by K. G. Reuss
Together forever
Mortal life forsaken
I let out a whoosh of air and sagged against Raiden. His arms wound around me as I drew in gulping breaths.
“It’s OK,” he murmured.
“I really don’t think it is,” I answered, the vision clearer than any before it. “It’s bad.”
I pulled away from him and stared into his eyes. I could see it staring back at me. His fear.
“It’s not. We’re free to choose—”
“If we choose this, together, we could die, Raiden. Maybe I was wrong before. Maybe together isn’t—”
“I won’t let that happen. I swear it.” He grabbed my hands as I shifted to get up and pulled me fiercely to him. “I promise you, I won’t let that happen.”
“How can we be together if we can’t actually be together? I-I think it means if we do this, if we take our relationship further, we’re screwed. Literally and figuratively.”
“Sex?” Raiden murmured.
I nodded against him. “We can’t.”
He let out a soft, bitter laugh. “I won’t let the fates decide what’s good for us, Everly. We were created for one another for a reason—”
“Yeah! To kill everyone!” I shouted, pushing away from him and getting to my feet. I paced his room as he stared at me from the edge of his bed in all his shirtless glory.
“We won’t kill everyone.”
“What if we do? What if I completely lose my shit and turn the world to ash with my army of the dead? Huh? What then?”
“You won’t.”
“How do you know, Raiden?” I demanded.
He got to his feet and grabbed me by the shoulders. With gentle fingers, he forced my face up, so I was looking at him.
“Because I know you. I know what’s in here.” He pressed his hand to my chest. “I know the woman in here loves and cherishes those around her. I know she wants to save our people.” He dropped his hand from my chest and popped off a leather bracelet on his wrist and showed me the infinity symbol on it. The same size as mine. My match.
“We’re in this together. Forever. We are in charge, Ever. To hell with fate. We can make our own.”
“We’re supposed to be enemies,” I whispered, swallowing thickly. Maybe I’d been rash in this decision, letting my jealousy over Amara rule my thoughts.
He shook his head, his silver hair falling in his eyes. “You’ll never be my enemy. Where you go, I will follow. Even if you decide to bring us to hell. I will be by your side. Never doubt my loyalty to you.”
“But what about your loyalty to the Order? Your father? The kingdom?”
He closed the space between us and cradled my face again. “I will always be with you.”
“Do you mean that?”
“With every piece of my heart and soul I mean it. You were made for me, Ever. If you burn, I’ll burn with you. If you die, I will lie beside you and follow you into forever. I mean every word of it.”
“And if I’m the bad guy?” I challenged, needing to hear him say it. I had to know if he’d still want me if I were deemed the evil one along with Dyre. Because he didn’t know about Dyre and thought they were Cipher. “If I become Cipher?”
A muscle popped along his jaw, and his Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “You wouldn’t do that.”
“What if I did?”
His pretty gaze bore deeply into mine before he let out a soft breath. “Then I’ll be by your side, protecting you.” He brushed his lips against mine. “Bindorio Promisia.” Warmth trickled through my body at his soft words.
“What was that?” I whispered, staring up at him.
“My promise.”
I swallowed hard, my heart fluttering. He really was all mine. Now I just had to tell him about me and Dyre.
I drew in a deep breath. “I have something to tell you.”
He brushed a loose strand of hair away from my face. “I don’t need you to. I trust you, Ever. I want you to believe that. I don’t need to know everything right now, OK? I just. . . I just want to enjoy us in this moment. Let’s leave everything else for later.”
I nodded. I could do that. It would give me time to figure out how to say it without pissing him off, because despite him saying he was at my side, I knew my confession would bring some anger. And he was right. I wanted to enjoy this moment too. Instead, I’d ask him something else.
“If you really believe everything will be OK, would you be fine with us really going slow? Like—”
“You set the pace. I’ll follow.” He brushed his lips along my jaw. “You’re my queen, Everly Torres. I go where your finger points, baby.”
