32. Chapter Thirty-Two

ROSE

The first thing I notice is that I'm no longer in pain. Physical or emotional, though my battered heart is bruised beyond all hope.

The agonizing claws that had dug so deeply into my very essence have receded, leaving behind a sense of peace and wholeness that I've never experienced before. The transition is so sharp, I gasp, throwing my arms around Chaos' neck, tangling them in his dark hair.

"Don't you ever leave me again," I sob against his chest.

"Not even the fates could keep me from finding my way back to you, my soul."

"Are we dead?" I whisper, looking around.

I'm hovering somewhere between the physical realm and something entirely new, vibrant and alive with magic. Around us, it seems like time has stopped, like we're suspended in a moment meant only for us. This doesn't feel like death, though. I feel a calmness wash over me—a serenity that comes from a deep inner knowing.

This is it. This is what it means to ascend.

Blood no longer mars any part of my body. I'm whole.

I look up at Chaos, and his eyes are no longer bleached of all their color. No, I can make out the burst of gold amongst the green, and they hold so much warmth. His gaze flickers to my lips, and then he's leaning in, pressing a soft kiss that tastes like eternity against my mouth. His lips meld with mine, his taste familiar and new at the same time. They whisper a promise against me, one that stretches across time and dimensions. A promise not made in words, but in shared breathes and the interlacing of our souls.

He grins against my lips. "I knew you could do it."

"… the others." I glance around, panic taking flight in my chest. "Where are they?"

"They're all fine—should be here any minute now."

Relief sings in my soul, mending the bruises that live there. Safe. We are all safe.

"And you." My hand finds his cheek, feeling the hard planes of his jaw under my palm. "You're … okay?"

"More than okay." He picks me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. He twirls around, his laughter so infectious I can't help but join in. He sets me down gently, and my feet touch the ground, which feels more familiar than I had expected. The soil beneath is solid, real, and yet vibrant with magic. Each tiny movement I make in the dirt sends tiny stars skittering across the surface.

"Where are we?" The world around us is alive, pulsing with the kind of energy that makes me want to laugh and cry all at once.

"A pocket realm near Sundahlia." He gestures grandly around us, joy lighting in his eyes.

We could be in outer space for all I care. My soul is both exhausted and overjoyed that we are all alright.

Chaos gives me a squeeze, and I close my eyes, resting my head on his chest so I can listen to the steady thump, thump of his heart.

Alive.

He is alive and well.

His hand comes to tilt my chin up to look at him. "Just big enough for our family, and anyone we add to it." His gaze heats.

I give him a playful shove. "Not for at least a hundred years." I want to experience all life has to offer before I'm responsible for small children. though, I suppose I am responsible for all its inhabitants now.

Chaos laughs, big and bright, lighting up his entire face. Fuck, he's beautiful. And mine. All mine.

I heard that. Chaos grins at me.

A gasp slips from my lips. You're in my head.

Still? I thought we could only do this during ascension.

You're in mine, too. He chuckles. As soon as the others get here, you'll be in theirs, also.

"Is it just because of this place, or …?"

"No. Because we're all mated to you, and you're still technically a royal fae who is inherently able to read minds, and now a god, we're all connected," he explains. "Soul-deep."

"Incredible," I murmur.

I turn in a circle, taking in the vibrant colors and the gentle hum of life in every direction. This is more than just any realm. This is a place where the veil between magic and reality is so thin, it's barely there. Here, the stars are brighter, the air sweeter. All I can do is marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of it all.

Suddenly, a rush of wind sweeps past us, rustling the stars at our feet and ruffling my hair. In the swirling gust, a figure materializes. A griffin with golden plumage and intelligent, gold eyes.

Theo.

A piece of the puzzle that is my soul seems to slot into place at seeing him.

He shifts into his fae form, smirking as he stalks towards me, dimples on full display. "We did it." Crushing me to his chest, he breathes in deep before pulling back to look me over. "You're okay?" I scan him, peace taking harbor in my soul at having him here. Alive. "Gods, I wanted to cut off my own hands to get to you when I heard you screaming like that. But I couldn't move. Couldn't let go of the human even if I tried."

