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“Some, very few, are strong enough to control the urge, to find work like a mercenary, or to hunt for something more than bloodlust. For those I can find, I help them cross over and they usually end up choosing to work in the Underworld army.
“You are not a soulless hunter, you were a human and one that deals in life, not death. Your soul bled with this life path, and I will let you bleed out this pain, but I will not let you bleed out your life. You need to heal yourself and will not do it alone. I will walk beside you this entire journey, and if you do not need me, then fine. But know this; I am here. As your partner, your friend, or whatever you have need of me for, I will never ever let you battle demons without me by your side. Ever.”
He sagged, the sobs tearing from him as she held him against her. Both of them curled into each other on the forest floor.
The pain was so strong it was a wonder he wasn’t broken to pieces on the ground like a shattered mirror. It was overwhelming, but now he didn’t have to be alone in this. With that, a calmness started to spread along the surface of his skin.
It was so difficult to admit a person needed help sometimes, but so wonderful when they did. When they allowed themselves to be wrapped in someone else’s strength and carried, their feet too tired from the journey.
Smoke and darkness wrapped around them, cocooning them. He felt her release all the pain he had sent into her, the smoke clearing after a long moment to show blue fire all around them.
Devon watched the trees burn, the ground turn to ash. He felt her watching him as the world burned down around them. As if he were the most important thing in her eyes.
“What did you do?” he asked, his voice weak from the turmoil and yelling.
“The woods were sick, so I burned them down using everything you just gave me,” she whispered as she stroked his back, still holding him. “Put your hand in the ash, Devon.”
He looked at her for a moment with his red and swollen eyes before he finally did as she had asked. Her body seemed to sag slightly in relief, as if some grand plan was in the works, and she worried he might argue.
“Close your eyes and think of moments in your life that brought you such joy. Time with your father, the place you grew up…”
“You,” he whispered, his hand clenching as it moved deeper in the surrounding ash.
“If that is what brings you joy.” He heard the emotion in her words. “Keep thinking of everything you have to be grateful for. Send those feelings of love and contentment down your hand and into the ash.”
His eyes opened to the sight of his veins glowing like beautiful, neon green vines.
He looked from his hand to the ground around them. Grass spread from him like water, trees of the most beautiful greens sprouted up where only moments ago the sickly looking trees had sat.
It was absolutely beautiful.
“I’m… this is all from my power?” he asked in awe, staring as the forest sprang to life around
them.
“Yes,” she responded, her eyes watery and a smile on her face that was so wide he was sure her cheeks would hurt tomorrow.
“How… How did you know I was capable of this? That I could use my power this way?”
“I thought using my pathetic attempt at gardening might help you learn to control your powers and find a way to help you in regard to what you’ve been through.” She ran a finger over the green vein of his hand. “You can come back from this. You can take the pieces of you that are dark, burned, and ashy to grow something new and wonderful. Everybody deserves to have a chance to make themselves anew and you are no different. This forest is yours, Devon. Use this to heal your heart.”
After a quiet moment, she stood and dusted off her pants. He saw in her face that she was giving him time. That she knew it was a lot for him and while it would take a while to heal, it was an important first step.
“Stay here and let yourself grieve the loss of who you were and celebrate the rebirth of who you are. I am your friend, Devon, and I always will be, but when you give me your heart, if you choose to,” she corrected, obviously hoping not to overstep. “I want it whole.”
She turned and began to walk away when he jumped up and grabbed her arm, pulling her into a hug.
“Thank you,” he told her as tears fell down his cheeks. She smiled and placed her hands on his jaw, using her thumb to wipe a tear away.
She leaned in and kissed his cheek, her shadows slowly encircling her.
“Always, Devon. Always,” she whispered.
Chapter 30
Persephone was not at all surprised to be accosted by her sisters when she returned to the castle.
“I see Thanatos was unable to escort you out.” She slanted a look at the man in question and
