Chapter 8

Isat at the desk, poring over the ancient texts and Elliot's notes, trying to decipher any clues about the Epoch Stone's power. The soft lamplight cast a warm glow over the pages, but my eyes strained from hours of reading. A gentle hand on my shoulder made me jump.

"You need a break, love." Nathan's deep voice was a soothing balm. "Come sit with me for a bit."

I turned to face him, finding his green eyes filled with concern. With a resigned sigh, I closed the book. "You're right. I can't focus anymore tonight."

He took my hand, guiding me to the plush sofa. He settled against the arm, pulling me close. His fingers found the tense muscles at the nape of my neck, kneading gently, and a soft moan escaped my lips as the knots began to loosen.

"That feels heavenly," I said, leaning into his touch.

His lips brushed my ear. "I know how hard you've been working. Let me take care of you."

I shivered at the intimacy in his words. Turning, I gazed into his eyes, losing myself in their emerald depths. My fingers traced the sharp line of his jaw as he cradled my face, his thumb caressing my cheek.

"Clara..." His voice was a whisper. "My brave, beautiful Clara."

Our lips met in a tender kiss that quickly deepened with longing. His arms enveloped me as our bodies pressed together, the heat between us building. I tangled my fingers in his dark hair, holding him close, savoring his taste as his scent surrounded me.

When we finally parted, breathless, Nathan rested his forehead against mine. "I love you. No matter what trials we face, I'll be by your side."

Tears stung my eyes at the depth of emotion in his words. "And I love you, Nathan. With everything I am."

Our mouths crashed together again, all restraint lost in our passionate embrace. My fingers found the buttons of his shirt, deftly undoing them to caress the hard planes of his chest. A low growl rumbled in his throat as his hands roamed over my curves.

A flicker of movement in the corner of my eye made me tense. Turning, I saw the shimmering form of Elliot, his expression pained as he watched us. I froze, bracing myself for his anger and hurt.

Instead of rage, Elliot's ghostly visage softened into a melancholic smile. "Clara, my love." His ethereal voice washed over me like a gentle caress. "You needn't fear my displeasure."

Nathan stilled beside me, his arm tightening around my waist in a protective embrace. I leaned into his solid warmth, drawing strength.

Elliot's gaze drifted between us, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "I've witnessed your journey." His form flickered, and for a moment, I saw not the man I'd loved, but a stranger, who was haunted and weary. "So many burdens I never intended you to bear, Clara. Forgive me."

"Elliot..." I began, my voice trembling. "You never meant—"

He raised a translucent hand, silencing me. "I know your heart, beloved. You would absolve me of all blame." A rueful chuckle escaped his lips. "You always did see the best in me." Elliot's ethereal form flickered before us, his expression somber yet resolute. "The time has come for me to reveal a truth long hidden."

I tensed, Nathan's arm tightening around my waist as we gazed at my deceased husband. Elliot met my eyes, his own shimmering with a profound sadness.

"The artifacts we've battled, the chaos they've wrought—the key to neutralizing their power lies within you." His ghostly fingers brushed my cheek, though I felt no physical touch. "You are a Guardian, Clara, a protector of the veil between worlds. Your abilities are the counterbalance to their reality-altering effects. You just weren't ready before—not ready to know and not ready to do, but you've found your strength."

A tremor ran through me at his words. Nathan's hand found mine, our fingers intertwining as he offered his silent support. I searched Elliot's face, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

"Why didn't you tell me?" My voice cracked with a thousand unanswered questions. "All this time, I've been lost, afraid..."

Elliot's head bowed, regret etched into his spectral features. "Forgive me, beloved. I only sought to protect you from the burdens I carried." His gaze met mine again, shining with unshed tears. "But I see now that my silence has cost you dearly. It nearly cost us Evan..." His voice broke, and he blinked back tears.

I opened my mouth to respond, but he raised a translucent hand, stilling my words once again. "There is more you must know." Elliot's form wavered as he turned to Nathan. "You can destroy the artifacts, but you need to be on the ley line running through Jameson's lair. It's where he has the other artifacts. None are as powerful, and they can't work in conjunction with the prototype."

I frowned. "You want me to take these back to Tyler?"

He shrugged. "Not entirely. Just in his vicinity, so you can tap into the objects and safely destroy the Epoch Stone without undoing creation."

"When you put it like that...gulp," I said weakly.

Elliot smiled as Nathan put his arm around me. Then his gaze went to his best friend. "You have been her guardian and are her fated mate." He looked sad for a moment. "Maybe you should have told me, but..."

"You wouldn't have stepped aside if I had. She loves you, and you love her. It was the wrong time for us." Nathan looks stoic.

Elliot nods. "It was then, but not now. You're her future, my friend, and I entrust her safety and her heart to you."

Nathan straightened, his jaw trembling for just a second until he regained control. "You have my word that she'll always come first. I'll die to protect her."

Elliot gave him a small smile. "I'm sure none of us wants that."

I watched, my throat tightening, as Elliot extended his hand. Nathan mimed grasping it firmly, sealing their unspoken pact despite the inability for them to actually touch.

Elliot turned back to me then, his eyes shining with a profound love that transcended the mortal plane. "My Clara, my radiant star..." His voice was little more than a whisper on the night breeze. "It's time for me to leave you now."

I shook my head. "No. Don't go."

He blinked back tears. "I'd stay if I could, but it takes ever more power to stay tethered to this realm and you. I could drain you dry of your own power and life force if I try to stay any longer, and I've already hurt you enough."

"I don't want you to go."

"I don't either, but I must. Perhaps there's an eternity that awaits for us." He managed a small smile. "I guess we'll have to figure out how Nathan and I can both be with you if that time comes."

"I love you both," I said quietly.

He brought his hand near my cheek, and the coolness permeated my skin. "I know, my love. I was jealous and angry to start with, but now, I'm glad someone is here to finish the rest of this life's journey by your side."

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I absorbed his words and essence, committing every nuance to memory. Elliot cradled my face in his insubstantial hands, his lips a breath away from mine.

"Be brave, my love. Embrace your destiny with the same passion that defined our bond." His mouth curved into a melancholic smile. "I love you, Clara, now and forever."

Our lips met in a fleeting, bittersweet kiss. I barely felt the chill. A kaleidoscope of memories flooded my mind—our first dance, the birth of our son, dancing together at our wedding, and that last horrible night when we'd fought to escape the car. A lifetime of moments shared, cherished, or just endured. As we parted, I saw the depth of Elliot's love mirrored in his eyes.

"Farewell..." His whisper drifted away like smoke on the breeze.

I watched, tears streaming unchecked, as Elliot's form dissipated into a shower of spectral motes. They danced around us, warm and comforting, before ascending skyward in a brilliant spiral. One final, lingering caress brushed my cheek, and then he was gone, crossing over to the other side.

Nathan's arms enveloped me as I crumpled against him, sobs wracking my body. He held me tightly, murmuring soothing words as I clung to him. Though the ache of Elliot's loss cut deeply, I knew his spirit would forever reside within my heart. It was awful to lose him twice though, and this time, he wouldn't be returning.