"I really would've missed those hands." I grasp them and lean into him, pinning them between our bodies. My skin takes on its blue glow.

"Oh, yeah?" His eyes burn with wicked promises.

"Yeah, they come in handy for a lot of things," I tease, my voice growing husky as his gaze flickers down to my lips before coming back to my eyes.

Theo's thumb grazes the back of my hand, sending a tingling shiver down my spine that doesn't go unnoticed by him. His smirk deepens, morphing into a full-blown grin of satisfaction. "Indeed, they do," he murmurs, a low rumble that vibrates through me. He eases his hands out of mine before bringing them up to cup my face.

My eyes dart back and forth between his. "You should probably teach me what else they can do, Professor," I say casually, a tiny upturn of my lips betraying my nonchalance.

I think I can do that, he answers inside his head.

"This shouldn't be so hot," Chaos grumbles.

I startle, turning to look his way and rest my head on Theo's chest as I let out a laugh. My eyes travel down his wide chest, to his tapered waist, before resting on the erection straining his denim jeans.

He's barefoot, too.

"I should probably take care of that for you." I raise a brow.

"Well, aren't you considerate?" he teases, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

Before I can reply, a surge of energy whips through the air around us. The vibrant colors surrounding us flicker and blur before settling, and out of a tiny split in the fabric of the mirage comes my mates, stumbling through one-by-one.

Deakan lands first, far less elegantly than Theo had. He's in his fae form. Next is Mekhi, then Jax, all tripping over each other and landing in a heap, sending stars barreling across the ground around them.

I still, terror seeping into every cell inside me. "Where is Kieran?" My voice comes out thready, fragile.

My mates shove each other as they try to disentangle their limbs. Jax is the heaviest of them all, and as he pushes himself off, I see Mekhi wince.

"Watch it, you overgrown lizard," Mekhi grumbles, rubbing his gut where Jax's elbow had dug in.

"How else is my body going to carry all these muscles?" Jax mutters, still looking dazed but finally upright.

They climb to their feet before both extending hands to help Deakan up.

Theo, standing beside Chaos and me, scans the group, his eyes narrowing. "Everyone accounted for?" he asks, a hint of urgency threading his usually calm demeanor.

All the air squeezes from my lungs. Tears spring to my eyes and my heart lurches, each beat a loud echo in my ears as I scan the group, my gaze darting from face to face. "Where is Kieran?" I call out again, my voice rising in pitch, hysteria bleeding through it. My chest heaves as I stalk towards Jax, clutching his shirt. "Where. Is. He?" I shriek.

The guys are still all dusting themselves off, eyes big as they marvel at all the little stars sticking to their skin like sand.

"Hey, he's okay—" Deakan starts.

But reassurance does little to quell the panic rising like a tide within me. "But he's not here!" My voice cracks, breaking the calm with the sharpness of my fear.

Theo's expression tightens, and he moves to join us. "Let's not jump to conclusions. He might have—" Theo begins but is cut off by a muffled noise.

Deakan, who's been patting down his pockets in a distracted manner, pauses and then slowly reaches into his coat pocket. His brow furrows in confusion before his face clears in sudden realization. "Oh, hell. Kieran, you sneaky snake," he mutters, a grin spreading across his face as he carefully pulls something small and wriggling from his pocket.

A tiny serpent, no bigger than a pencil, emerges, its scales shimmering even more now that he's covered in stardust from Deakan's hands. It's Kieran, in his serpent form, having shrunk from his normally enormous size to fit into a pocket.

"Kieran!" I cry out, relief washing over me so fiercely it nearly knocks me off my feet. My knees buckle, but Chaos is quick to steady me, his arms wrapping around me as I laugh—a sound mingled with sobs of relief.

