Page 131 of The Darkest Hour

The merging of souls.

The blending of identities.

I opened my eyes as the rain lightened more. The once dark and heavy rainclouds began to dissipate. The gray sky lightened to a soft, pale blue.

Rays of sunlight peeked through the remaining clouds.

The cold, wet drops of rain that had previously pelted my skin now turned into a light mist, gently brushing against my face, arms, and legs.

Yes. I think I’m right.

I lay there, holding her close, and knowing without a doubt that I had found the true scent of love.

I hadn’t even been looking for it.

Never even considered love or if it even had an aroma.

But here I’d stumbled upon it.

The scent of us.

Together.

Entwined in a way that could never be undone.

Onyx spoke, “Once the rain completely clears up. . .we should go.”

“We should.”

“North?”

“Yes.”

Without seeing her face, I knew that she was smiling.

She still had hope that we would get off this godforsaken island.

And I still had her, which was all I truly cared about.

If she wanted to explore this island then we would.

If she wanted to climb trees, swim the ocean, or even light a ridiculous fire to signal the treacherous souls that traveled above this dark part of the world, I would.

She whispered, “Thank you, Havoc.”

And that orange spice scent thickened with a hint of fresh mint and lavender—things that I had not seen on this island. Yet those herbal blends left her.

And without a doubt, I simply knew what I was smelling now.

It was the scent of forever.

A Long Walk

Onyx

After the rain, the clouds cleared, the sun peeked through swaying branches, and the island was left washed clean and gleaming.

This lush earthy freshness rode the air.

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