Everlife (Everlife #3)

Instead of taking a swing at me, however, he performs a bow to rival Luciana’s. “You have my thanks, Miss Lockwood. Without you, we would not have had a way to invade Myriad and free the spirits trapped inside Many Ends.”

Killian wraps his arm around my waist. “The war might be over, but our efforts are no’. Many Myriadians will choose tae remain in their realm and help Ambrosine rebuild.”

Their realm, he said, and I smile. I’m full of smiles today. To him, Troika is home.

“They will not be harmed,” Shamus says. “You have my word. If ever they wish to come and live in Troika, they may. If not…” He shrugs. “Always their choice. We will help them rebuild to the best of our ability.”

This is better than I ever hoped, more than I ever dreamed. “What about Killian’s mother? My mother?” Where are they?

“Already found.” The crowd parts as Princess Mariée steps forward. Light halos her as she waves her arm, motioning to two women who stand together.

For a moment, my mind whirls with questions…about the princess. Eron has merged with the Grid. At least, that is my understanding. Will he ever take bodily form again? Will he and the princess be able to wed?

The Grid, as always, provides the answer. Once things are settled in Troika, Princess Mariée will be joining him in the Grid. They will be married. Happily ever after.

“Ten?” My mother, who is holding my baby brother, Jeremy, inches toward me, hesitant. Beside her is a woman I’ve never met, who is wringing her hands, clearly nervous. “Mom!” I rush forward and she rushes forward, and we meet in the middle, throwing our arms around each other, careful not to smush Jeremy.

He wiggles and giggles as we pass him back and forth, neither one of us wanting to let go of him or each other.

—Love my Ten.— His beautiful voice fills my head.

—Love my Jeremy.— Always.

“Oh, my sweet girl. Thank you.” Mom cups my face, kisses my cheek and drinks me in with her gaze. “Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for freeing me. Thank you for helping me reunite with my baby. Thank you for everything.”

Once again tears burn the backs of my eyes. “I can’t take all the credit.”

Her gaze strays to Killian, and her smile grows. “Oh, trust me, I know.” Then she wiggles her brows. “Your husband is quite handsome, isn’t he.”

My gaze strays to him, too. I watch as he and the other woman approach each other warily. She has dark hair, like Killian, and the same dusky skin tone, though she is far shorter and very slender.

The two stare at each other for a long while. They’ve never actually met. Not as two adults anyway. But I think their hearts recognize each other. They must. With a sob, the woman dives into Killian, and he shuts his eyes to hold her and savor.

My tears spill over, raining down my cheeks. Out of everything that’s happened, this might be the best.

Killian’s lids open, and he meets my stare, as if he sensed my gaze, even amidst his happy reunion.

—Lass.— Emotion coats his voice.

—Don’t you dare thank me again.— I try for a stern expression, and I’m pretty sure I fail. —I owe you thanks.—

—You owe me nothin’.—

—And yet I’m willing to give you everything.—

The corners of his lips curve upward. —That, I will accept. Gladly.—

In the ensuing days, many changes are made in Troika. The realm expands to accommodate the new additions, homes are built, and welcome parties are thrown. Former Myriadians are allowed to go back to their realm, and many do. Including Dr. Vans. We let them go without protest. They want to rebuild, and so they shall.

As for Troikans, more Conduits are made every day. In fact, it’s practically an epidemic. Light continues to spread.

Dragons fly through our skies at all hours of the day and night. They’ve caused no trouble. In fact, they’ve helped us. They’ve used their fire to burn away what remained of the bomb debris.

Like the people of Myriad, they’d been bound to Ambrosine. The Secondking used the creatures to intimidate and control, and forbade them from interacting with the realm’s citizens.

Now they are free. And I think… I think they are happy.

Happy is all I want for everyone. Those who remained in Myriad. Those who came to Troika. Troikans. Those in Troika who have decided to move to Myriad.

Yes, we’ve had large groups pack up and head for Myriad. And I’m glad! This is what I wanted. Peace between Troika and Myriad. Freedom. Every citizen’s right to choose a path without censure. Love and respect for each other, whatever our differences.

I only wish I’d gotten to spend more time with Killian these past few days.

He’s spent the bulk of his time with his mother. He’s even gotten to meet other family members he never knew about. Oh, and he helped Erica get settled in Troika.

Once, I would have been jealous of their relationship. No longer. I know where I stand with Killian. That boy is crazy about me. He loves me more than life.

He’s mine, now and always.

And really, he can’t be blamed for our time apart. I’ve spent the bulk of my time with…well, everyone else. My mother and brother. My grandparents and great grandparents. Lina and Alejandro. Archer and Dior. Deacon and Sloan. Reed and Kayla. Raanan, Clementine and Levi. Clay and Marlowe—and yes, they are a couple!

And let’s not forget my sweet Biscuit. He’s always by my side.

But, oh, I miss Killian something fierce. Word of his exploits has spread faster than the speed of Light. Mainly his willingness to sacrifice his life for the sake of our realm. No joke, he went from being one of the most hated men in the realm to one of the most beloved, forgiven for all his past crimes.

Archer and Dior had their talk, and they are officially together. I’ve never seen the two so happy. Thankfully Bea approves of the relationship, and she’s agreed to guard both Archer and Dior.

And there are more happy couples among us! Sloan and Deacon are dating, and they couldn’t be any cuter.

There are also soon-to-be couples. Raanan has been sniffing around Erica, and I’m expecting him to win her over any day.

Like she really stands a chance against his charm. Everyone who ventured into Myriad and Many Ends to save the damned has been awarded a new title: the Exalted. With each of our promotions comes our choice of any future assignments. Of course, we’re also given new homes and great wealth, two things Leonard Lockwood wanted in both of his lives. The things he could have had if he’d made better choices.

Killian and I are moving in together, along with our guardian animals. Yep, he got one, too. A female poodle named Zoey.

Zoey, as it turns out, is the baddest dog on the block. She can take down a grizzly, guaranteed.

Biscuit pretends to disdain Miss Zoey, but danged if he doesn’t secretly love her.

Even though we have a home, we haven’t spent much time in it. Not simultaneously, at least. We’ve been too busy. I miss him the way I’d miss a limb, which is why we are going on a date this evening, after he helps his mother move into her new apartment.

I helped my mother move into her new home yesterday. Jeremy is living with her, and she tells me he’s more trouble than I ever was. The scamp! Their guardian animals— a lion and jaguar—are now valued members of the family. I invited the entire group to stay with Killian and me, but Mom was adamant that “newlyweds need time alone.”

I’m trying.

—Where are you, Killian?—

The doors swing open, and he strides into the foyer. Our eyes meet, and he gives me the sexiest grin of all time. A grin reserved strictly for me, making my insides melt. “I’m right here, lass. At yer service, always and forever.”

“Twenty-two seconds late.” I glide closer to him, overcome by love and heat—so much heat. “I should punish you.”

“How about you kiss me instead?”

Excellent plan. I kiss him hard and deep, pouring myself into the communion of lips and souls. By the time we part, we are both panting.

His eyes sparkle. “I was goin’ tae ask if you missed me, but I can guess the answer.”