I push off Chaos and scoop Kieran up, bringing him to my face to inspect him. His tiny, forked tongue flickers out to taste the tip of my nose and his eyes, green as emeralds, blink at me. I let out a shaky breath and clutch the small serpent closer to me, the warmth of his scales comforting under my fingers.

"Always making an entrance," Theo quips, his relief evident as he watches me carefully set the tiny serpent down. Kieran flicks his tongue, surveying the surroundings before it begins to shimmer, slowly expanding and reshaping until my mate stands before us once more, fully fae. And fully dressed.

Perks of being gods?

"Sorry for the scare, love," Kieran says, closing the distance between us. His arms encircle me in a tight embrace, and I bury my face in his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him. "Someone's fucking pants were way too tight. Again," he growls.

I meet Deakan's eyes to the side of us, watching him wince. "Sorry, babe." He scoops down to pick up a handful of stardust, dusting some on my cheeks. "But you really like my ass in this pair."

I giggle, nodding as he turns around, giving me a good show of the tight bootcut jeans, lifting up his t-shirt a bit to show off his tan skin. His thighs are massive in these, and they hang low enough to see the V cut of his abs and the two dimples low on his back.

"I mean, you could wear anything and I'd still like your ass, but yes." I swallow, skin flaring. "This works, too."

"So, clothing is optional, then?" Jax raises a brow, one hand on his belt as he meets my eyes.

The air takes on an electric charge, and each of us glances around, senses heightened. The scent changes, sweet with a hint of petrichor.

"Company incoming." Chaos pulls me into his side.

A woman approaches, with long white hair like a river of moonlight, glowing skin, and vivid blue eyes. A soft, radiant blue envelopes her, and the shimmering green gown she wears moves around her like a cascade of stars.

"Luna." Chaos inclines his head.

"Chaos." She smirks. "Good to see you alive and well."

Her bare feet don't seem to touch the ground as she glides towards us. Her presence is powerful, yet there's an undeniable gentleness about her. Her eyes find mine, and there's a slight twitch to her mouth as if she's suppressing a smile.

"I told you all would be alright, love." She wraps her arms around me, her warmth seeping into my skin, feeling it soothe the last of my nerves.

A memory breaks itself free from my mind. Standing on that mountain pass, just after she brought Bennett back from the dead and before she went back to the veil.

She whispered into our ears, "Love woven into the fabric of time is unbreakable. Remember this in your darkest hour."

I didn't understand it then. But I understand it now.

Her embrace feels like coming home, a surge of peace washing over me even as I reel from the enormity of everything we've been through. She steps back, her eyes scanning the circle of familiar and new faces alike.

"Rose, you and your mates have ascended beautifully," she begins, her voice carrying a melodious timbre that seems to harmonize with the very air around us. "And to think, I was worried!" Her laugh is light, like chimes caught in a gentle breeze.

Turning to each of my mates, her gaze lingers with a kind of pride only a grandmother could hold. "Kieran, Deakan, Theo, and Mekhi." She nods at each in turn, her eyes sparkling with an ethereal light. "You've grown into your powers with such grace."

Finally, her focus shifts to Jax. "You, my brave one, have endured more than most." She glances at Kieran before returning her attention to Jax. "You should tell him."

"Tell me what?" Kieran asks, pierced eyebrow raised in question. His green eyes narrow slightly, looking from Jax to my grandmother.

Jax swallows hard. "About why I had no soul."

Kieran stills. "You told me you traded your soul for a treasure chest?"

Jax lets out a breath. "After your parents died and you were near comatose with grief, I sought Chaos to guarantee you'd find your happily ever after."

All the air punches from Kieran's lungs as he doubles over, hands on his knees. Slowly, his head lifts, glossy eyes meeting Jax's. "You did what?"

Jax fidgets with the hem of his shirt, looking sheepish. "I was afraid we'd lose you." He glances at Deakan before returning his attention back to the ground.

"You traded your soul for me?" he breathes, a tear tracking down his cheek.

