Page 17 of To Dwell in Shadows
Sam wasn’t sure how long the three of them stayed in that position, arms entwined as if letting go might shatter the reality of the moment. The bond he feared had been stretched too thin by decades of separation now felt strong, making him realize nothing could ever truly sever their connection.
In that moment, nothing else mattered. It was just them, finally together, rebuilding what had once been fractured, piece by piece.
Eventually, Asmodeus stepped back to let out a victorious roar so loud the ground shook.
“Let me look at you.” King Asmodeus ran his fingers gently over Sam’s face with his clawed hand, then squinted closely at the top of Sam’s head. “Have you lost one of your horns?”
“Yes. It’s regenerating.”
Queen Lamia took Sam’s hands, examining the scars that encircled his wrists—a remnant from his captivity in the blood wagons. “And you bear many scars. Were you a soldier in Aurelia? Or a warrior?”
“No,” he said softly.
“We have a lot to catch up on,” Lamia said.
“I believe he still has your eyes. Do you agree, my treasure?” King Asmodeus asked Queen Lamia.
“Oh yes. He looks exactly the same. Only more grown-up.” Queen Lamia searched Sam’s face, then hugged him again. “How did you come here?”
“My mate, Selene, brought us here with the traveler’s stone.”
“Selene. Ah,” Lamia said, her smile flickering for a moment. “We didn’t know what happened to her when she disappeared. But she must have found her way back to Aurelia.”
“Yes, to my great fortune. There’s someone else here to see you, too,” Sam said. He turned toward the bushes and called, “Come forward.”
Queen Thema came running toward them, with Selene closebehind. Without hesitation, Thema bumped Vanthee aside with her hip, her voice breaking with emotion as she cried out, “Sister!”
“Thema?” Queen Lamia gasped, stunned.
She released Sam and launched herself at Thema with such force that the two of them tumbled to the ground, arms wrapped tightly around each other. Their laughter echoed through the garden.
Asmodeus pulled Sam into a one-armed embrace, squeezing his shoulder with pride. “Well done, son.”
Sam smiled, then stepped away from his father. He reached for Selene’s hand and drew her forward. “My mate, Selene.”
King Asmodeus’s grin widened. “We have already met. Greetings, Selene.” He wagged a finger at her, feigning a scolding tone. “My queen and I weren’t pleased about your abrupt departure into the ether, but you have redeemed yourself this day.”
“Thank you,” Selene said, her cheeks coloring slightly. “I’m sorry about the way I left. I didn’t understand how the traveler’s stone worked back then.”
“And now?”
“Yes. I got us here, at least.”
After several moments of laughter and tight embraces between Lamia and Thema, the sisters rose to their feet. Queen Lamia turned to Selene, giving her a slow, assessing look.
“Hello again,” she said, her tone cool and unreadable.
Selene offered a bright smile. “Hello. It’s good to see you.”
Lamia didn’t respond. Instead, she shifted her attention to Vanthee. “Excellent work, Vanthee. Your discovery has brought forth the end of a great anguish for our kingdom.”
“I know,” Vanthee said. The eagerness that shone in the demoness’s eyes made Sam as uncomfortable as he was confused. He glanced at Selene. It was she, not Vanthee, who deserved their praise.
Lamia looped her arm through Sam’s. She met his eyes with a serious, almost expectant look. “We have much to discuss about your future.”
Feeling too buoyant with joy to dampen the moment with heavy conversations, Sam only nodded.
Queen Thema turned to King Asmodeus. “Great king, our journey to your new realm has been arduous. Might we impose on your hospitality for some food and drink?”
