They are surrounded by the different races who fought to protect this world he loves. They all work together to stop the volcanic eruption, settling it deep into the earth. The Shadow King watches his Queen work with the Angels, to tend to the wounded and he gives thanks. Morgan joins his friend and smiles. “Well done, Shadow King.” His blue eyes look at the wounded angel and he smiles.
“Thanks to you and your brothers. If you ever need my help, I will come, no questions asked, my friend.” He promises.
“I will hold you to that promise, Reese.” His brother’s call to him, it is time to return to his world.
“What of Katie? Ariana and I can return her home now,” Reese offers.
“She is safe. I will return her myself,” he says smiling. He finds he is excited at the thought of seeing the small human again. Selfishly he wishes for more time with her. Though he knows she needs to heal and recover, maybe she will recover quicker at his side.
Reese watches him with a thoughtful smile, the poor angel doesn’t know what’s coming! He has feelings for Kathleen, and Reese finds that makes him happy. She is special and needs protection, who better than an Archangel?
Reese and Ariana watch as the races take their wounded and return to their realms. Safe for now, he turns to greet Duncan and Samantha.
“My King, we are heading to the Vale. I find I have a desire to be amongst our people, to heal and rest. They may have need of us still.” Duncan says.
Samantha smiles, at them. “Our home has been destroyed but we will find a new one soon enough. Our place is with you, Shadow King. Come with us.” Duncan starts to smile from ear to ear.
“What is so funny, my large friend?” A noise has Reese spinning and drawing his sword to protect his Queen. King Drake steps out of the woods holding Caderyn’s hand. The Vale has come to them.
“Drake?” Ariana whispers as her knees threaten to give out. Her brother runs forward and lifts her from her feet.
“Ariana!” he screams in delight! They are twin souls, brother and sister for eternity, separated by years of tragedy, pain, and loss. Brought together by love, devotion, and faith! They weep for the past and rejoice in the future as all who watch join in the celebration of life.
The Shadow King is at peace. His family is whole again. Together they all return to the Vale. Reese and Ariana will rest, and all will celebrate the return of the Kings and Queens. Caderyn watches and smiles she knows that everything happens for a reason and later in her husband’s arms she looks to the sky and sees a shooting star. “Even the heavens celebrate with us, my love.” He whispers holding his mate in his arms.
Chapter 24
Morgan watches Kathleen work in her garden. She is healed from her physical wounds, though the spiritual wounds will take a little longer. With help from his brothers, she was moved to a safe location before the war began.
“You know the rules, brother,” Gabriel tells him again before leaving. “A union between humans and angels is forbidden. She would have to be returned at some point.” His anger with them could not be contained. They were right, it was forbidden, but rules are meant to be tested. At the very least they should have trusted him to handle it.
He returned to find they had removed her memories of her time with him. She woke in a hospital thinking she had been in a car accident at least that is the memory they planted.
As the wind blows across the garden, her sun hat lifts and she laughs trying to snatch it.
The sound of her laughter ripples across his soul and he closes his eyes savoring the feel of it. She turns looking directly at him and walks slowly towards him. He knows she can’t see him, but can she sense him? Her beautiful eyes search desperately for something she can’t find.
“Katie, move it we are going to be late! I don’t want to miss our flight!” Anya yells out. Katie spins and laughs.
“Okay, I’m coming! I can’t wait to explore the castle!” She says linking arms with her best friend.
“How lucky are we to win that contest to Scotland!” Anya continues excitedly. “I don’t even remember signing up for it, but who could pass up an all-expenses paid trip to a castle?”
“Not us! Too bad it’s not the beach. I could use some sun…” Katie murmurs trailing off as she thinks of the last time she was at the beach. Her head hurts with the effort but she can almost smell the scent of the ocean, feel of the sun and taste his hot mouth on hers! “What? Where did that come from?” Katie thinks. With a laugh, she says, “I need a man!”
“Amen to that, Sister! Let’s go find out what they wear under those kilts!” Laughing they trail off and head to the car.
Morgan watches her go with a possessive look in his eyes. Scotland is beautiful this time of year and who could blame him for making sure Kathleen rests and recovers. Besides, I haven’t seen my friend Liam in a while he thinks with a smile as he flies away.
Epilogue
A Shadow moves unseen inside the small cottage. Caius steps in front of the mirror and smiles when he finds no reflection. Well enough, considering he has been burned beyond recognition. The left side of his body caught most of the flames and his immortal skin could not recover from the damage. His beautiful face is now melted like wax on a candle. Now more