"We'd never survive losing you." Deakan claps a hand on Kieran's shoulder, pulling him and Jax into a hug.

For a long time, they simply hold each other. We're all quiet, bearing witness to this moment between brothers. Best friends is too simple of a term to describe them. They're bonded by so much more than that. More than blood, even.

Tears pour down my face as Chaos slips an arm around my waist. "Hey, hey," he whispers into my ear. His voice, so deep, soothes some of the ache in my chest.

The men step back from each other, each swallowing lumps in their throats, eyes glassy as they sheepishly turn towards my grandmother.

Luna appraises us as she circles our group, her sharp eyes missing nothing. "Working together, your bonds will redefine the fates of many. I look forward to what we will accomplish together."

As she completes her circuit, she stops, facing us all again. "Sadly, my time here is fleeting. The Veil calls me back." Her smile is tinged with a wistful sadness. "We will meet again," she assures, stepping back. "Remember, the bonds you've forged are more than mere magic; they are the roots that will hold the worlds together."

With a final, graceful nod, her form begins to fade, the light that surrounds her dimming until only the echo of her presence remains, leaving us in the lingering glow of her departure.

I feel, more than see, the sidelong glances from my mates as they try to gauge where I'm at.

"Are you guys alright?" I whisper.

They glance at each other before Kieran smirks at me, his green eyes still bright with tears. "Yeah, we're okay."

"Where were we?" Jax grins, wiping his eyes and shoving his hands in his pockets.

"You were talking about Deakan's ass, I think." Mekhi scoops up a handful of stars, tossing them up into the air. They twinkle as they rise, winking out one by one until they disappear entirely.

Deakan snorts, rolling his eyes skyward. "Always with my ass. Can't you find something else to admire?"

"I could, actually," Kieran shoots back, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

I glance around. "Where are the others? Nova? Bennett? Lopey? The humans?" The last thing I want to do is tackle one of my mates, mount ‘em, and have any one of them stumble through the portal.

Each of my men chuckle, obviously having heard the train of thoughts in my head.

"Bennett brought everyone to Convectus. He and Penelope are helping Nova secure some rooms for them, help them get back on their feet before sending them off to do whatever it is they want to do," Theo explains.

Jax shakes out his hair, stardust fanning out in an arc from his curls. "So, mount away." He smirks.

I grin at him, glancing around at the bed of soil and … stars, apparently. "Here?"

"Scared?" Kieran smirks, already unlooping his belt buckle.

I open my mouth once, twice, unable to form coherent thought. I may have miscalculated how many mates I can handle at once. Though my skin flares its glowing blue color, the idea of it has also robbed me of breath. So, I do what any reasonable goddess would do when faced with her mates and all their attentions.

One-by-one, I meet each of their eyes. All heated. Ready to pounce.

I turn and run, my laughter tinkling behind me as I take off, losing my shoes in the process. Down the shimmering path, I weave through a network of starlight, my feet barely touching the ground as I glide across cosmic dust.

I can hear their collective groan of frustration, the soft thud as they each begin to give chase. Wind whistles past my ears as I run—I'm way faster now. Glancing behind me, I watch as they shove each other, trying to sabotage each other's efforts to reach me first.

Jax tackles Deakan, causing a spectacular shower of stardust. Theo surges forward, his form shimmering as he transforms into a griffin, taking flight as I shriek to dodge out of the way, his powerful wings pushing him closer to me. But then Mekhi summons water from a nearby astral river, creating a wall that momentarily blocks Theo's path.

Chaos just stalks towards me, slowly, biding his time as the others take each other out. Like a smirking predator, he hunts.

Not one to be outdone, Kieran launches into his giant serpent form, gaining both speed and agility as he slithers rapidly towards me. Giant scales get coated in stardust, and if I weren't enjoying this so much, I'd take some time to admire the stream of glimmering constellations in his wake.

Instead, I push forward, peeling my shirt off before discarding my bra, leaving a trail of clothes behind me like breadcrumbs in this star-kissed world. My bare feet dig into the cosmic dust, pushing off with all their might as I put some space between us so I can shimmy out of my pants.

