Epilogue Lucian

EPILOGUE: LUCIAN

Four Years Later

I stand behind the podium, all the faces, young and old, human or otherwise, staring at me with anticipation. Expectation.

I search the sea of students and find him. He's not hard to find. He looks absolutely delectable in his red robe and hat. The years may have passed, but it's as if time stood still for him. The natural effects of our mating. Not that anyone else has noticed. They won't start noticing for another five years, maybe ten.

He waves at me, and there's a flutter in my stomach. No matter how long I spend with him, how many years go by, I still feel the same way as when I first laid eyes on him. Just as in love as the day we got married. And every day, he makes me feel younger and younger with the way my body, heart, and soul react to him.

"The board of directors and myself, Dean Jung, couldn't be prouder of all our students who walk through those doors, who study in these halls. May they go out into the world and do wonderful, great things. Spread kindness. Tolerance. Love and magic." I glance at the orchestra, and they start playing a gentle, cheerful song. "Now, please give it up for our students graduating this year."

I read the names one by one. They come up one at a time, shake my hand, take their diploma, and snap a picture.

It's a shame only a handful of them will end up in the Hall of Fame. Only the alumni who accomplish or make something of themselves. In my opinion, everyone deserves a spot in it, no matter who they are, what they are, or what they achieve. But as dean, that's not for me to decide. Hopefully, one day, I can convince the board, but until then…

"Yu-jin Jung." I watch him get up, walk up the stairs to the stage, and cut across to meet me in the middle.

It's been a long time coming, but the day is finally here. The day he can go out into the world and do incredible things with his power. Not that he waited for graduation to start. Already, people flock to his apothecary to ask for his help—and, by extension, mine. But he doesn't need me. He has so much control over his power now that he's a powerhouse in and of himself. He's bonded with more than enough creatures to be able to accomplish beautiful things. To heal ailments, to sense things others can't begin to fathom.

He'll definitely end up in the Hall of Fame. I know it. Or I'll burn the world to make sure it happens. That is the one thing I'll fight for as dean and his partner.

"Congratulations," I tell him and shake his hand.

He grabs his diploma and smirks at me.

"Thank you, sir."

I shake my head and laugh.

"You fucking tease," I whisper and pull him into me, crashing my mouth to his to taste him.

He's absolutely delightful. His taste drives me to the edge no matter when or where. He's positively sinful, and he's all mine.

The audience gasps, and we pull apart to see half the graduates' parents, guardians, and friends in shock.

Yu-jin laughs.

"Oh, that's okay," he says to everyone. "He's my husband."

Damn right, I am. I hold him close and raise an eyebrow at the audience.

If anyone has objections, I can show them where they can go and what to do to themselves.

Because that's one thing that hasn't changed. Even though we've somehow managed to stay out of danger all this time, I will still move mountains, cross seas, burn this world to the ground to protect Yu-jin from any harm.

Because Yu-jin is mine. My boy. My soulmate. My man. My fucking husband.

And if anyone tries to touch him again…

Well, let's just say burn in hell is well within my power.

The book may be over, but Lucian and Yu-jin's story isn't.

Find out what happens 2 years later when Yu-jin and Lucian are about to start a family of their own.