Chapter 16

CHAPTER16

Sera

Elation bubbledthrough me as we emerged from Crow’s parlor into the hushed nightclub. Her ritual had unveiled the breathtaking cure for Rhys’ curse—marriage to his true love! My racing heart matched the giddy tempo of my thoughts. To finally have an answer after so many false starts felt like sweet destiny unfolding at last.

Of course, the practical side of me understood it was highly irregular to marry so quickly, before even a formal courtship. But had Rhys and I not found true understanding of one another, the kind few couples enjoyed in decades together? Propriety seemed a small quibble before the scope of our intertwined fate. I would gladly walk any path beside this kindred soul the universe had gifted me.

I snuck a glance at Rhys’ sharp profile as we walked, wishing I could read his conflicted thoughts. Doubt still haunted the tension in his broad shoulders and mantled wings. After so many betrayals, he was wary of embracing this new, fragile joy completely. But I would help shoulder the lingering darkness until he could bask freely in the light again. Faith came easier when carried by two.

Back at the club, Crow awaited us with a delighted grin. “I’d wish you two joy, but you seem quite happy already.” Her sly undertone conveyed she sensed precisely what had shifted between us in her flame-lit parlor.

I flushed under her knowing gaze. “You’re not wrong about that,” I said. “We’re grateful for the gift of clarity you’ve given us.”

Crow waved aside my earnest thanks. “Seeing true love flourish is payment enough. Although, I must confess…” she wavered for a moment, “there is a small favor I could ask in return...”

At my side, Rhys tensed, ever alert to possible deception in magical bargains. But Crow laughed brightly, holding up her hands. “Peace, suspicious one. I ask only an introduction.”

Crow leaned in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “My cousin Carden is the lead singer of the hugely popular banshee rock band, Midnight Howl.”

My mouth fell open at the enormity of it. “Midnight Howl?” I echoed, the pitch of my voice unstoppably higher.

She grinned, her smile flashing white against her crimson lipstick. “Their tour kicks off next month, and Carden is searching for an unforgettable venue to truly make an impression on fans for opening night.”

Crow glanced between us, one meticulously sculpted eyebrow rising in question. “How would you feel about hosting Midnight Howl for your Starry Night Ball?”

My mouth fell open. Midnight Howl, here? Their edgy, haunting music was wildly famous among the supernatural set. Securing them would be a tremendous coup.

I turned to Rhys, seeing my own amazed delight mirrored on his face. “Can we really swing that?” he asked breathlessly.

Crow laughed, the sound rich and throaty. “Consider them booked! Just leave everything to us.”

I shook my head, still stunned by our absurd luck. With Midnight Howl playing at our ball, it would be the event of the century at Blackthorn Academy. This was no mere favor, but a blessing handed to us through Crow’s gracious meddling.

Rhys and I shared an incredulous look. In one remarkable night, we had found his salvation, and now the perfect musical act too. After so much misfortune, fate was finally dealing us a kind hand.

As we hammered out details with the beaming Crow, joyful disbelief mingled on Rhys’ handsome face. Solving our music dilemma and securing his freedom in one night felt too wondrous to grasp fully. But I would treasure the image of him lit by hope instead of gloom for the rest of my days.

We emerged from the club flush with optimism, only to be met by nature’s fury unleashed. Rain lashed the darkened streets, the wind tearing at our clothes like grasping hands. Lightning forked overhead, thunder rumbling seconds behind.

Beside me, Rhys stared up at the roiling clouds, rain-slicked hair clinging to his noble brow. He appeared lost in yearning and disbelief at the gift fate had suddenly bestowed—a cure to his curse, here for the taking if he dared seize it.

When he finally met my eyes, vulnerability shone through, poignant as the crack of thunder above. “Well, that’s one less obstacle in our path,” he murmured. My heart ached, knowing how wary he remained of good fortune after so much bitter experience.

I longed to wrap him in joy and light until the shadows fell away, and he realized he deserved a happy fate as much as any man.

“That just leaves one last issue to solve,” I said softly.

Rhys’ eyes searched mine questioningly through the rain-blurred dark. Gently taking his hands, I stilled us under the muted streetlamps. The din of the storm slowly faded, leaving only the two of us.

Summoning my courage, I pressed on. “Marry me, Rhys.”

He went utterly still, searching my face with wonder and hesitation tangled painfully. I squeezed his hands, willing him to feel the surety swelling within me. “We’ve wasted enough time on doubt and propriety,” I said. “Tonight made it clear—it’s always been you. From our first moment, my soul knew yours as its missing piece. Please tell me you feel the same.”

For endless seconds, he only stared, the battle between hope and fear playing out across his flinty features. My heart hammered against my ribs. Then slowly, the dawn broke. With a wondering smile, Rhys pulled me into his strong embrace.

“How could I not?” he rasped thickly. “You are the grace I no longer knew to seek. Yes, my guiding star. Let’s make it official before any power can part us again.”

Joyful laughter bubbled up as I clung to him. No matter the storms yet to come, we would weather them together now, our spirits united as one. I had found my true home at last, here in the shelter of his arms.

Low conversation rumbled through his chest. “Though perhaps we should speak with your family first.”

I leaned back, shaking my head firmly. “You’re my family now. Their approval means nothing next to that truth.”

Rhys’ eyes shone at my stubborn conviction. With a tender smile, he cupped my face in both hands. “How did I ever deserve you, my fearless one? But I’m selfishly glad fate brought us together.”

He lowered his mouth to mine, kissing me with a heart-stopping devotion. I twined myself closer, wishing this perfect moment would never end. And it would not—we had a lifetime of joy awaiting us now. Against the odds, we’d found a path together.

When we finally parted, Rhys kept me enfolded gently. “While I want nothing more than to make you my wife this instant, we should speak with your parents.” He brushed his thumb over my cheek. “I would like their blessing before rushing headlong wherever love leads.”

Though impatient, I could not deny the wisdom of meeting convention halfway. I would have a lifetime with Rhys; a brief delay was endurable. “Let’s travel to London tomorrow then,” I conceded. “I can’t wait for them to meet my fated match.”

Rhys smiled, relieved at my compromise. But in my heart, I already knew—with or without my family’s approval, wild horses could not stop me from joining my soul to Rhys’. Nothing would keep us apart.