But that would be my downfall. Because just as I've got my underwear around my ankles, Chaos is the one to tackle me, cushioning my fall as we roll. My hair whips around us as we tumble through the stardust, his arms like steel bands around my waist.

Both panting, we come to a halt, Chaos looming above me with a victorious grin on his face. The others make sounds of protest.

"Got you," he murmurs against my skin, his breath warm. "Have you tasted it yet?"

"Tasted what?"

His tongue makes a path across my chest, earning him a whimper. "The stars."

"No," I breathe.

His mouth descends on my bare breast, nipping lightly, and I gasp, a flush of heat spreading through my body. A deep, rumbling chuckle comes from him, vibrating against my skin and sending shivers through me.

"Then allow me to introduce you," he murmurs lowly, his breath hot against the curve of my shoulder as he kisses his way up my neck, gathering stardust on his lips.

His mouth finds mine, and I taste it then—the sweet essence of the stars, so similar to powdered sugar, bursts on our tongues. My arms wind around his neck, flipping us so I'm above him.

Kieran, having shifted back to his fae form, reaches us.

I glance behind me, watching the tentative heat in his eyes for a moment before turning back to Chaos.

He stares up at me like I've hung the moons. "Can you share nicely now?" I ask him.

His features soften. "Do you really think I'd go through all this trouble to find you, fall in love with you, and walk away?" He chuckles. "Carve your name into my skin, scar my body, bathe in what bleeds only for you. Desecrate that which has been made just for you. I am yours, my soul."

My heart stutters as my fingers trail through the fine powder on his now-bare chest. "I could never mar this body."

"Use me," he breathes, his hands landing on my hips, fingers digging into my skin.

"I think you might struggle to share me," I reply, resting my palm against him. The steady beat of his heart pulsates beneath my touch.

His eyes sweep over my shoulder, scanning behind me for a long moment. I hear my other mates finally arriving, panting and out of breath.

"That's where you're wrong," he muses. "For eons, I've shared my magic, pouring it into the moons so you all can have powers. I think," his fingers knead my skin, "I share quite well." He smirks as he lifts me, sliding his cock into me with a sigh, as though he's coming home after a lifetime away.

I'm soaked, the hunt doing far more for me than I expected.

My eyelids flutter closed at the sensation, leaning into the warm body that meets my back. Kieran. His lips press to my neck as I rest my head on his shoulder.

Fangs slide into my flesh as Kieran's hand travels down my stomach, his expert fingers settling between my thighs, circling my clit, and drawing a moan from deep inside my chest.

I ride Chaos while my serpent fae strums me, drinking from my neck.

You should see the way he splits you.

My eyes snap open, finding Theo with his dick in his hand, slowly stroking himself in front of me.

Such a beautiful pussy. Mekhi joins me in my head, he and Deakan joining Theo in front of me. Can't wait to fill you with my seed.

My breath hitches at Mekhi's words, my eyes locking onto his, the lust guiding my body into a faster rhythm.

He smirks at me. You like the idea of that, don't you? Just wait until I can sink my fangs into you again, pretty girl. Then you can come all over my cock while I fill you up.

His bold proclamations make me clench around Chaos, a keening escaping my parted lips as I ride out my climax.

Just as I'm coming down from it, Kieran's fangs slide out of my neck.

"Over here, Deak," he whispers against my skin.

Eyes heated, I watch as Deakan saunters closer before falling to his knees next to us, his hard cock twitching with anticipation.

"You okay if I take this?" He groans in my ear, his fingers sliding down further until he meets where Chaos slides in and out of me, stopping to massage me before continuing to my back door.

I nod eagerly, moaning as he slips a finger inside me, slowly preparing me for what's to come.

"I think I'm going to need a little help here, Deak. Would you like to help me?" Kieran asks.

My lion fae nods, pupils blown as he waits.

