Page 151 of Our Radiant Embers

“They’re great,” I told him. “I wouldn’t change them for the world.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Let’s see how you feel once Laurie and Jack include you in one of their comedy routines. Though I guess that if we need some privacy, we can always escape to your flat for a day or two.”

I combed a hand through his hair and let the corners of my mouth tug up. “My flat?”

“Ours,” he corrected.

I kissed him because I could. Because we were alive and together, because I loved him. Because I’d made my choice. Because I was his and he was mine.

I kissed him because I’d found home, and it was him.

EPILOGUE

I. September

London Morning—Your #1 Newsletter for Everything London and Beyond!

GREEN HORIZON’S NEW DAWN—MORGANS TAKE THE LEAD, FORMER HARRINGTON IN TOW. The Green Horizon Initiative, once a dual-family venture, now sails under the singular flag of the Morgans, with Adam Harrington leaving familial ties to ally with this dynamic clan. As the summer sun blazed, the project hit an unexpected hiatus. Whispers of discord and drama behind the scenes had our tea spilling over.

GOOD MORNING, Londoners! The Initiative is back, blooming with promise and innovation. Our latest scoop comes straight from the lush heart of the Finsbury site, where I caught up with Adam Harrington for an exclusive tour.

A GLIMPSE OF GREEN GLORY. Despite the rumours, the park area is impressive. Notably absent, however? The once-touted energy towers. “We had grand ideas, but in the end, we chose what worked best for the community,” Adam explains, gesturing towards the entirely self-sufficient greenhouse cafe that seems plucked from a Victorian novel.

SO WHY THE DRAMA? Rumours point to a rift within the Harrington family over Adam’s relationship with Liam Morgan, whose hands-on approach and innovative mindset have become the backbone of the Initiative. When prodded, Adam’s charm is undiminished. “Well, nothing says romance like a well-organised spreadsheet, right?”

WAS IT ALL IN THE NAME OF LOVE…OR LAW? Other rumours hint at Adam’s principled stand against alleged transgressions within his family’s empire, ranging from labour law oversights to murky dealings in bribery. Asked about the cause of the project’s pause and his pivot from family traditions, he remains tactfully tight-lipped. “Family matters can be complicated, but that’s private. I’m here to talk about the future, not the past.”

SPECULATIONS AND STRIDES FORWARD. As the Harringtons recede into silence, the Green Horizon Initiative flourishes anew under the Morgans with Adam as their articulate advocate. Stay tuned, for this tale of ambition, love, and political intrigue is far from over.

HAVE A SCOOP OR A SIP OF GOSSIP? We’re all ears at [email protected]. Whether it’s a tip on the Initiative or a sighting of our city’s newest power couple, we’re here for it.

* * *

II. October

(Adam)

The letter arrived on an ordinary Tuesday in autumn, hand-delivered by a white-clad servant who looked like a character out of a fifties movie. I read it over Liam’s shoulder.

‘We assume you have questions. So do we. I kindly request an hour of your time tomorrow, 10 a.m. Kind regards, Julien Duval’

The youngest Duval.

“That’s a good sign,” I said during the family council later that afternoon. “They’re choosing to send him, and alone, at that—it’s diplomacy rather than a show of force.”

The consensus still was that Liam and I would be the ones to meet him. In the likely event that he could read magic just like Nan Jean and Liam, it might command some respect.

Wednesday brought grey skies and Julien Duval arriving on the dot. He was shown to our office by an impeccable assistant we’d hired through Cassandra for that specific purpose, just one small move in a much bigger game of appearances. My first impression of Julien was that he reminded me of my younger self—in his early twenties, he projected confidence in a dapper suit that was perfectly tailored to accentuate his body.

That had been me.

By contrast, we’d opted for jeans and button-down shirts. Liam shook Julien’s hand with an easy smile and cautious eyes, and the way they studied each other signalled that yes, Julien shared Liam’s ability to assess someone’s powers at a glance. For a beat, Julien’s gaze slid to me, no surprise showing on his handsome face.

“Thank you for welcoming me on such short notice,” he told Liam in a light, charming accent.

“Thank you for making the trip.” Liam shifted to make space for me, and I stepped close, letting our hands bump. Radiant hues twined around Julien—a Sun of all four elements. “This is Adam. He’ll be joining our discussion.”

I grasped Julien’s hand and was yet again hit with a sense of kinship. His handshake was firm yet gentle, with a warm, confident smile to go with it, and lasted just long enough to convey sincerity and respect.

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