Page 84 of The Black Lotus

“Zephira.” He gives me a ‘don’t bullshit me’ kind of look. “I have a lot of brotherly duties to catch up on and I may not be the best at consoling, but I was there with you. I helped take care of her, too.”

“Then I should be asking if you’re okay.”

“She was dead to me long before I killed her.”

I nod. He got to grow up being manipulated by her every day, whereas I grew up not knowing where I came from.But I’m glad I found out.I watch Aster stick a piece of gum in his mouth, pocketing the wrapper. I can tell he wants a smoke, and I’m tempted to give him one, but I know Serena would kill us both, so I keep my pack in my purse.

I glance into the street, my breath catching as I see a wave of red hair and mussed mop of brown. My feet move before I can stop myself, chasing after the two people as if my life depended on it.It can’t be. Could it?I hear Aster shouting my name, but I ignore it as I grab the couple walking, both of them turning at the same time.

I can’t believe it.My hands cover my mouth as the tears I fought back for years finally fall. “Calliope. Ryland.” I whisper, scared they’re just a figment of my imagination.

“Hey Zee,” they say at the same time, watching as I crumple to my knees.

They’re here.

They’re alive.

They’re alive.

The End…