Kieran removes his hand from my body, and when I whimper, he chuckles against my ear. "Patience, princess. You're going to love this."

His reassuring words don't stop my protests when his warmth leaves me, too, so he can stand in front of Deakan.

"Care to get me nice and lubed up for our girl?" Kieran murmurs.

Deakan grins wickedly, disappearing from my sight as he moves to kneel before Kieran. "Only if you promise to fill her up good." He chuckles.

I can't see what they're doing, but the low groan that rumbles from Kieran's chest sends a fresh wave of arousal coursing through my veins. Chaos takes this moment to thrust deeper, pulling my attention back to him.

But I crane my neck as I roll my hips, watching as Deakan deep throats Kieran. I moan, nails digging into Chaos' chest.

"Fuck," Jax grunts, but I can't take my attention off the scene beside me.

The way Deakan rolls his tongue along the head, toying with the piercings there. Never in my life have I seen something so hot. Kieran pumps his hips, holding Deakan's face, ass flexing each time he thrusts. My lion fae takes him with ease as he strokes his own cock.

Beneath me, Chaos growls low, his own desire growing as he watches me ride him. He grinds harder into me, pulling me back against his chest so he can bury his fangs into my neck. His breathing stutters as he grips me, his hips rising to meet mine until he groans, warmth filling me as he finds his own release. His fingers dig into my skin, anchoring me as he comes undone beneath me.

I rest against his chest, feeling the rise and fall of it, bliss taking over as his arms wrap around me.

I love you, my soul.

I love you, too, soul bond.

His fangs retract from my neck before he presses a kiss to the mark, the sensation giving me goosebumps. He chuckles as he helps me sit up before I'm passed off to Jax.

"Hey, princess." He smirks at me as he lays me down beneath him, his lips finding mine before I have a chance to respond except for in my head.

Hello to you, too.

His kisses are hungry, demanding, his hands roaming over my curves as he positions himself at my entrance. His cobalt eyes burn into mine, a silent question hanging in the air between us. Smiling reassuringly, I nod, giving him permission. With a growl, he thrusts hard, seating himself fully in me.

His hips roll against mine, deep, and angling just right so his pelvic bone rubs against my clit. Hitching my leg for better leverage, his other hand braces against the star-covered ground beneath us.

My eyes find where Deakan and Kieran are, and I watch as Kieran pulls him back by his hair, a loud pop sounding. Deakan dribbles spit all over his cock, smirking up at him.

I think that means he's ready for me now.

Kieran saunters over to me, engorged and glistening cock in hand as he sinks to his knees and lays down next to us. Jax braces my back before sitting us up so my serpent can scoot under me.

He guides himself into me carefully, pushing past tight muscles until he's fully inside. The sensation of him filling me makes me gasp and cling to Jax for support.

Together, they move in a rhythm that's almost carnal, instinctual, as the night continues to darken around us. Jax's eyes remain focused on mine, pleasure reflected in their ocean depths. His fingers dig into my hips, pulling me down onto his hardened length with every stroke.

"Go on, that mouth is begging for your cock," I hear Mekhi say.

"You sure?" Theo responds.

"Positive, I'm going to come in her pussy."

"You hear that, Rose? Mekhi wants me to fuck your mouth."

I nod, reaching for my griffin. "Please, Professor," I beg.

Theo moves towards me, his hands gently cradling my face. His cock is fully erect, pulsating in need. He gives me a small nod of approval before guiding himself to my lips. I open up for him, allowing him entry as I taste the muskiness that is uniquely his.

"Mmm," he groans. "This fucking mouth."

His thrusts are slow and rhythmical, allowing me to focus on the sensation of Jax and Kieran throbbing inside me. My body shudders with pleasure as he impales my mouth, the taste of him mixing with the stardust lingering on my lips.

It's not long before each of the men find their own rhythm, their hands exploring the planes of my skin as if it were uncharted territory. Theo's thrusts become more frantic, joining the wild tempo of Jax and Kieran. They all sync with my body.

