Page 102 of Gods of Prey
The stars emerge one by one, shining over all realms, all beings, all existence. And for the first time in thirty-four lifetimes, I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
In perfect, eternal balance.
EPILOGUE
Revel
Six Months Later
The throne room of Umbraeth has never looked more beautiful than it does right now, bathed in the soft silver light that emanates from Sienna’s presence. She sits beside me on the twin obsidian thrones we had crafted—symbols of our shared rule over the realm of Death. Her ethereal form has solidified since we took control together, becoming more substantial, more real. When I reach over and take her hand, her fingers are warm against mine.
“The Divine Council’s messenger should arrive soon,” she says, but her voice lacks the tension it would have carried months ago. Now there’s only calm certainty.
I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Let them come. We’ve more than proven ourselves.”
And we have. The cosmic balance hasn’t just been restored—it’s stronger than it’s been in millennia. Death and Life flow together in perfect harmony under our combined oversight. Sebastian and I have found a rhythm that surpasses what eitherof us could accomplish alone, even across the divide between our realms.
“Sebastian sent another message this morning,” Sienna continues, and I can hear the warmth in her voice when she speaks of her twin. “Vale was able to stay in the air for a full minute yesterday.”
I smile at that. Sebastian’s son is half-divine, half-mortal, and completely perfect according to his overprotective father. The Divine Council had been skeptical about allowing a hybrid child to exist, especially one destined by the Oracle to be the next God of Chaos. But my mother and the Fates had seen something in the timeline threads that convinced them. Vale would grow up to bridge worlds in ways we couldn’t yet understand.
“And Jovie?” I ask.
“Adapting beautifully to immortality. Sebastian says she’s already asking when she can visit Umbraeth.” Sienna’s laugh is like silver bells. “I think she misses the excitement of hunting down cultists.”
“Well, she’s welcome anytime. I doubt she’ll find Umbraeth as thrilling as mortal adventures.”
She turns to look at me fully, and I lose my breath the way I do every time she focuses those emerald eyes on me. “You know what I find thrilling?”
“Tell me,” I murmur, leaning closer.
Before she can answer, Erebus appears in the doorway, clearing his throat. “My lords, the messenger from the Divine Council approaches.”
I sigh, reluctantly pulling back from Sienna. Erebus has been an excellent second-in-command, handling the day-to-day operations of Umbraeth while Sienna and I focus on the larger cosmic balance. He’s also developed an unfortunate talent for interrupting private moments.
“Send them in,” Sienna says, straightening into her regal bearing.
The messenger who enters is the same one who delivered our ultimatum in Seattle—wings of pure light, voice like harmonized thunder. But this time, there’s no threat in their presence.
“Revel of Aurelys, Sienna of Umbraeth,” they intone. “The Divine Council sends greetings and satisfaction.”
Satisfaction. From the council. I have to resist the urge to laugh.
“The balance you have achieved surpasses all expectations. The council formally recognizes your joint sovereignty over Umbraeth and commends your innovative approach to divine governance.”
“Innovative approach,” Sienna repeats under her breath, and I catch the hint of amusement in her tone.
“Furthermore,” the messenger continues, “Sebastian of Aurelys sends word that he and his family will visit for the Festival of Eternal Twilight next month.”
After the messenger departs, Sienna and I sit in comfortable silence for a moment. The Festival of Eternal Twilight—a celebration that occurs when our realms align most closely. It will be the first time Sebastian, Jovie, and Vale visit Umbraeth together.
“I suppose there will be a family reunion in the realm of Death,” I muse. “How wonderfully morbid.”
Sienna laughs, the sound echoing through the vast chamber. “Says the man who decorated his private chambers with flowering vines.”
“Those vines happen to be very practical,” I defend. “They help purify the air and?—”
“They’re beautiful, and you put them there because you missed Aurelys.” She stands from her throne, moving with fluid grace toward the tall windows that overlook our domain. “Justlike I’ve been experimenting with shadow gardens because I want to create something that bridges our worlds.”