I smiled as his lips moved to my neck. I’d said that phrase to him before. I found it funny he remembered.
“You should put your shirt on. You’re tempting me to forget my plan to go slow.”
He chuckled softly against my neck, sending a flurry of goosebumps across my skin. “Am I?”
“Yes,” I breathed out as he tightened his hold on my waist.
“OK.” He pressed a gentle kiss to my lips and pulled away, leaving me feeling cold.
I watched the corded muscles in his arms flex as he reached for his shirt on the floor. A tiny smirk cut his lips up as he noticed me ogling him as he dressed. I shamelessly enjoyed each second as he slowly fastened each button.
“Are we going to tell people?” I asked as he finished knotting his tie and scooped his robe off the floor.
“Up to you. I’m good either way. As long as I have you, nothing else matters.” He approached and dropped a kiss on my forehead.
I nodded. “OK. I’ll, um, think about it.”
He chuckled and gave me a hug. When he pulled away, his brows were knit. He let out a sigh. “Duty calls. I have to go see Brighton.” He took my hand and led me to the door. “Want to come with me?”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” he laughed.
“I do, but I also want to talk to Eric. So…raincheck on the whole being called to the headmaster’s office?”
He grinned. “Fine. I’ll cash in on your company another time.”
We stepped out of his room and strolled down the hall.
“Did you guys tell the Order about Eric and stuff?”
“No.” Raiden pulled me to a stop on the top of the stairs.
“Why not?”
He shrugged. “It just didn’t feel right.”
“Don’t you always tell the Order everything in your reports?”
“I do. I did. I just… I don’t know. I know something is off within the ranks. I don’t want them to know how far you’ve come. I’m hoping we’ll eventually flush the rat out.”
I nodded. “I get it. For what it’s worth, thank you.”
He quirked his lips up. “For what?”
“I don’t know. Keeping me safe.”
“I’ll always protect what’s mine, Everly.” He placed a sweet kiss on my lips. “Never forget that.”
And with that, he disappeared in a flurry of shadow, leaving me at the top of the stairs, already missing him.
Thirty-Eight
Raiden
Ceres greeted me at Brighton’s door, her tail wagging. I gave her a quick pat on the head as I stepped into Brighton’s office.
“General, thanks for coming.”
“I would’ve been here sooner, but I was caught up with something,” I said, my time with Ever in my bedroom still fresh in my mind.
I couldn’t keep the grin off my face. Brighton must have noticed because he gave me a smile.
“I’m not surprised. Only a matter of time, right, General?”
“Seems that way.” I took a seat in the leather chair across from his desk as Ceres settled in her bed in front of the crackling fireplace.
A chill was in the air with it being nearly winter in northern Michigan. We were due for a snow storm any day at this point.
“Ah, yes. Well, I wanted to discuss with you Miss Torres.”
“What
about her?” I narrowed my eyes at him as he folded his hands together on his desk.
“I’ve been speaking with her mother. Elena. Lovely woman. She’s informed me that Everly’s father has been skulking around her home and has even gone as far as breaking in. He was arrested but won’t be held for long. Elena is worried about Everly’s safety. I have assured her that Everly is more than safe here.”
“Her mother never told her?”
“No. She’s worried about Ever’s delicate psyche.” He gave me a knowing look.
Elena had no idea Ever was a Special or that our world of magic even existed. She simply thought Ever had a hard time dealing with the trauma her father had put her through and the accident where she’d nearly died but I’d saved her. Ever was sent to Dementon under the guise of it being a place for teens like her to flourish.
“Anyway, her mother is desperate to see Ever, but because of the current situation, she’s worried. Being as it’s the holidays, I hoped you’d be up to the task of escorting Ever home to see her mother on break.”
“Yes.” I didn’t hesitate. Of course, I’d go with her. I knew Ever missed her home and old life, and she’d give anything to see her mom. “I’ll take her.”
