A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,114

“In fact, I can’t think of a better way to spend the rest of my day.”

He strides over to me, like a predator stalking his prey.

“Oh, my love, you have no idea the things I have in mind.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

After an afternoon of forgetting the world outside his bedroom door, I’m packing up my stuff again while Kain sorts out some last minute bits around the castle before we leave tonight. Still no word from the Generals, but they said we’d know tonight, and patience is supposed to be a virtue I guess. I drop a quick text to Fallon to let her know we’ll be needing a portal soon, and once her response comes in, I finish throwing my stuff together.

I grab the bag and look around the room, making sure I’ve not left anything behind, then shut off the lights as I leave. Excitement bubbles up in me about going home and seeing the other guys. I might’ve only been gone a few days, but considering I was only home for a few days before I left again, I just want a slice of normality. Though god only knows how long it will be till I can get anything close to that.

I reach the courtyard before I find Kain, watching as he interacts with people, young and old, rich or not, he treats them all exactly the same. It’s only when I see the Generals approach him that I make my way to his side.

Were you enjoying yourself in the shadows mon amour?

I didn’t want to interrupt. Everyone looked so happy. It’s nice seeing you interact with everyone, they very obviously love and respect you greatly.

I am glad you think so, sometimes it does not feel as such.

I reach his side, and he puts his arm around my waist, pulling me close into him. The sun has already set, the days drawing shorter, and the slight chill in the air is biting. I’ll be glad to be going home to where even our winter is not as cold as it is here.

“So, you have all made your decisions?” Kain says to them all, and they nod.

“You already know my answer,” Luc says with a smile.

“My clan will stand with you,” Alexandra says, and I keep the shock from my face, now that, I didn’t expect.

“As will mine,” Danerius states, looking me over like I’m a meal and he’s a starving man. I’m almost glad I do not remember whatever fun it was we had in a previous life.

“You know we will,” Alaric says, and that just leaves Constantine.

“And you, old friend?” Kain asks softly, as if he already knows the answer.

“I have gone back and forth with it all. I will fight with you, but I will not order my clan to. If they choose to fight, then they will join me, but you know as well as I do, that more than most, my people have been scarred heavily by the divide of the factions.”

“I do. Thank you, for fighting at our side, even when all things considered, I expected you to say no.” Kain clasps his forearm, and then does the same with the others. Luc hugs him in that bro-hug kind of way that I’ll never understand and then hugs me tight.

“I’ll see you both soon,” he whispers to me, and despite not having as much time as I’d wanted with him, I know I’ll miss him. I guess we really were closer in my past lives. I just hope we get the chance to resume the closeness we once had.

I fire off a message to Fallon, who lets me know she’ll start the portal her end.

“Is she ready?” Kain asks, and I smile.

“Yeah, she’s getting started now.” He pulls me close, and kisses the top of my head before saying goodbye to the others. We head out of the courtyard through the huge gateway, and start the walk to where we arrived.

“You looking forward to going home?” he asks with a light voice.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again, but I’m looking forward to this all being over, so I can enjoy my time properly with you all,” I sigh.

“It will all work out, mon amour. You will see.”

“I hope so.” He squeezes my hand, and I smile as the portal opens up a few feet from us.

“Hopefully I manage to stay on my feet this time.” I roll my eyes and grumble.

“Have faith, mon coeur. I will hold you steady.” His eyes sparkle, and