I turned back to Roman. “I’m sorry, but I think I’ve found another dance partner.”
“Have fun with your sister, Your Highness. Just know I’m devouring you later.” He kissed me, swirling his tongue against mine before releasing me.
I walked to Solaris and held out my hand. To her credit, she was unaffected by the blood as she took it. She led the way, as she had my entire life.
“Kind of crazy, huh?” she asked.
“What?”
“Last time we were here, we were being sold off as acolytes. I told you then you were lucky to have been chosen by the tsar,” she smirked. “Turns out I was right. As usual.”
“True. You also used to say you’d catch the attention of a high-ranking vampire. I think you succeeded.” I winked at her, and she blushed after casting a sideways glance at Catina.
“For two acolytes, we aren’t doing half bad.”
She spun me, then I her, our pacing perfectly in sync. “That’s because we aren’t acolytes. We’re the tsarina and her advisor.”
She laughed, the sound a beacon that drew light to her beautiful face. I noticed the freckles splattering her cheeks from time spent in the sun. She’d never had freckles before. “Advisor? The royal council won’t know what hit them.”
“We’ve already got two wrapped around our fingers. Just imagine the chaos we can cause,” I laughed.
“Imagine the good we could do, Es.” For the first time in a long while, her eyes sparkled with daydreams, and she hummed happily. This time, though, she was dreaming bigger than either of us.
“The good wewilldo, Sol,” I corrected. She smiled, her brows set with determination.
As the song came to an end, Solaris kissed my cheek. I couldn’t imagine a better place after vanquishing our demons than by my sister’s side. Together, with our new family, we would be unstoppable.
Epilogue
ESTRELLA
Iwaltzed into the heart of the once-empty room, spinning with my arms outstretched. The raw brick walls now blossomed with vibrant paintings and flourishing plants. Bright purples, greens, and blues swirled together in a kaleidoscope of color, fulfilling something deep within me. Racks and mannequins filled the space in front of the cash register, while at the center stood a long wooden table, its surface etched with vines and stars—Roman’s personal touch.
Catina had chosen the perfect location. The design was ideal for women to learn skills and build incomes—a safe haven for those who had been caged to spread their wings, just like my sister and Charlotte. Just like me.
Everyone was here. Isabella and Charlotte stood behind the till, fiddling with the buttons, a necessary skill since Charlotte would be running the shop most of the time. Enso and Sorin carried in the last chairs, while Catina rummaged through our filing cabinet, ensuring all our paperwork was in order. Raz, Roman, and Solaris had helped me put the finishing touches throughout, and now it was complete.
People paused at the front of the shop, peering in with bated curiosity, but we were closed. That would change tomorrow. Solaris and I scurried up the back stairs to Charlotte’s new apartment abovethe retail space, where we had trays prepared. I picked up the tea set while Solaris carried the sandwiches. By the time we returned, Roman was herding everyone to the table.
My handsome angel held the chair at the head of the table for me, and my sister settled into the seat on my right. This was our day, and we deserved the spotlight. I sat gratefully as he pushed me in.
I was elated. To bask in our accomplishment with my family was all I could ask for. Maybe it seemed inconsequential compared to everything else, but to me, it was everything.
“I wanted to thank you all for everything. I am so grateful. I don’t deserve you.” My eyes stung, and I couldn’t tell if it was joy, sadness, or something else entirely.
Solaris raised her glass, and everyone followed suit. “To my sister, who crawled out of hell and is taking all of us with her. May she continue to inspire us all.”
Cheers erupted in agreement. Seeing those I cared about looking at me with such love and joy for my accomplishment was enough to bring me to my knees.
After Solaris sat, Roman spoke, holding a small, wrapped box toward me. “To my tsarina, may I continue to bask in your light for eternity. Congratulations, my love.”
I smiled through my watery eyes. “I thought the table was my gift.”
“Can’t I give you two?” He kissed my temple and placed the box in my hands.
“Open it!” Isabella shouted.
I raised an eyebrow. “Can I assume you already know what it is?”
