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“Never,” he promised hoarsely.

“I missed you so much.” She wiped her face dry with the bottom of her shirt. Then she was looking at him, gemstone eyes still glassy and brimming with unshed tears. “Promise me you’ll stay.”

He laid her down next to him, and this time it was his body curled around her. As if he could shield her from all that was yet to come. He too, felt the fear for the future strangling him. His hold tightened. “Of course, I’ll stay.” Fresh tears fell onto his arm where her head rested. He kissed the back of her head reverently and added, “I’m yours—in whatever way you’ll have me.”

Chapter

Forty-Three

PERINE WILDER

The Samhain moon hung high, its silver glow casting a soft, eerie light over the celebration below. Peri stood atop a wide, stony staircase, her gaze racing over the wild, forbidden revelry that she’d never imagined herself witnessing. Yet, here she was, arms linked with Oleander Brightmore, two lone figures enjoying the calm before entering the chaos.

She slid the ring Oleander had given her onto her finger, feeling the familiar magic of it—her amethyst skin turning brown once more. Wild curls, shimmering like starlight, swirled around her face and were swept by a warm breeze. She’d scrubbed the Morozjak’s blood from the knife-filled outfit that the gorgons had made for her, it seemed fitting to wear it here when she needed all the bravery she could muster.

Her head was crowned with a delicate flower garland woven from lilacs and plum-coloured herbs by Brenn. There was a certain magic in wearing something made by friends, infused with their love and belief in her. It gave Peri the courage to believe that tonight might go better than she’d imagined.

Her satchel was slung over her shoulder and contained everything she held dear—journals crammed with notes, stolen books on magical creatures, a mix of outfits, and the soaps and creams Sia had given her long ago.

Around her, revellers from all Circles gleamed under the moonlight in clothing fashioned from all types of foliage and flora. Most importantly for the debauchery that laid ahead for tonight, everyone wore simple masks. Peri too had most of her face covered, only her night was to be filled with much less enjoyable activities.

But it was the magical beings who drew the most attention. The final night of the Samhain Moon marked the peak of their celebrations, and the Fauna Circle shimmered with a collective, intoxicating magic. The air was thick with the sweetness of mischief, the very atmosphere crackling with laughter and camaraderie.

Oleander stood beside her, his dark horns gleaming from where she’d carefully polished them earlier that day while they’d curled together in bed.

A sense of melancholy gnawed at her. Their time at the gorgons’ house had felt like the most enchanted part of her life—comfortable, safe—but now, the unknown pressed upon her. She didn't know what would happen next. The waiting was agony, but the only way out was through.

Oleander caught her looking at him, his mouth twisting into a mischievous grin. Silver throwing stars were stitched into his dark velvet jacket which he left open, letting his deep blue skin show. Both of them wore masks, colourful and intricate, allowing them to melt into the crowd of revellers unnoticed.

Then, the wind shifted. Their clothes fluttered forward as something huge landed behind them. Peri’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to look.

The behemoth everyone had whispered about in Hell stood before them.

It was a creature out of nightmares—towering over them, its four legs thick as cedar trunks, tusks curling ominously from its mouth, spikes running along its back like a living weapon, its massive tail swishing slowly in anticipation.

Peri froze, her body stiffening as panic gripped her. Slowly, carefully, she craned her neck to take it all in. Laurel Brightmore dismounted, her boots hitting the ground with a resounding thud.

Oleander’s eyes widened in shock as his mother approached, striding with confidence, her gaze sharp and knowing. Before he could move, she wrapped him in a tight, warm hug.

“Oh, Oleander! You look absolutely lovely,” Laurel said. “I’m afraid I can’t stay long. As I mentioned, I have new responsibilities in other realms. But! I wanted to give you something.”

Laurel held out a dark rope to Oleander, who stared at it, confused.

“This is a—” he began.

“Darling, I know what it is.” She smiled softly. “Do with it as you will, but I wanted to give you my blessing, no matter what path you choose.”

Oleander nodded slightly, his expression softening under his mother’s approval. “Will I see you again after this?” he whispered, his voice tinged with something deep—longing, perhaps.

Laurel grinned, her eyebrows raised mischievously. “I should hope so. But who knows what the future holds?”

“Haven’t all of your weird visions been predictions of the future?” Oleander argued, slightly exasperated.

“Fine. I might have an idea.” Laurel said, pulling him in for one last hug. When she finally stepped away, she gave his cheek a loving pat, and then turned to Peri.

Laurel gently took Peri’s hands, recognising her immediately. She paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and in a low, earnest tone said, “You deserve whatever happiness you can claw out for yourself, Perine Wilder. Thank you for helping me when very few would.”

Peri gave her a shaky nod. “Of course.”