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His gaze drifted toward Azaren. Something unreadable passed between them.

Later, when the ceremony was over and everyone was dancing beneath strings of fairy lights while Reggie unsuccessfully attempted to steal pieces of wedding cake, Asmodeus joined us beneath one of the old oaks.

His golden eyes settled on the faint shimmer connecting my wrist to Azaren's. "The tether remains."

I nodded. "Thirty-three yards."

"Hm."

"You know why?"

"I have a theory."

My eyes lit up. "What is it?"

He smiled. "Not today."

"Oh, come on."

He merely chuckled. "Some mysteries are more enjoyable when discovered naturally."

Then he vanished into infernal fire before I could complain. "I don't like him," I muttered.

"You are not meant to."

"He makes you look downright cuddly."

Azaren looked entirely too pleased with himself. "I shall treasure that compliment."

That evening, after the first guests had gone home and Screaming Woods had fallen quiet once more, we sat together on the dock watching the stars reflect across the lake. His wings stretched lazily behind us.

My head rested against his shoulder. "What happens now?"

He looked down at me. "What do you mean?"

I hesitated. "Well..."

Suddenly I felt ridiculous. "Am I..." I glanced toward the still lake. "...going to end up looking like Mrs. Wilton while you're still..."

He raised an eyebrow. "Still what?"

"Oh, don't do that."

"Do what?"

"You know exactly what."

"I enjoy hearing you say it."

I groaned. "Seriously, Azaren."

"Hm?"

"You're going to stay all..." I waved vaguely at him. "...annoyingly handsome forever."

One corner of his mouth lifted. "You think I'm handsome."

I slapped his chest. "You know you are."