“I thought you might.” Brighton gave me a knowing smile. “Is it safe to assume you two have made up? It was most unfortunate about your engagement ending to Amara.”
Ceres lifted her head and chuffed at the mention of my broken engagement, making me chuckle.
I snorted and shook my head. “That was a shit show, Headmaster. You know that. I would’ve cut off my own legs to avoid walking down that aisle.”
Brighton let out a chuckle. “So all is well now?”
“It’s fantastic. I think everything is finally going to be OK.”
“Let’s hope so. There’s a lot resting on you two. Has her transition been going well? I still don’t see her at your table or walking with the group.”
“With most things concerning Ever, it’s been a challenge, but I think we’re finally getting somewhere.”
“Excellent. Do you wish for me to grant you an extended stay for the holidays so you may spend a day or two with your father as well?”
“I won’t be returning to Xanan for the holidays. I’ll see my father at the Arcane Ball.” My answer came quick.
“I see.” He nodded. “Well, if you change your mind—”
“I won’t.”
“As long as everything is working out. Abilities for you and Ever?”
“I cannot divulge all my Conexus secrets, Headmaster. I feel like you’re fishing.”
He chuckled. “Only trying to stay in the loop, General.”
“Well, we’re working on things. No worries. I have it handled.” I got to my feet.
“I’m sure you do. If you need anything, come find me. You know, I’m only concerned about the well-being of our students and, of course, Conexus.”
“So am I.”
He gave me a tight smile which said more than his words. He was worried. He was digging. Brighton was a good guy. I wouldn’t fault him his concerns. They were valid.
“If there’s nothing else, Headmaster, I’ll see you later.”
“Have a good night, General.”
Ceres approached and gave a whimper before nuzzling my hand. I knelt in front of her and made to scratch behind her ears, but the moment I made contact, a strange buzzing overcame me. Flashes of lights. Colors.
A beautiful woman in a long, gauzy, blue dress giggled as she played with a small, silver-haired child. He laughed and chased her around the gardens, his small hands outstretched.
“Mama! Mama!”
The image faded to be replaced by another.
The child was older. Nearly a teen. Full of potential as he swung his heavy sword, sweat on his brow. His mother clapped, a proud smile on her face.
The image faded once more.
The young boy was now a man and leader of Conexus. He was strong, fierce. Determined. His face was set in a stone expression as he watched the girl with the long, black hair and sparkling, green eyes as she stared up at the blond vampire. Anger. So much anger vibrated in the man.
The image faded.
The silver-haired man held the beautiful, raven-haired girl in his arms, her laughter making his heart soar. Her lips met his in a soft kiss before she giggled and danced away from him. He chased her, laughing.
But she disappeared into the darkness. Her screams carried on the wind, and he ran through the darkness to find her bound and tied, flames surrounding her.
“I love you, Shadow!” She wept, repeating the words.
He couldn’t get to her. Looking down, he saw he was bound as well.
“I’m sorry,” she cried. “I’m so sorry.”
And then the flames engulfed her, her shrieks surrounding him as he watched in horror.
The image faded before another blinked on.
The woman in the blue, gauzy dress stood before him again.
“Trust your heart, my son.”
“Mother?”
“She walks beside you, not against you. Trust, always, Fin. We’ll find you. Do not stray from your path, no matter what happens. Believe in the impossible. Search the darkness. Find your brother. Find. . . the ravenger.”
The image faded once more, and Ceres gave a loud whine. I blinked rapidly, my chest heaving. Sweat beaded on my brow as I got to my feet.
“Are you well, General?”
“Y-Yeah. Sorry. I, um, need to go.”
I pushed past Brighton and rushed out of the building. I didn’t stop running until I made it back to the house, my heart banging painfully in my chest. Those flashes were my life. The girl who burned was Everly. And my mother. . .
