Epilogue

Two days later,once everyone had slept for twenty-four hours straight and done some healing, we met at the Whiskey and Warlock. Jude was throwing us a party, and after the wringer we'd just been through, folks were ready to let down their hair.

Unfortunately, there were still people recovering from the battle. The infirmary was full, which was saying something. With the healing magic that the Protectorate had access to, people would normally be all better within hours.

Not after that fight, however. A dozen people had been so grievously injured that they'd almost died, and it'd taken some quick work on behalf of the healers on our team. My potions store was tapped out, as were Hedy's and Lachlan's and Connor's, and all the healers had worked their fingers to the bone.

I couldn't be more grateful for the outcome, however, and as we walked into the Whiskey and Warlock, the smile that spread across my face was so big it almost hurt.

Ana nudged Bree and me as we walked into the warmth and said, "Finally, we get to have that drink."

I'd always wanted to be able to sit with them after a job and have a celebratory drink, and she knew it. I'd helped them with stuff in the past, but for the first time, I felt like I'd really earned it. Like I was truly part of the team.

I smiled. "Can't wait."

The little side room where the Protectorate always met was more crowded than it had ever been. People jostled at the bar and huddled around the warm hearth. The thick beams on the ceiling hung low over the crowd, the dozens of copper cups that dangled from them glinting in the light of the fire.

Lachlan and Cade stood at the bar, but I had eyes only for Maximus, who sat in a wheelchair by the fire. He looked like one of those badass Paralympic athletes.

I nudged Bree. "Get me a beer, will you? Something interesting."

"Sure thing."

I pushed my way through the crowd toward Maximus. I wanted to plop down on his lap, but that wouldn't help the healing process any. He should be walking again in a couple weeks, and I didn't want to do anything to slow that down.

I leaned over and kissed him. "Looking good, handsome."

He smiled at me. "Not too bad yourself."

Ali vacated the chair next to Maximus and grinned at me, gesturing to the seat. "For the lady of the hour."

"The lady of the hour?"

His eyes widened as if he'd said something he shouldn't have. "Going to get a drink. Want one?" He disappeared before I could say no.

I sat and looked at Maximus. "That was strange."

"Very." A secret glinted in his eyes, I was sure of it. But before I could ask, he spoke. "So, I was thinking. I'd like to make this official." He gestured between us.

"Official?"

"Yeah. With the labels and the real dates and all."

A grin spread across my face. "I could totally go for that."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Well, good." He pulled me close for a kiss.

As soon as my lips touched his, my body melted. This. I could definitely do with a lot more of this. And now that the worst of the danger was out of the way, we could see where it went. I had a feeling it would be lasting a long, long time.

"Drinks!" Ana's voice cut through the haze in my mind, and I pulled back.

She handed me a beer, and I sipped it, nearly moaning at the fizzy happiness of some kind of India pale ale. "Thank you so much."

"Anytime." She held out her glass of sparkling pink champagne.

Bree mimicked her motion, holding out a pink martini that gave off glittery smoke.

We clinked our glasses together, and I was so happy I could have burst. I looked around at all of my friends and colleagues, trying to think of an appropriate toast. "To health and happiness."

"Health and happiness," Bree and Ana echoed back at me.

I sank back into my chair, spotting the Menacing Menagerie across the way. Sophie had given them little cans of soda, and they seemed happy as clams on their shared seat at the bar.

"I really couldn"t have better friends," I said.

They were all here, too. The Amazons, the folks from Magic's Bend, and all of the Protectorate. Even Lavender had given me a grudging, "Well done."

"Everyone! I'd like to make an announcement." Jude's voice carried through the crowd. I spotted her by the bar, standing on a chair so her head rose above the others. "Rowan, will you come up here?"

Heat flooded my cheeks, but I did as she asked, pushing my way through the press of people as my sisters cheered me on. Ali stood next to Jude and another empty chair. He gestured to it, indicating that I should climb on.

I did, not letting go of my beer. It was like my security blanket. Once I was standing next to Jude, I looked at her, confused.

Her gaze was on the audience as she started to speak. "This isn"t just a party. It is also Rowan's early graduation from the Academy."

My heart leapt, and I almost dropped my beer. "Really?"

Jude shot me a quick glance out of the corner of her eye, along with a grin. "Really." Then she looked back at the crowd. "We've been through the wringer these last few weeks, fighting an evil bigger than any we've ever faced. We wouldn't have made it without every single one of you."

The crowd cheered, raising their glasses.

Once they settled down, Jude spoke again. "Rowan performed above and beyond the call of duty. Without a doubt, she's one of the most powerful Magica to ever grace our institution. With that in mind, I am proud to offer her a spot in the Paranormal Investigative Team, so that she can fight evil alongside her sisters."

Joy exploded within me, so much that I probably glowed like a lantern. I blinked back the tears and nodded. All I'd ever wanted since I'd arrived at the Protectorate was to join the PITs. I wanted to protect the world alongside my sisters and couldn't imagine anything better. I even liked the dumb acronym.

"Do you accept?" Jude asked.

"Yes!" I nearly shouted the word as my gaze traced over the crowd.

It landed on my sisters and Maximus, and I knew without a doubt, that this was the best day of my life.

~~~