Page 128 of Magic Claimed

He held out both hands, palms up. “That is as far as ourauthority extends. However the two of you choose to proceed from here… is up to you.”

I was so relieved I couldn’t even speak. I just turned, wrapped my arms around Callum’s waist, buried my head in his chest, and cried.

Landon was kind enough to give us a few moments before interrupting.

“I have a flight back to New Mexico in just a few short hours, so I won’t overstay my welcome. But it may interest you both to know that Heather Claudel was given a choice of being tried by the shapeshifters or the fae.” He grimaced. “She chose the fae.”

I doubt I was very successful in concealing my dismay. Not that I truly felt sorry for her, but she likely had no experience with the Fae Court’s concept of justice—which was often swift and brutal, if not outright cruel.

“Any idea what will happen to her?”

Landon shrugged. “We have been assured that she is unlikely to be seen again, and will no longer pose a threat. Frankly, I have no desire to ask questions.”

Probably wise. “And what of Hector Ademar?” I still had a score to settle with the naga—both for attempting to kill Faris, and for his role in poisoning my mate.

Landon’s expression turned studiously blank. “The only thing I have to report is that he has not been heard from in several weeks. He apparently disappeared while on a business trip somewhere in Arizona.”

My mouth opened. Closed. Callum looked as if he’d just swallowed a live eel.

“Naturally we are concerned,” Landon added, “but given Mr. Ademar’s business dealings, it would not be highly surprising to discover that one of his unsavory connections has finally caught up with him. If any evidence of his whereabouts turns up in the future, you will, of course, be informed.”

“I, uh… thank you.”

“And with that”—he offered both of us a nod—“I have a flight to catch. Accept my best wishes and please know that the court would be pleased to welcome both of you as soon as it is convenient.”

He walked away and out through the doors, leaving Callum and me to stare at each other in a haze of disbelief.

“Did that really happen?”

“It did.” He ran an unsteady hand through his hair. “Should I say anything to Mom?”

I shuddered. “You can if you want, but I’m not brave enough to bring it up.”

No doubt Tairen and I would be having a conversation eventually—about my bond with her son, among other things. But just for today, I decided to pretend that I didn’t know my mother-in-law had likely done something violent and irreversible to Hector Ademar.

“We should go find out what Faris’s surprise is,” Callum murmured.

“Yes, please.”

I almost couldn’t process that it was already over. That the thing I’d feared for the last four weeks was done, and Callum and I were free to be together without constraint.

It didn’t feel any more real as we left the room and weresurrounded by our family and friends. Nor did it quite sink in as we walked out together, crossed the street, and approached the newly restored front of The Portal.

The scaffolding was gone, revealing an entirely new brick facade. The door was a lovingly aged replica of the original, and the windows were framed in restored wood.

What was quite conspicuously missing? The sign that had once hung permanently on the front door, proclaiming the premises closed for renovation.

Nor was there any glamour to conceal what went on inside from the casual eyes of passers-by. The windows were bright and clear, and a new sign hung over the entrance—a gorgeous, traditional wooden pub sign framed in steel, with a brand new logo burned into the center.

The Portal Supernatural Nightclub and Bar

I turned to Faris. “You’re going public?”

He nodded. “If humans and Idrians are going to find a way to live together, we need more spaces where both can feel safe. I think it’s time to drop the glamour and try to be better neighbors.”

A bold move, and one that wasn’t likely to make his life any easier.

That didn’t mean it wasn’t the right one.