with something like pride.

You chose Amari, and he chose you. Before the bond snapped into place. Before destiny declared it. You chose each other through free will, through genuine connection, through love that transcended what I designed. That’s what makes you so special, Carla.

“I don’t feel special. I feel lost.”

You’ve hidden in the shadows for centuries, but you’ve done some of the most formidable and impressive things. Acts of courage. Acts of sacrifice. Acts of pure, selfless love.

“Doesn’t feel like I’ve done much of anything,” I mutter.

You don’t see what I see. You’ve spent your existence begging for a place in the living realm, desperate for acceptance from people who would never give it. And you know what you did in the end?

I wait, my heart pounding.

You made your own. You stopped begging. You stopped shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that were never meant for you. You built a family with Amari, created a home in Medina Shadow Coven, and claimed your throne in limbo.

I think about that. About how different my life is now compared to even a year ago. About finally being seen.

You don’t seek approval anymore. You live in yourself, and you love the family you’ve built with Amari. And just like me, you’ll do anything to protect that family.

“What do I have to do?” I ask, voice steady now.

A pink orb suddenly appears in front of me, pulsing with power that makes me vibrate. It’s beautiful and terrifying, swirling with energy that feels both familiar and utterly foreign. The magic inside it calls to me, recognizes me, wants to merge with me.

I stare at it, and understanding crashes through me wave. “I need to ascend.”

You seem disappointed.

“I don’t understand what it means. Ascend to what? Become what?”

You belong on a higher plane, child. With the other guardians and keepers of balance. Those who watch over realms, who maintain the delicate threads that keep existence from unraveling.

“But Amari.” My voice cracks. “My children.”

It is simply a choice. A choice that I can assure you will work best for you in the end. Trust in me, as I have trusted in you.

I step closer to the orb, feeling its pull. “Choices come with consequences. I was given a second chance at life. I died. I’m not supposed to be here.”

You are very bright, Carla Blackwood. Yes, you understand.