I stopped and vomited into a bush as I clutched my chest. It took me a moment to get myself together, but when I did, I rinsed my mouth out with the hose outside. Squaring my shoulders and sucking in a deep breath, I stepped into the common room to find almost everyone downstairs. Everyone except Ever.
“Where’s Ever?” I demanded, stalking into the room.
“Upstairs, I think,” Amanda answered.
“She is. She’s with Eric in his room. They’re working on some psy stuff,” Adam called out.
“They’re probably screwing,” Amara sniggered as she filed her nails.
“Get your ass out on patrols,” I snapped at her. “Take Brandon with you.”
“Shit,” Brandon sighed, getting to his feet. “Why do you always have to open your damn mouth?”
“Shut up,” Amara huffed, following him to the door.
“Raiden, you look sick.” Damien surveyed me quickly. “You want to sit down? What did Brighton want?”
I shook my head and moved toward the stairs. I didn’t stop until I stood outside Eric’s room. I didn’t even get a chance to knock before Eric yanked the door open.
“I saw you coming,” he said solemnly, answering the question I hadn’t asked and tapping his temple.
I pushed past him and went straight to Ever who sat on the edge of his bed with a textbook open. The moment I reached her, I tossed her book aside and tugged her into my arms.
“Raiden?” she asked, wrapping her arms around me.
I didn’t say anything, opting to simply hold her close.
“I’ll, uh, step out,” Eric called out awkwardly.
“No, we will,” I said, untangling myself from her and taking her by the hand to the door.
Eric gave me a confused look. I guessed Ever hadn’t told him about us yet. That was fine. I’d said it was her choice.
“Sorry,” I murmured at him before getting into his head. “I just need to be with her right now.”
“It’s cool, man. Was everything OK with Brighton?”
“No,” I answered. “We’ll talk later.”
I broke off the connection and led her to my room. Once we were inside, I tugged off my tie and robes and toed my shoes off.
“What’s wrong?”
/> I shook my head, trying to clear the vision of watching her burn alive. A fresh sheen of sweat dotted my skin.
“Raiden—”
I stopped and drew in a deep breath and closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down. Her warm fingers brushed against my jaw before her lips replaced her fingers. I breathed out again. And again until I was relatively calm.
When I opened my eyes, she was staring up at me, her green eyes filled with worry.
“Lie with me?” I asked softly.
She nodded wordlessly and let me lead her to my bed. I pulled her down onto the mattress with me and tucked her safely within my hold. Her body curled against mine like she was my missing puzzle piece. I ran my fingers through her silky, black hair. She’d had it in a braid earlier. I liked it wild and loose. I wondered if she sensed that.
“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked softly.
“No.”
“OK.” She grew quiet.
Minutes passed in silence before I spoke. “How was Eric?”
“He’s good. It seems like his psy abilities are getting stronger. We worked on both of ours together. It’s almost like we’re connected.”
“I thought that might happen. You guys will probably be able to tap into one another’s abilities more easily since you brought him back. I bet you can stitch if you tried.”
“Did you always know it would be that way?”
I shook my head. “No, not really. I just assumed it. I felt you within me after I saved you. It just grew.”
She was quiet for a moment. “Do you think that connection is why we care so much about one another? Like maybe it’s what drives our feelings, not our hearts?”
I tilted her chin up so I could look her in the eyes. “I loved you before I knew you. Before I touched you. Before I even kissed you. You are mine, Everly Torres. My heart knows it. My soul knows it. Nothing else in the world controls that. Never think otherwise.” I pressed my lips to hers, eager and desperate to taste her.
“I’m never going to let you go.”
“Better hold on tight then. You’re in for a wild ride.”
I pulled her as close as I could get her, feeling the heat from her body against mine. “God, I hope so.”
She snuggled against me as we lay in bed, my mind racing with the vision I’d seen. I wanted to tell her, but I also wanted to decipher it a bit first. Brother? What brother? I was an only child.
