Even though his voice is rough, the fact that the Hunter is talking at all feels like a miracle. I make a mental note to thank Eva and Gallan, because there is no doubt in my mind that without them and their help, Gabriel wouldn’t be here right now.
I half hiccup, half sob, relieved that he’s awake, and shake my head. He’d have better luck asking the suns not to shine. “I can’t stop.”
There are far too many emotions rearing their heads inside me all at once, and I can’t sort through them. Not right now.
“Okay.” Understanding shines in Gabriel’s eyes. “I get it; it’s a lot.”
I nod, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. “I just... I thought I’d be alone again.”
In the quietest hours of the darkest nights, fear had wormed its way into me. That he would never wake up and that I’d be alone forever.
But now, he’s awake, and I can breathe more easily. Or I would be able to if I wasn’t sobbing. Wet trails course down my cheeks, and my chest hurts.
“Come here, Wren.” In a movement that probably isn’t recommended for a man who just woke from a long sleep, Gabriel reaches for me.
“I don’t think you should?—”
“Shh.”
I should probably be insulted by the way he shushed me, but words escape me when Gabriel picks me up as though I weigh nothing at all. He settles me on the bed next to him, wrapping his arm around me and holding me close. His lips brush the top of my head. By the gods, such a small movement has no right feeling so incredible.
“Let it all out, Wren. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere,” he murmurs.
That last sentence, an echo of the same one I made to him, has those fucking tears flowing even faster. Rivers pour from my eyes. Who knew it was possible to cry so much during a joyous occasion? Certainly not me.
My shoulders shake, and I bring my hands to my face, hiding behind my palms. Gabriel holds me close against his chest. I press my face against his tunic, and it’s soaked in seconds, but he doesn’t seem to care. He is a strong rock behind me.
I will never have to be alone again because I have a partner. A fated mate.
This is the first time I’ve thought of him as such, and the truth of what it means slams into me so fast my tears dry up, gone as quickly as they had appeared.
I have a fated mate, and I willneverbe alone.
For the first time since Gabriel and I met, I wonder if he was sent to me. Yes, the Given stick together... But the Givendie.
Death is the destiny of the gods-blessed.
Maybe Gabriel was sent to help me wade through the difficulties of this life. Maybe with him, I can find a way to the other side. I have no idea what’s going to come next or how we’re going to deal with another Giving Season. Up until now, I’ve cast it from my mind, but I know I can’t do that forever. Winter will soon turn into spring, which will become summer. Then the season of death will be upon us once again.
But somehow, the thought of facing another Giving Season isn’t as frightening as it could be. Because Gabriel is here, and we will tackle it together.
I’m not sure how long I stay snuggled against Gabriel’s chest before he gently shifts us, pulling us both into a seated position.
I can feel him studying me, so I take the opportunity to do the same. Scruff decorates the bottom half of his face, and his skin has already regained a bit of color. Less ghost-adjacent and more sickly, it’s still an improvement. Dark bags hang under his eyes, and I restrain my urge to brush my fingers over them.
“How long has it been?” His deep voice pulls me out of my thoughts. Gods, it’s good to hear that sound again.
“What do you mean?”
“How long was I... asleep?” he asks in the soft tone I’m still not used to hearing from him.
I lick my lips. “Over a month.”
“Fuuuck.” He draws out the word as though it contains several syllables, and he pulls away from me. “That’s... Gods. I just need a minute.”
I nod as he rises to his feet, walking to the bathing room on unsteady legs. I hear the rush of water, and several minutes pass before he returns, retaking his spot beside me.
“It doesn’t feel like a month has passed,” he says.
