Page 90 of Salem's Fall

I should question this, make sure he’s not lying again, not manipulating me. Because there’s still so much I don’t know. All the unanswered questions. All the gray and blurred lines between us. Can I really trust him?

But then I look up and see the way his eyes soften as he watches me. I feel the way his touch steadies me, and I realize none of it matters. I know one thing with absolute certainty. This. Us. It’s undeniable.

His hand extends toward me, palm open, waiting.

“So, what’s it going to be, Counselor?”

The lights around us flicker again, and the ground seems to hum beneath my feet. For a split second, I see a shadow move in the reflection of his eyes—a glimpse of something otherworldly. But I blink again, and it’s gone. With fingers trembling, I reach for him, knowing that this choice will change everything.

Then he kisses me.

It’s not gentle. It’s not careful. It’s fierce and consuming, a collision of fire and frost. His grip tightens as if daring me to pull away, but I don’t this time. I couldn’t even if I wanted to.

The world disappears, lost to the press of his mouth, the heat of his body, the way he steals my breath and gives me his in return, sealing my fate to his.

Forever.

When we finally break apart, I’m dizzy, my heart pounding against his. The way he looks at me—like I belong to him, like I always have—makes it impossible to imagine ever walking away again. The city lights blur around us, but the shadows don’t reach us anymore.

This time, we step into the light.

Together.