"You have my word that we'll stick together. When we get back to the castle, if they try to separate us, we fight. Side by side," I said, my tone firm.
Piper gazed up at me and offered a tenuous smile. "Okay," she said after a moment. "You and me. Together."
"Along with our friends and family and a massive vampire army." I chuckled, which earned me a genuine smile from her, and my heart soared at the sight. "I'll die fighting for you, Piper." I brought her hands to my lips and kissed her knuckles.
"I know, but I'd much rather you live for me," she said.
"You're never satisfied, are you?" I smirked, and she smacked me. I laughed and pulled her to me for a kiss. "I love you," I whispered against her lips.
"I love you, too."
With one final, lingering kiss, I laced our fingers and led her back to the main room. Gregory and Piper's sisters were huddled together in the living room.