Kieran is the first to come, roaring out his release, and Jax follows shortly after, their fingers tightening against my body.

Their expressions of pleasure seem to ignite something within Theo, driving him over the edge. He releases himself into my mouth, his cock twitching with every pulse of ecstasy as I swallow him down, my throat closing around his dick. "Gods …" he gasps, pulling out to gently stroke my cheek with his thumb.

His touch is soft, tender, a striking contrast to the raw way in which he fucked my mouth.

Jax and Kieran ease out of me, peppering my body with sweet kisses before making room for Mekhi and Deakan. They roll out of the way, lying lazily in the stardust as they watch the rest of the show.

Deakan slides underneath me while Kieran helps position him at the entrance to my ass. Slowly, I sink down, groaning at the width of him while Kieran backs away to watch.

Moving himself over me, Mekhi sits on his knees between my thighs, thumbs spreading the lips of my pussy as he watches the slow trickle of come seeping out of me.

His eyes burn with lust, his eager gaze drinking in the sight of me before he lowers himself. His long, hard cock teases my entrance, still sensitive from Jax and Kieran's attention. The moment his tip pushes past my swollen lips, I gasp at the stretch, the pain merging with pleasure in an intense, electrifying wave.

My luna healing takes over moments later, and I nod at him to go ahead. He pulls me into a sitting position, lips finding mine in a searing kiss as he slowly sinks deeper within me.

His tongue sweeps against mine, devouring me as if he's starved for my taste.

I moan softly into his mouth, my hands tangling in his hair as I grind down onto both of them, welcoming them further into me. Mekhi's groan vibrates against my lips, adding to my pleasure, and he breaks the kiss to bury his face in the crook of my neck.

Mekhi's hands cradle the small of my back, pulling me ever closer as he sheaths himself fully within my wet heat. He stills for a moment, his forehead resting against mine as he murmurs sweet words against my skin. His eyes remain closed, long lashes painting shadows on his high cheekbones before his hips begin to move in a slow, deliberate rhythm. His hands slide down my thighs, gripping and guiding my movements in tandem with Deakan beneath me.

Around us, our mates are silent witnesses to our exchange. Their gazes, however, are far from innocent.

Their rhythm quickens, hungry and raw, as though they can't get enough of me. Even in this starlit place where time seems to have frozen, the urgency between us is an almost tangible thing—the primal need to claim and be claimed. Mekhi's hands are firm on my hips, guiding, pushing, pulling. I match him in his intensity, crying out just as he spills inside me.

His climax is hot and pulsing, filling me before he collapses onto me, breathing hard against my ear. Deakan follows, roaring out his release, then stilling, completely spent beneath me.

Our bodies are still entangled as we come down from our shared high. I feel Mekhi's lips twitch into a smile against my skin before he lifts his head, his eyes finding mine in the dim light.

"Hang on a second."

He scoots back, watching again as all their combined come seeps out of my pussy. His finger swirls in it, rubbing it over my still-sensitive flesh, gaze heavy as he then pushes it all back in me.

Chuckles sound from around us as he lays down beside me, pulling my leg over his and resting my head against his chest. Deakan slips out of me, spooning my back.

The tiny stars skitter across the ground, reacting to our movements and emotions, casting a soft glow that lights up the realm. This pocket of the universe, a creation of Chaos's power, feels like a haven from the harsh realities we went through only hours ago.

"We should probably set up camp," Mekhi suggests, his voice light but carrying an undertone of fatigue. "Get some rest before we go back to Bedlam."

"First, let's take a moment to appreciate that we're all here, together," Chaos says, his tone strong and sure as he tosses a handful of stardust across the sky, lighting it up in a bright streak. "We've got a lot to plan, but tonight, we celebrate our victory over ascension."

And celebrate we will.

While this may be the conclusion of Rose and Company's story, the series continues with Nova in Moonfire Academy.

You'll still see plenty of cameos from your favorite Bedlam characters, as well as a continuation of the storyline of what's happening in Espero.