Page 117 of Unbound By Shadows
The suspicion on Brunie’s face was quickly replaced by delight. “Oh my, of course. If you wish, certainly! I have more muffins cooling inside if you’d like one.”
“That would be divine,” Thema replied. “It’s been a long journey and—”
“What are you doing here, Thema?" Sam growled. “I told you my home is in Snowmelt now.”
Queen Thema glanced inside the carriage and patted her upsweep of braids. “Forgive me. Samael, we miss you, but I’m not here to bring you back. I have something for you. I wanted to make the delivery myself. To make amends.”
Sam could see through the windows that someone else was moving in the carriage. He assumed it was Arkaya but couldn’t understand why she would want to see him.
As Queen Thema stepped down the stairs, Sam saw a face appear in the doorway behind her, which made his heart seize in his chest.
Selene.
Chapter 49
Sam stumbled until his back pressed against the side of the barn. His breaths came in bursts while his heart beat wildly against his ribs. He blinked several times as he tried to reconcile what he was seeing. A honking sound came from his left, and he saw that Brunie had burst into tears. Eldridge was hovering up and down excitedly on his wings while Nim the cat licked his paw. Queen Thema rested her hands on her hips, looking proud.
Sam’s eyes raked over Selene hungrily.
It was her.
Not only was she alive, but she looked more beautiful than he had ever seen her. Healthy, whole, and vibrant. The smile she gave him was dazzling as she climbed out of the carriage. Was this truly real?
My mate.
“Hi, Sam,” she said softly.
The sound of her voice made his body start to tremble. He feared he might collapse if it weren’t for the barn supporting his back.
“You’re alive,” he breathed.
“Yes.”
“How?”
She began walking towards him. “It’s a long story.”
“I can’t… how is this… ?” Sam stammered.
She tugged at a cord encircling her neck. A shiny white stone was suspended from it. “The traveler’s stone is mine now. Zaybris gifted it to me.”
Sam’s mind felt clouded, as if he couldn’t absorb what he was seeing. His gaze snapped from the stone up to her face. “Where is Zaybris? Did he harm you?”
“He's in the Underworld.”
“Dead?"
“No. After he grabbed me in the cave, he used the stone to take me to the Underworld.”
His eyes widened. “Why there?”
“He was in love with your mother. That's why he kidnapped you. He did it just to hurt her, for revenge." She stopped to stand in front of him. Sam swayed as her familiar pomegranate scent washed over him. "Sam, your mother Lamia is actually Lilith, the Goblyn queen.”
Sam’s head jerked back at this information. Suddenly, he felt faint. He couldn’t take in enough air. “What? How?”
“She fell in love with your father on Gaia and left Aurelia to become a demon. To be with him… and to give birth to you.”
Queen Thema, seemingly unable to stop herself, called out, “That makes you my nephew!”
