Page 128 of A Bond So Deadly

The battlefield is covered in ash and blood, but as the sun rises on the horizon, I collapse.

Raith catches me, the light shining on his horns. “We’ve got you, tiny mate,” his monster growls in my mind.

Epilogue

~ Shade ~

One week later

Irun my fingers over the shadow throne, sending my power into the polished black stone. The souls bound to the throne by Queen Krosia, trail off into the air, finally free after all these years.

One by one they wink out of sight, and I smile, glad that they finally have peace.

The last one lingers longer than the others, and I can sense it’s the soul that belonged to Queen Krosia’s bonded animali—a giant winged shadow tiger who perished centuries ago.

“Queen Krosia killed her animali, didn’t she?” I ask Emorie through our bond as the final soul slowly disappears.

“Yes, bonded,” Emorie replies. “The queen betrayed her creature. That was when the zenali realized she would only bring more death to the realm.”

I nod absently. Without the souls tied to the throne, the room seems quieter, and I stare at the polished stone that shows my reflection.

My hair is pinned back into a messy bun, with a few stray pink strands falling around my face, and shadows dance over my tattooed skin. I’m wearing a long black evening dress with silky black feathers that decorate my shoulders, and strappy black heels that are similar to the ones Alina wore in that alleyway. My shoe choice is a small tribute to her, and I think of my friend. I tried to find her when the battle was over, but she was gone. My chest aches, but I hope she’s happy, wherever she is, and I tell myself that one day I’ll see her again.

“They would make you their queen, you know.” Blake’s soft voice echoes in the hall.

I didn’t hear her approach, but I’ve been pretty distracted.

I give her a small smile. “The shadow realm doesn’t need a queen. It never did. All it ever needed was a protector.” A goddess, really, but I like the word ‘protector’ better. “And the shadow council will help to keep order.” I think of the council meeting we had the day before. The council is made up of me and my mates, a selection of zenali, and all of the originals minus Germain, because there was no way my mates were letting him join. Germain disappeared shortly after, not that we were sad to see him go. Taking care of the shadow realm is going to take a bit of work, but I think the council will do great.

Blake smiles like I’ve said exactly what she thought I would.

“Besides,” I say, my lips curving up even more. “My mates already treat me like a princess. What more could a girl want?”

Grinning, we walk to the balcony and peer out at the shadow city. It’s an incredible place, with tall domed buildings and ornate stone bridges. A blanket of stars covers the night sky above, and in the courtyard below, there’s a huge gathering. Zenali and animali walk amongst shadow warriors, demons, angels, and water folk. In the heart of the space, multiple tables are laden with food, and they surround a huge black sculpture.

It’s the insignia of Shadowbone Academy with the monstrous skull surrounded by roses carved from stone. The academy is now in ruins, having been burned down by Queen Krosia’s fire, but this is a reminder of all those who fought in the war, and all the lives that were lost.

At the base of the pedestal, there’s an inscription that reads:

Without you… there would be no times at all.

Low on the statue, I’ve carved the initial A.M. for Alina Moore. Alina might not have been a student at Shadowbone, but she’s the one who reminded me to keep going when I needed her most. And this time, I don’t ever plan on forgetting about her.

My heart squeezes as I think of my friend, but I’m distracted by the sound of laughter below.

Most of the shadow warriors have chosen to stay in the city, though many of them aren’t dedicating their lives to fighting anymore. The fold has been closed, and for the first time, they can choose what to do with their new lives.

Also, it turns out, Queen Krosia was the one stopping the shadow immortals from having children, and now that I’ve tweaked that part of the magic for the ones who’ve asked, I know a few who are expecting and looking forward to growing families. I’m not one of them, despite the efforts of my monster mate.

I grin then as I think about it, and I watch Sebastian and Satine chatting in the courtyard. It’s obvious the pair of them want to be together, though neither of them has admitted it outright.

Kenzie, Leira, and Jensen are laughing animatedly with a few of the other recent graduates, and Blake’s mates and a few of the demon generals are busy chatting to Theon, and a group of the archangels. Everyone looks so…relaxed, and it’s strange after what we’ve experienced, but in a good way.

“I’m so proud of you, you know that, right?” Blake says, pulling my attention to her. Moonlight touches her wings and makes her golden eyes sparkle.

“Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you,” I say before growing thoughtful. “Are you going to tell me what happened in the beast realm with the wolves?”

Her eyes darken, but she blinks and the darkness is gone again. “And ruin this perfect moment?” Her lips twitch. “I don’t think so.”