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“But also loyal,” he continues. “And rather funny if the wind is in the right direction.”
“There’s no need to thank us,” Levi says quietly. “Isn’t that what friends are for?”
Xander looks at Branok affectionately. They’re still holding hands. It must be strange to do this so openly when their love was hidden so deeply. “Trust you,” he says. “I leave you alone for two centuries and you pop up with the most interesting people.”
Branok takes his hand and drops a kiss on the ring. They exchange a glance full of a silent communication. Xander nods and slides the ring off. He looks down at it for a long moment and then flicks it towards Levi.
“Fuck,” Levi says, just managing to grab it as it solidifies in the air. He looks up at Xander. “What’s going on?”
“’Tis yours,” Xander says kindly.
“Oh no. I couldn’t,” Levi immediately protests.
“Yes, you could,” he replies. “Bran and I have no need for these now. They served their purpose in life and now we want them to go to you and Blue.”
Branok removes his ring and throws it to me. My catch is a lot more graceful, but I refrain from informing Levi of the fact. Instead, I spin the silver ring on my finger, tracing the beautiful stone.
Branok winks. “Seems only fitting for me to give you something to mark those precious few days when you made my boring afterlife so much more interesting.”
“Oh my god,” Levi breathes, his face going bright red.
I can’t hold in my laugh. It’s loud, far too unrestrained, and booms out over the patio. When I sober, I tell Branok, “I’m glad I met you.”
He inclines his head. “I would say the same.”
Xander watches with a smile as Levi and I slide the rings onto the middle fingers of our right hands. “They look nice,” he says with satisfaction. He gazes affectionately at the cottage and then turns to stare down at the bay. “Still the most beautiful place,” he says softly. “We will come back here I think.” Then he looks at Branok. “Ready, Bran?”
He nods and takes the hand that Xander offers him, pulling him close and dropping a kiss on his lips. Then he turns to us. “Goodbye.”
“Where are you going?” I ask. “Are you…” I hesitate before whispering, “Are you moving to the light?”
He eyes me for a second and I can see sarcasm hovering on his lips, but then he just shakes his head. “Nay. Not for us. We have the world to see together.”
Xander nods, his face bright and beautiful. “Aye. My life was spent knowing my duties and unable to move away from here. The world outside this cove existed in story books for me and the tales that Bran told. I think the afterlife will be much more interesting.”
“What about Jowan?” Levi asks.
Branok grins. “He is staying at the hall. He says that he likes it there, which I believe has more to do with a certain housekeeper than an appreciation for the classical architecture. I discharged him from his task, so I am sure you will see him again.”
“Why would we do that?” I ask. “I doubt we’ll see much of the hall and its occupants.” My eyes narrow as they exchange a silent glance full of amusement. “What about you?” I ask when they don’t say anything. “Will we see you again?”
Branok gives me a loose salute, his eyes warm and affectionate. “Oh, I think we will see each other again. Friends visit friends, do they not?”
“They do,” I say steadily, unable to hide my gladness that these are spirits I don’t want to lose. “And if two adventurers ever find their way to York, they may call in at our house where there will always be a warm welcome.” I shrug. “We’re well known for our hospitality. Even if you’re a serial killer, Levi will still put the kettle on.”
“Oh, fuck off,” Levi says indignantly.
Branok holds my gaze, and something solemn and sweet passes between us—psychic and ghost. Then he inclines his head. “I have left you a little something in the cottage, Blue Billings. Something to remember me by.”
“I think you’ll prove hard to forget,” I say honestly. “The near-death experiences sort of cemented you in my brain.”
He chuckles and then, taking Xander’s hand, he leads him to the garden gate.
“Wait,” I shout and they turn to face me. “What happens to you when you leave here?” It’s a question I’ve always been dying to ask and never managed before. Probably because the ghosts are usually trying to kill me and don’t stick around for a question-and-answer session when they fail.
He winks at me. “Adventure, Blue Billings. So many adventures.”
The air turns funny. It undulates and sparkles like the sun on the sea. There’s a pop and they’re gone, and it’s just Levi and me sitting outside an old, whitewashed cottage. A breeze blows towards us, and I could swear I smell pipe smoke and leather and hear laughter on the air.
