Eternally Bound, Chapter 59: Ending Darkness
Eva
This isn’t over yet. I have some unfinished business because I have a debt with the White Wolf. It is time to settle, and I want answers. “Not yet. Alarick, it's time.” I summoned the White Wolf.
Alarick appeared from the ether. He looked around and nodded to my mates before he stepped beside me and looked down at the defeated Astaroth. She kept blinking and shaking her head. “No, no, this isn't real. This is an illusion.”
“I am very real now, thanks to Eva. Now, I know everything you did to my mate. How you tried to use her essence to make yourself appealing to me and to seduce Bael.” Alarick looks at Bael. “All is forgiven.” Then he puts his hand on my stomach. “Soon, a piece of me will be reborn. In time, everything will be reborn…everything but you, Astaroth. This is where your story ends.”
Alarick takes my hand. I offer my other hand to Cassius, and he takes Elena’s hand. Together, we all rip her apart before everyone focuses their energies to turn Astaroth’s remains to dust.
“It's done.” I nod, my gaze sweeping over the assembled forces. The pixies are tending to the wounded, their laughter a stark contrast to the grim reality of the situation. The fae stand in silent vigil, their magic humming in the air like a low chant. Venus hugs Simon as she gives Sam and me a wink. Levi’s and Pakhet’s fierce growls serve as a promise of the strength we’ll need to rebuild.
And my mates stand tall, their unique energies intertwining to form a shield of protection and love. We’ve been through hell and back, but we’ve emerged stronger, our bond unbreakable.
As the sun sets over the Forest of Echoes, casting long shadows across the blood-soaked earth, I take a deep breath, the weight of what we’ve accomplished settling over me. Brandon slings an arm around my shoulders, his usual sarcasm tinged with genuine affection. “Well, that was fun. Next time, let’s invade a spa or something.”
Eric’s lips quirk in a small smile, his prophetic visions momentarily at rest. “I think we’ve earned a break.”
Sam’s hand finds the small of my back, his touch reassuring. “Our pups are safe. We’ll rebuild. Together.”
Vincent’s gaze is intense, his loyalty unwavering. “You’re our strength, Eva. Always.”
And Vlad, ever the charmer, winks. “To victory, and to us. The most dysfunctional, badass family in existence.”
I look at them, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. We are a family, bound by ties that go beyond blood or obligation. We are a force to be reckoned with, and our love will light the way.
As the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, I turn my gaze to the horizon, where the first faint glimmers of dawn are beginning to appear. The world is broken, but it’s ours to mend. And together, we will. “We did it,” I whisper, my voice hoarse with emotion. “But this is just the beginning.”
Vincent
That was the worst battle that I have ever faced. I know that it has taken an emotional toll on all of us, but especially Eva. She isn’t used to seeing those she cares about die. I kept replaying Claire’s death in my mind. Morgan had warned me, and I was too arrogant to listen, but I wouldn’t make the same mistake…not with Eva…not with her carrying my son. After we bury our dead, I am going to marry her. I am not going to wait for those babies to be born. I link to the guys, and they all agree. Katie wants a wedding, now Katie will get one huge wedding with six grooms and there won’t be any pink sparkles in sight!