Page 120 of Claim the Twilight
“I might have a solution to that,” Nyx said. “We’ve been working on atmospheric modifiers since the incidents in Morningstar, and the mageri have been in touch about collaborating.” She smiled. “It could work.”
My heart lifted. “You think?”
“We’re going to open a school?” Quinn sat up straighter, upending her mug, which Nyx quickly grabbed.
But I was thinking bigger than that. “Not a school…an academy.”
Quinn let out a squeal, and Nyx chuckled. “Looks like the trio is back in business together.”
Yes, we were. Back full circle, but this time, nothing would tear us apart.
One WeekLater
PADMA
The red and gold sari clings becomingly to my curves. Dark winged liner, a red lip, and a half-up half-down hair do, finish the look. But I don’t care about the clothes or the ceremony. I’d stand beneath the large oak behind Branwood, barefoot, and speak my vows to Edwin with only nature as my witness. But if I did that, my mother would disown me.
She circles me like a hawk now, looking for a loose thread, a wrinkle in the wrong place. I must pass inspection, because she steps back and clasps her hands beneath her chin, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I feel mine begin to well and quickly blink them back, not wanting to ruin the carefully applied make up.
“You’re beautiful, sweetheart,” she says. “Edwin is a lucky man.”
“I’m the lucky one.” And I am. He went into another realm to find me a cure for the infection ravaging my body. He was willing to die for me. “I love him so much, Ma. It’s scary how much.”
“I know. I see it when I look at you both. Your father sees it too. He wouldn’t have consented to this wedding otherwise. Although, I think you would have married Edwin anyway.”
I know better than to confirm or deny this question and she smiles knowingly.
There’s a light knock on the door, and Ma calls out. “Enter.”
Orina slips into the room, her floor-length gold gown complimenting my outfit perfectly. She pauses, her hand on her heart. “Damn…Padma…”
I strike a pose “You like it?”
“It’s gorgeous. You’re gorgeous and Edwin is going to pass out when he sees you.” She grins cheekily. “I’m sure he’ll have fun unwrapping you later.”
Ma coughs pointedly.
“Oh, shit,” Orina presses back a smile. “Sorry.”
“Hmmm…” Ma makes a stern face but the twinkle in her eyes betrays her. “I’ll meet you downstairs,” she says. “Don’t be long. Ceremony begins in twenty minutes.”
She slips from the room, closing the door softly behind her.
“Wow,” Orina says again. “I mean it. You look amazing.”
“I feel like a bag of nerves. Like I might need to pee again, and believe me, that’s no easy feat in this outfit. Have you seen Edwin?”
“Yep. Looking dapper in his tux and nervous as hell. Crazy, considering the shit he’s been through.”
“I know.” I step away from the mirror and take a breath. “Every time I think about what could have happened…”
“Don’t. It all worked out. You’re together. You’re going to have a wonderful life.”
“And you? When are you tying the knot?”
She balks. “Yeah, not sure how that would work.”
