Page 124 of Serpent & Saviors

She rocked her shoulder into mine. “Yes, but you’re an amazing person, unlike me. You’ll go on and probably be a world-renowned scholar and counselor doing studies on human behavior and trauma. You’re going to make a real difference in other people’s lives. I have nothing to offer anyone.”

“I don’t believe that for a second. What about Sebastian? He loves you and knows your worth.”

“Sebastian is a fool. I’m damaged, and he deserves someone who is whole. Someone who can be there for him, love him without fear of intimacy. I can’t be that for him ever. I don’t want to burden him with my brokenness. You should tell him it’s time to move on.”

“Fat chance of that happening. You know how he is. You’re his one and only true love, his—”

“Don’t say that word,” she groaned, punching me on the arm and then looping hers through mine. “Promise me one thing.” Her voice was filled with urgency.

“What?”

“Make sure he doesn’t pine away for me. Be the rational influence I know you are. Tell him how foolish the concept of soulmates is. Point out every case you can of people who start over and are a thousand percent happier for it.”

“That’s a mighty big ask, and while I agree with you on the idea itself, Sebastian is one stubborn guy.”

“I have faith in you. Now one last thing.”

“Sounds ominous,” I said. My voice grew serious.

“Remember that every one of you plays a part.”

“I don’t recall signing up for theater,” I replied.

“Ha ha. As I was saying, one of yours is to be the glue. When the world goes to shit and it will, my friend, I need you to stand in the gap and be the glue to hold everyone together.”

“Ah, the pressure. What happens if I fall apart?” I teased.

“That’s the beauty. You’re built different. Your trauma has molded and shaped you. When everyone else falls apart and can’t find the wherewithal to put even one foot in front of the other, you instinctively know. I don’t doubt that life will deal you shitty things now and again. It’s inevitable, but you will without any effort at all, find yourself moving forward because that’s all you know how to do. I wish I had some of that. Be the glue, Marcel.”

That night, Vanya and I watched the sunset together, lost in our own thoughts.

And now, as I looked outside at another sun, this one not quite ready to set, I saw Sophia and Martina remove their sandals and join in on the fun.

Over the years, I’d often felt Vanya’s presence here, but today it was different, stronger. I struggled to put my finger on it; it was a cross between a cheer and a warning.

Be the glue, Marcel, I mouthed and then added out loud. “For you, I will be.”

“Who you talking to?” Ivan asked. He was leaning casually against the doorframe. Fuck. How long had he been watching? His eyes twinkled with mischief, taking in the atmosphere. “Just so you know, you’ve got everyone on their toes. You specifically said you didn’t want us to give her any gifts.”

“I have my reasons.”

“Going to share with the class?” Alek asked as he sauntered in.

It was time. Following close behind him were Nik, Sebastian, and Pasha. They filtered in and took up spots on the various couches. Once they were settled, I grinned. “Let’s just say we’ve got some soul-searching to do.”

“That’s my boy,” Sebastian chuckled. “The Soulmate Seven? Thought you didn’t believe?”

“What’s the Soulmate Seven?” Pasha asked.

“It will determine if she stays or if she goes, or at least that’s the theory,” Sebastian said.

“Fuck you. She stays,” I growled.

“You should pay attention, Dancer. Your future girl, whomever she may be, will have to endure it as well,” Nik said, cocking an eyebrow.

“You weren’t supposed to warn him, fucker,” Sebastian retorted, smacking him on the back of the head.

“Watch yourself, Torturer, or I’ll give your cookies to Declan. They’re his favorite too.”