Page 54 of Outcast

His returning smile was indulgent. “And you didn’t know how to lead and look at you. Sarah and I will work wonders in that place. She needs a purpose and so do I.”

The fact this man had a wealth of patience was appreciated. Already I felt confident in my choice and his.

“I’m going to say this gently. But I think you’re overthinking. You were reluctant to come here, right? Well, I’m not reluctant to go. My mate is waiting for me on the other side. This realm was good for me, and immortality has its perks. But immortality alone means nothing to me. You did the same for your mates, didn’t you?”

“I hate it when you’re right,” I muttered, both of us chuckling to ourselves. “When do you want to go?”

“I think the better question is when areyouready for me to go, Harlow? I’ve waited for Drake’s entire life to be able to be with them over there. I’m ready to go and thanks to your deal with Odin, Drake can visit us there.”

“We should talk to him first.” The conversation had been danced around on my part for a few days. I didn’t tell them my plan, but I had a feeling they’d all come to the same conclusion I did.

“There’s no need,” Drake said.

“Gods!” I yelled with my hand over my chest. “I swear I’m putting bells on you guys. You’re always popping up out of nowhere.”

He ignored my theatrics in true Drake fashion.

“Look. I came to this conclusion three days ago. I was just waiting for you to come to the same one,” Drake admitted.

“What the fuck, Drake,” I muttered.

“You all need to work on communication,” Elkan added.

“I have multiple demon, gargoyle, and a wraith in my group. That’s not happening,” I deadpanned. “Monty would rather eat grass everyday than talk about his feelings and thoughts.”

“He would,” Drake agreed. “And I thought this would be the easiest way for you to accept it. You get attached to people.”

“How could I not feel awful? You hated him for a long time because you didn’t know the truth. Then you finally get him back and I’m permanently taking him away again,” I pointed out.

“Mom needs him,” Drake said simply. “That’s more important.”

“I’d love if you came to Dark Haven from time to time,” Elkan said. Drake nodded. He didn’t have to agree, we knew he wouldn’t leave Sarah for long.

“Someone has to come show you around Vane’s office and teach you how to use the internet. If it’s still a thing when the portal closes,” Drake joked.

“The sooner we close it, the better,” I agreed.

“Humanity will rebuild,” Elkan said. “I’m ready, my queen.”

Hiro, Roman, Monty, and Kol joined us. No one said a word, they were listening and knew what was going on. The bond had a way of pulling us together when we needed it, and I was thankful to not have to rehash this entire conversation again.

The walk to the portal was somber. Elkan was excited but conflicted, the rest of us were ready to see an end to this battle. I was silently freaking out that this might not work. It felt too easy and there was no way to confirm if it would work or not.

When we reached the portal, there was a sinking feeling in my stomach, knowing I might not be able to keep my promise to preserve a piece of his soul, this could be permanent. But when I looked at Elkan, there was no hesitation in his eyes.

“There’s no point in goodbyes,” Elkan pointed out. “I’ll see you all at Dark Haven. Hopefully in a much less chaotic world.”

“Take my weapon,” Drake said, handing over his glowing dagger. There’d be more here, but who knows what Elkan would face on the other side. We’d left gargoyles in place to protect Sarah, and most of the demons died. But there were always more.

“Thank you for your sacrifice, Elkan,” I said, bowing low to the man that would save us all. Every one of my men, Monty and Kol included, bowed to him as well.

I moved to stand in front of him, holding my palms out, facing down. He slid his under mine, eyes meeting mine with all the confidence in the realms.

Helheim brushed against me, a gentle caress of reassurance, and it was the realm itself that drew his power away, using me as a conduit until I took over, drawing every bit of the realm’s connection from him. The effort had me closing my eyes, using instinct to lead me.

When there was nothing left to take, I opened my eyes again. He’d changed already. Elkan was no longer a demon, all aspects of this life were gone, leaving pale skin, green eyes, a shock of black hair, and a kind smile in its place.

His smile faded as I took him in and soon, I realized it was now taking his humanity too. He couldn’t survive here. Not anymore.

---