Chapter SEVENTEEN-KIAN

“A boy and a girl! I just can’t believe it,” Arliss says for what has to be the tenth time.

And I don’t care.

I could listen to her say it a hundred more.

Her voice is lit up with wonder, and that soft lilt in her tone does something dangerous to me.

Because she’s here.

With me.

Sitting in the passenger seat of my truck, knees pulled up just a little, arms wrapped around herself like she’s holding in a secret—or maybe waiting for me to give her one.

And all I can think is this is the best fucking moment of my life.

We haven’t said anything important in the last three hours.

No talk about mates or magic. No dark confessions or ultimatums.

Just being with one another, existing together—and it’s enough.

While Penny labored like the goddess-warrior she is, bringing her twins into the world surrounded by every ounce of love and ferocity the Crew could summon my sweet Arliss stayed beside me.

No fear.

No distance.

Just her presence, steady as the sunrise.