Page 53 of Desiring Discord

“Whatever we did?” Ember barked a laugh. “We saved the world.”

“We did,” I said, the weight of that victory still settling in my chest.

We had lost friends. Chrys and Ginger were gone, their names now etched into a memorial grimoire of coven history. Patrice was still serving her penance, working the menial tasks for the coven under the watchful eye of Miles, who had taken over as the primary healer. She was quiet, humbled, and seemingly sincere in her desire for redemption. It wasn't forgiveness, not yet, but it was a start.

“Have you heard from our parents today?” Ember asked, hopping up to sit on the edge of Ash’s desk.

“Dad sent a message about an hour ago,” I said, pulling my phone from my pocket. “They’re officially settled in Florida. Apparently, the humid, salty air is ‘refreshing’ compared to the stench of the Underworld.”

“I still can’t believe they moved to Boca,” Ash said, shaking her head. “Mom spent forty years as the backbone of this coven, and now she’s winning shuffleboard tournaments and complaining about the price of early-bird specials.”

“She earned it,” I reminded her. “And Dad is in absolute heaven…or the mortal equivalent. He’s got a greenhouse full of tropical herbs and a library that doesn't smell like sulfur. Plus, they get to fulfill their roles on the Higher Power remotely. They chime in via the witchy web whenever there’s an issue.”

“They seem happy,” Ember said. “And Mom looked ten years younger the last time we Zoomed.”

“She’s not aging,” I said softly. “None of us are.”

A silence fell over the room as we acknowledged the reality of Hecate’s gift, one she bestowed on our parents too.

We were the Veil Keepers, immortal anchors for the demons we loved. We would watch Salem change, watch the seasons turn for centuries, and we would do it together. It was a daunting thought, but looking at my sisters, I knew we could handle it.

We were the Holland women. Not just descendants of the witches they couldn’t burn. We were the witches. Hell had tried to destroy us, and we’d survived.

“Well, since the world isn't ending today, I suggest we close up early,” I said, clapping my hands. “Discord is on dinner duty, and he promised he wouldn't use any ingredients that screamed when he chopped them.”

“Is he still trying to master the art of the lasagna?” Mayhem asked.

“He is very persistent,” I said. “And he’s got the time to perfect it.”

We made our way upstairs, Ash and Chaos locking up while Ember and Mayhem argued about whose turn it was to wash the van. I stopped in the kitchen entrance and smiled.

Pots and pans filled the sink, and a layer of parmesan dusted the counter beside the stove. Discord bent toward the open oven and pulled out a pan of his latest creation, no potholders required. He wore a dark sweater and jeans, looking every bit the handsome, earthly man, save for the intense, mossy-green glow in his eyes.

“The meeting went well?” he asked, setting the pan on the stove before sliding an arm around my waist and pulling me into his side.

“Well enough.” I leaned my head against his shoulder. “Luis still wants to discuss the schedule for the All Hallows’ Eve bonfire so he doesn’t end up working three shifts in a row again, but that’s a tomorrow problem.”

Discord pressed a kiss to my temple. “I like the sound of that. Tomorrow problems are much better than end-of-the-world problems.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

We gathered around the table, and as Discord plated our food, I couldn’t help but smile. We were together and happy, and even if only for a moment, all felt right in the world.

“You’re smiling wistfully again, my love.” Discord set a plate on the table and sank into the chair next to me. “What’s on your mind?”

“Just thinking about how far we’ve come,” I said. “And how much time we have left.”

“We have forever,” he reminded me, his voice full of a conviction that made my soul ache with happiness. “We can do anything and everything.”

“I know.” I smiled, resting my hand on his thigh. “But I think I’ll start with dinner. I really want to see if you figured out the ricotta-to-sauce ratio.”

Discord laughed, the sound rich and joyful, and as we enjoyed both the meal and the company, I knew Hecate had been right. We were the balance. We were the proof that even in the deepest darkness, love could weave a light that never faded.