Page 159 of Summer of Sacrifice

Seleste chuckled. “Good.”

“Agreed,” Sorscha chimed. “I’m tired.”

They’d had long, wondrous, fucked up lives.

A wriggling shadow moved across the sun, and Sorscha put her arm across her forehead, shielding her eyes to see what it was.

A raven she’d never seen before came to land on the shore, hopping toward them, little sprays of sand kicking up in its wake.

Winnie mumbled her curiosity, taking the note from the bird’s leg. Her jaw went slack as she read, and Sorscha scrambled to snatch the letter from her.

She looked at Seleste in shock.

“What?” Sister Summer took it and read. “How? I thought we were the end.”

A smile crawled across Winnie’s face, and she leaned back, lying in the sand. “The new Sister Summer has been born,” she mused. “The new protectresses of magic are nigh.” She took Seleste’s hand in hers, then Sorscha’s in the other. “No, Sisters. We’ve only reached our end.”

Forevermore

ASTERIA

“Hello, little witch.” Thanasim’s voice was a purr against her ear, rousing her from slumber. “Our guests will be arriving soon.”

Asteria stretched, peace like molten gold flooding her veins. “I’m excited.”

Thanasim chuckled, the sound rumbling like thunder through their bedroom. “Because you’re a masochist.”

“I’m a romantic.”

“Mmhmm.” He kissed her forehead and rose. He barely had his pants on before Sorscha burst through the door.

“How many times must we tell you to knock, Sorscha?” he spat, not nearly as irritated as he pretended to be.

“Fuck off, Lord Night.” She waved her fingers at him dismissively, hopping into the bed beside her Sister.

Thanasim mumbled curses and something about finding Gaius.

Winnie came in next, arm-in-arm with Lilette. That had been the most beautiful reunion of them all to bear witness to.

Belfry came next, dragging a sleepy Anne in by the arm.

Lorelai and Seleste entered then, doling out kisses and flowers.

“Party planning gang is all here!” Sorscha cheered.

“Almost!” Tindle shouted from the hall, Dimitri laughing next to him. “How dare you forget me.”

Their manor glittered and glowed, all bedimmed, glistening hues and warm lamplight.

Dulci, Lorelai, and Seleste had prepared an absolute feast.

Her heart was full as she watched Arielle and Gaius dance, their four grown children teasing them. As Cal pried a serving spoon from Seleste’s grip and dragged her onto the dance floor, holding her close as they swayed.

When Seleste arrived in the Afterlife, Cal had been standing there, waiting. Wringing his hands and straightening his waistcoat. It was one of the most beautiful things Asteria had ever had the pleasure of seeing. And she thanked Cal at regular intervals for allowing her to be there when they reunited in a flood of joy.

Talan and Hissa were hand-in-hand in the middle of the room, twirling so quickly they were a blur.

Monarch spoke to Arielle with such animation it was as if they didn’t speak daily. Which, of course, they did. That had been a sweet, sweet friendship to see blossom.

---