Lyle, Raiden, Calix, Kyra, and Capella.
Ever looks over them all, running her gaze to each of them as if cataloguing them, and checking they are real. They all seem unharmed as they sit, tucked up on the overstuffed chairs, with tea, cake, and fruits set before them. Seems Rigel couldn’t help himself after all.
Her eyes glisten, glinting diamonds in the light as she waits. She’s upset. Overwhelmed, even. But she’s safe, for now.
I squeeze her hand again and pull her back from wherever her mind has taken her. That distant look, for just a moment, breaking in and haunting her.
I twist my body to whisper to Ever, “Everyone is here. You can rest. They’re safe.” She nods in earnest, as if she’s still not believing it, but takes a deep inhale of breath as Lyle looks up, noticing her for the first time. They share a moment that stretches, dropping an eerie silence over the room.
I’m selfish for wanting to keep her all to myself, I know that. But I also know that maybe, for tonight, we can hide away and face the barrage tomorrow.
“I—”
“Thank you all for coming. Make yourselves at home.” I nod to the refreshments. “We’ll speak in the morning.” I raise my eyebrows and look at Calix, hoping he understands.
“Ever—” Lyle starts, but Ever is the one to shake her head and retreat from the room.
She makes her way back to my bedroom and, without another word, climbs under the sheets.
I don’t force her to talk or explain. Instead, I take my time to wash up. It’s my turn to slide under the covers, and I’m glad Ever isn’t out cold.
She snuggles up towards me, nuzzling against my skin. My hands twitch to remove the shirt and trousers she still has on, but I settle for pulling her up against me, locking her against me.
We stay like that, the silence around us growing like a protective barrier from intrusive thoughts. I know there’s a mountain of things to say. To sort. To ask. But I don’t have the energy.
I avoid the memories of the last time she slept in my bed—the battle to control the reaction I had to her, and the effort to shield to reach a point where we could be just like this.
“I never thought I’d be able to lie with you so easily.” My fingers trace down her back, and in my mind, I’m brushing against her skin, nothing between us.
“It was a steep price for you,” Her breathy voice tickles my chest.
“It’s done. I’d pay it over and over.” It’s the truth. “But you can’t worry, okay. I chose you. I’ll always choose you.” She’s quiet. So, I let her in on something I’ve started to come to believe in. “It was always my future, Ever. You are my fate, and I’m good with that.” I kiss her forehead and will her to sleep.
The questions will come tomorrow, but in here, just for a little longer, I can still protect her.
forty-eight
. . .
Ever
Despite Ten’s arms wrapped around me and his warmth invading my skin, he couldn’t keep the nightmares at bay. Sleep never truly claimed me, for I was held hostage by the events of the previous day playing over and over in my mind. I was agonising over details, sensations, and visions.
The vastness of the power that took me is an echo in the back of my mind, a shadow lurking amongst the pain of betrayal and the sting of death. My own actions, and my conscience screaming at me for giving in to the dark. Killing Fenix. Killing those others.
Tears stream down my face and soak into the pillow. I became the worst version of me, everything I thought I was fighting against, and I am guilty, as so many are in this mess.
I twist to watch Ten sleep. He’s peaceful. Calm. And it doesn’t matter how close we are because there is no magic between us. None gifted by Aslendrix, at least.
Perhaps being stripped of the magic that turned me into the monster is enough payment for my crimes.
Fenix killed Crimson. The Usher killed Kalan. I killed Fenix. And others.
The scared and overwhelmed girl who silently watched on as Lyle killed those men could never comprehend taking such actions herself, but I did. And I think I’d do it again.
Sunlight ebbs the darkness from the room, and Ten’s eyes open to me. His smile is my reward for surviving the night.
“Did you sleep? You still look tired.” His brow turns into a scowl, so I kiss it away.
