“Have you ever looked at the stars before? They’re a miraculous sight,” I turn, motioning for her to join me. “Come and see.”
From where I stand, I lift my hand and a fire ignites within the hearth of the second fireplace, instantly adding a layer of warmth to the chilly room.
The upstairs space is much smaller, spanning only one side of the library with an open banister overlooking the lower level. On this side of the staircase, a few scattered shelves and a small sitting area mirror the one on below. The fireplace is encased in black marble, with a dark-stained wooden mantel stretching across it. Votives of glass holding large candles decorate the mantel. A flick of my fingers, and they spark to life one by one—Not for grandeur, but for comfort. For her.
The oversized fur rug ties the space together, offering solace from the chilled wood floors.
The telescope is elevated in the circular alcove, near the french doors that lead out to a small balcony. A smaller fur rug covers the wood floors in the alcove, where a singular overstuffed chair sits, lonely, and waiting. The rug is soft and warm beneath my feet as I stare into the flames, waiting for Mercy to join me.
She saunters over slowly. “Show me the stars. I’ve never used one of these before,” she says, pointing to the telescope.
“It’s a telescope,” I explain, adjusting it and looking through the viewfinder. “Here,” I add, motioning for her to take my place.
My fingertips press lightly to her hips as I stand behind her, unable to resist the urge to be close. The tension hangs thick between us.
“Oh, Azrael,” she exclaims. “They’re beautiful.”
I smile. “Not as beautiful as you,” I murmur near her ear. “Here—let me show you a few more.”
I map the constellations for her, finding all my favorites and explaining how they were named. It’s not until I feel her shiver that I pull her against me. “I’m sorry. You’re cold. Come closer to the fire.” I take her hand and lead her down the two steps that separate the space and over to the crackling hearth.
We stand in front of the fire, a touch of awkwardness between us. I don’t want to push her into anything she’s unsure of. But then she surprises me. Her cold hand rests against my chest as she steps closer. “It’s freezing up here.”
I run my hands over her bare shoulders, down her arms, trying to warm her. Her fingers explore my chest, tracing every muscle and curve. They drift lower, skimming the sharp V of my abdomen—so close to the edge of the blanket at my waist. My breath catches, and I feel her smile as she kisses the tender places on my neck. I groan, enjoying every second of her touch.
Her need is intoxicating. The scent of desire hangs in the air—sweet, addicting, mine. It’s slowly pulling me under. This moment is everything I’ve longed for since that night in herbedroom. I ache to feel her. To be inside her. I’m about to lose control.
My hands have a mind of their own as they caress her soft skin. “Azrael,” she whispers.
“Yes, my angel.”
“I thought about what you said earlier.” She kisses my collarbone, and I loop an arm around her hips, drawing her even closer.
“And?” I whisper against the shell of her ear, allowing my lips to brush it.
“And I want to…” she pauses. “I want to live forever with you.” She leans her head against my chest, then looks up at me. “It will be hard to lose the people I care about, especially my mother, but I know you’ll be by my side to help me through it. If we’re soulmates, then nothing should keep us apart. Not even humanity.”
I stroke the teardrop from her cheek lovingly. “Spoken like a true queen.”
She tilts her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“Another time, my love,” I say, answering the question she hasn’t yet asked.
It’s another time: I’m the prince of a kingdom called Shadow and Bone.
Mercy smiles, hearing the message through our bond. “Another time. Do you promise?”
“Of course I promise. No secrets,” I rasp, sealing my vow with a kiss that says what words never could:I’m hers. I always have been.
Everything I’ve been holding back—every thought, every feeling—pours down our bond. I feel her response like a spark to dry tinder, and it drives me over the edge.
Chapter 39
Mercy
Something snaps, and suddenly, I can hear Azrael’s voice inside my head. Images flash. Thoughts swirl with unspoken words. I crumble. This man I’m willing to give up the world for loves me so much—has loved me immensely. It’s worth it. Living an eternity with someone who loves me the way Azrael does is worth losing everything and everyone I know.
I love you.His voice is husky and soft in my head.
