Page 123 of Twisted Violet

I look at them, at my mess, my peace, my people, and I feel something settle in my chest.

“I know exactly what you mean.” I say, smiling at her.

A soft breeze slips in through the open front door, carrying the smell of sugar, espresso, and something warm I can’t quite name.

Customers laugh. Stevie rolls her eyes at Ezra. Ollie finally steals the croissant. And for the first time in my life, I don’t brace for the crash.

I just let myself enjoy it.

Because I didn’t just survive,

I built something worth living for.

And I’m never letting it go.

EPILOGUE: PART 2

VIOLET

We’re exactly thirty-three minutes into the movie when Rome groans for the fourth time.

“This is a cartoon,” he mutters, arms crossed like he’s gearing up for war.

“It’s an animated movie with incredible emotional depth,” I say, stealing a handful of popcorn from Dallas’ lap.

Niko tilts his head from the corner of the couch. “They’re fighting demons… with choreography.”

“That’s the point,” Dallas and I say in unison.

Rome sighs again, like he’s hoping we’ll feel sorry for him and turn it off.

Spoiler Alert: We won’t.

“You agreed to movie night,” Dallas says, shoving a pillow under his head. “That means democracy. You were outvoted.”

Niko mumbles something under his breath. I don’t catch all of it, but I’m pretty sure it alludes to emotional manipulation.

I sink deeper into the couch as the movie playson with a blanket tucked around my legs. Ollie is out cold, snoring between my feet like a weighted pillow with attitude. Rome is sitting rigidly at one end of the couch, jaw clenched, trying not to look interested, as he taps his feet to the music. And Niko is lounging against the armrest, hood up like that’ll protect him from the heartbreak to come.

It won’t.

Because we’re almost there.

Dallas catches my eye and grins.

I grin back.

They have no idea what’s about to hit them.

And then…

It happens.

Jinu steps in front of the Demon King’s fire.

He apologizes to Rumi for betraying her trust, and he gives her his soul.

The light explodes.