Page 108 of Ringmaster

“I promise you, Selestina, I will never allow anyone or anything to take you from me again. You will not lose me. My love for you is far too great. I will bring destruction to the universe, threatening all that the Endless are, should it happen again. Do you understand me? I will end creation if I can’t have you.”

And then he seals his vow with a kiss. Tiny details prickle across my skin, weaving themselves into the design of my tattoo.

Azrael pulls away slowly. “Shall I open the box and show you what’s inside now?”

I nod.

“Come over and sit down then, please,” he says.

I take a seat and watch as he begins to open the package. He reaches in and pulls out the first item: a pair of thin leather pants. He hands them to me, explaining, “These are enchanted to prevent injury. There’s nothing in existence that can cut through these leather pants. I could never forgive myself if anything ever happened to you.”

I sigh, taking them from him. When I slide them on, I’m surprised by how soft they feel. “They fit perfectly, “ I announce, bringing a smile to Azrael’s lips.

“Good,” he replies. “Now this.”

Azrael hands me a bunch of wispy material. It’s soft, humming full of magic that vibrates through my fingertips. I turn it over in my hands, unsure what to do with it.

“Here,” he says, taking it back. “Let me help you.”

He waves his hand, and my top disappears. He slides the material over my head, then holds each arm for me. Once the oversized shirt is in place, it thrums and suctions tightly against my skin.

“It’s a protective barrier,” he explains, holding up my corset. “Spelled to be impenetrable and made from my shadows, so a part of me is always with you, keeping you safe from harm.”

Butterflies fill my stomach. I can’t believe he used his own shadows. Azrael pulls the corset tight, weaving it into place. Finally, he slides the daggers into my corset, sheathing them. He steps back to admire me, a satisfied smile forming on his lips.

“Perfect.” He kisses my cheek softly.

“I must admit, I’ve never felt so safe or cared for,” I say with a smile.

“Selestina, I need you to listen carefully and trust me, “ Azrael says, suddenly serious once more.

“What is it?”

“Promise me that no matter what happens, you won’t make any deals with my brother. He’ll try to use you as a pawn. He’ll try to get you to sacrifice yourself, but our destiny is far too great to be separated again. Do not leave my side. This is important. Do you understand?”

Azrael’s voice is thick with worry. I’m suddenly reminded of all the people who’ve told me to stay close to him. A shiver rolls over my body at the weight of my realization. I understand, and I will not stray from him.

“I promise.”

“One last thing,” Azrael waves his hands around me, building up a swirling vortex of shadow.

“It’s another spell of protection. I can’t be too safe with you.” His confession pulls at my heart.

“How did you learn all of this?”

He smirks. I had an entire day to do nothing but read my old notes to myself. I guess a morbidly depressing piece of me was preparing for the worst even then, to give my future self the best shot should anything ever happen.

I throw my arms around his neck and hug him tight. I never want to let go. “I love you, Azrael.”

Some part of me feels like we’ve been here before. It’s as if everything he’s holding back from me is suddenly crystal clear, but I don’t understand—

Suddenly, I understand perfectly. It’s like he said: don’t lie to me. Anger threatens to bubble past the shields I erected earlier. I call it back to me. He’s not lying—he’s omitting information, and the bond is showing me everything he won’t say. I sigh, deciding not to look any further. If Azrael believes I’m not ready to process these things yet, then I trust him.

“I love you too,” he replies, relief washing over us both, momentarily.

“Will you be safe and protected if I have all this?” I ask.

“Always. I’m always protected,” he answers.