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"Going to be?" I repeated dryly. "Sweetheart, I believe that infernal feline has been insufferable since the day he arrived at Blackthorn Manor."

She laughed again.

"Oh, Garrik! You know you love him."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Do I, indeed?"

"Yes, you do!" she poked me with one finger. “Don’t deny it!”

I considered that for a moment. Then I sighed.

"Very well. I suppose I have grown rather fond of the troublesome creature."

Celeste smiled triumphantly.

"I knew it!"

I drew her into my arms, enjoying the wonderful sensation of holding her against my living body. She was so small compared to me—so beautifully soft and warm, and I marveled once again at the extraordinary good fortune which had brought her into my life.

For a hundred years, Blackthorn Manor had been a lonely place. I'd wandered its halls as a ghost, watching the seasons change beyond the windows while the world moved on without me.

But now everything was different. I had my body back, I had my Gryphon powers, and most importantly, I had Celeste. My beautiful, brave, wonderful Heart-mate.

I looked down at her, feeling the warmth of our magical connection glowing softly inside my chest.

"Well, sweetheart," I murmured, "I believe we've had quite enough excitement for one evening. What do you say we return to our bed?"

She smiled up at me.

"That sounds wonderful."

I took her hand, and we began walking towards the staircase. But before we'd gone more than a few steps, Celeste paused and looked back towards the enormous black stone doors.

"You know," she said thoughtfully, "I can't really blame Natalie for wanting to stay in Hidden Hollow."

I looked down at her.

"Indeed?"

She shook her head.

"No. I mean, sure, she went about it in the worst possible way, and I definitely think she deserves her magical punishment. But I understand why she didn't want to go back to the Human Realm and Tampa."

I smiled.

"Do you want to go back, sweetheart?"

“Only to talk to my kids and let them know I’ve moved,” she said firmly. “Of course, I can’t exactly explain that their mom is a witch now, but I don’t want them thinking I disappeared off the face of the Earth. As for my horrible boss, Angie, I think I’ll just let her wonder.” She smiled. “She’s going to be so upset when both Natalie and I turn up missing. I wish I could see the look on her face when she realizes she’s two workers short during our busiest time of the year!”

“It sounds like she’ll be getting what she deserves,” I remarked.

“She really will,” Celeste said with satisfaction. She frowned. "But you know, I still have my apartment and my job and a bunch of things I need to take care of."

"Then we'll take care of them together," I assured her. "We'll arrange to bring your belongings to Blackthorn Manor.”

“We can?” She smiled up at me. “Thank you, Garrik—that would be perfect.”