Page 25 of Dark Princess Emerging

Startled, Morelle stiffened for a moment before forcing herself to relax. This was normal here, she reminded herself. That was how clan people showed their affection.

"And I'm Frankie," said a short woman with dark hair, stepping forward for her own hug as soon as Margo released her. "And that's Gabi and Ella." She gestured to two other women who were approaching more sedately but with equally warm smiles.

"We are good friends of your brother," the one named Gabi said. "He and Jasmine stayed with us and our mates in the clan's keep, and before that, we journeyed with Jasmine to Tibet and helped her search for your pod."

As emotion tightened Morelle's throat, she turned to Brandon. "Can you please convey a message to them that I owe each one of them a life vow?"

She'd already given it to Jasmine for saving them, but these females were part of the rescue mission and deserved it as well.

"We don't need a translator." Frankie pushed her hair aside to show the earpieces she was wearing. "We all have them. And there is no need for you to vow anything. We're just so happy that you're both okay."

"More than okay," Margo added with a knowing look at Brandon. "The Fates seem to be working as quickly on your behalf as they did for Ell-rom. You've already found your special guy."

16

JASMINE

Jasmine smoothed the fabric of her new nightgown—one of several that Ell-rom had brought for her to choose from—and tried not to fidget as she waited for the ceremony to begin. The decision hadn't been easy. She had very nice nightgowns that were meant to entice but were not appropriate for the occasion, and she had simple ones that were just oversized T-shirts, and those were not appropriate either.

Not only was this the start of her new life as an immortal, but the ceremony would also be recorded, and she wanted to be able to show it to her children one day and not be embarrassed by how she looked and what she wore on this most important occasion.

In the end, she chose one of the silk nightgowns. It was a bit much, but it worked with the matching robe over it.

Margo had arrived earlier armed with a curling iron and a cosmetics bag and had done a great job with her hair and makeup. She did not go overboard but made sure that Jasmine would look great in the video.

It was quite silly to put so much thought and effort into her appearance, given that she didn't even need the test to prove that she had turned immortal.

Jasmine had grown taller by over two inches during the ten days she'd been unconscious, so there was no doubt that she had transitioned into immortality. The ceremony was purely for show, but then she thrived on those. After all, she was a professional actress, and she loved the attention.

Ell-rom, on the other hand, looked stressed. "Are you comfortable?" he asked. "Do you need another pillow?"

"I'm perfect," she assured him, reaching for his hand. "More than fine. I feel amazing." It was true. Despite having been unconscious for many days, she felt stronger and more vital than she ever had before. Colors seemed brighter, sounds clearer, and even her sense of touch was enhanced. The texture of the sheets against her skin, the warmth of Ell-rom's hand in hers—everything felt more vivid.

Through the open door, she could hear the excited chatter of her friends in the waiting room, and the thought of them all gathering to witness this moment filled her with warmth.

"The camera feed is working perfectly," Julian announced, making one final adjustment. "I should have done this a long time ago." He stepped down from the ladder and folded it. "The camera is trained on you, and everyone outside will be able to watch the ceremony on the screen in the waiting room."

"Thank you," Jasmine said. "I wish they could all be in here with me."

"The room would burst," Julian chuckled. "You can have up to four people in here. Ell-rom is one, the Clan Mother is two, and you can have two more."

"Morelle," Ell-rom said. "I want her to be here."

Jasmine nodded. "And Margo. We started this journey together."

They had been abducted together by Alberto the scumbag and then rescued together by the clan.

"No problem." Julian lifted the step ladder. "I'll watch it on the screen." He did a little head tilt and strode out of the room.

Was he really offended at not being invited to be in the room? Or was he goofing around?

A moment later, Margo burst into the room, the excitement practically radiating off her. "I'm so glad you picked me. Thank you. By the way, the Clan Mother has just arrived, so we can start as soon as you are ready."

"I'm ready. I just wish that the rest of the girls could be here with me."

"Don't worry about it. We will celebrate tomorrow at Ella's." She leaned over and pretended to whisper. "Are you allowed to drink? Because we are planning on lots of margaritas."

Jasmine chuckled. "I don't know. I'm on a clear liquids diet for now, so I can play dumb and say that I thought margaritas qualify."

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