Sofia and I exchanged glances. It was rather late for someone to be disturbing us without good reason…
We both dropped our things and went to the front door. We opened it to see Eli standing there. He had a look of concern on his face.
This had happened too many times in the past year for me to not immediately expect bad news.
“What is it?” I asked.
I was relieved when a small smirk curved his lips. “No need to look at me like I’m the Grim Reaper.”
“Well, that’s kind of what you’ve been,” I muttered. “I can’t think of a single instance when you’ve shown up at our doorstep after hours with good news.”
“Well,” Eli said, coughing, “it’s not exactly cause for a party, but it’s not an emergency either. It’s… something to be aware of. It’s on a local news station which I don’t believe you have here, so you might as well come to mine.”
Sofia and I exchanged curious glances before acquiescing.
As the three of us left our treehouse and began running through the redwoods, I had no idea what Eli was about to show us. Just as I had no idea what the future had in store for us. How could I, when, as immortals, our journey through life appeared more winding than the mind of an oracle?
But whatever lay ahead, I could be certain of one thing: this beautiful island that surrounded us. This magnificent haven we were privileged enough to call home. The Shade. One way or another, it would always remain our sanctuary. It had for hundreds of years and it would for the rest of eternity. I knew it from the very core of me.
Because The Shade was a reflection of its people. In its strength. In its tenacity.
And The Shade was true to its inhabitants. As true as the love that burned in their hearts for each other.
What’s next?
Dearest Shaddict,
Thank you for accompanying me on Ben and River’s journey. Their story has held a very special place in my heart, and it’s with sadness that I say this has been their final book.
However, although Ben and River’s story has ended, The Shade has not!
A new era has dawned for the Novak clan. An era in which The Shade has become such a fortress that threats to the island are no longer possible. They have become protectors; fighters, warriors, every one a hero.
Witness the Novaks in all their strength and in all their glory. In all their love and all their friendship.
Embark on a breathtaking new journey with an exhilarating fresh romance, while reuniting with all your favorite characters and meeting exciting new ones.