43. Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Three

Lexia

Six months later…

"Yes, Bradyn, I understand." I roll my eyes. I've been trying to get off the phone with him for five minutes now.

"I don't think you do, Lexia. Do you know how worried I was?"

After fulfilling the prophecy, life got busy, but in a good way. Lumen was dismissed from his duties with a huge bonus—in human currency—for saving the world. Somehow it came to light what we did, and we're being celebrated. Of course, this is only true in the other realms. Things like this always have to be kept from the humans.

The four of us spent time in different areas, trying to find a place that we all enjoyed. Then we bought a house. Then we spent a lot of time with each other. Working on our relationship. Trying to get things right.

It's only when I was unpacking a box of junk that I found the phone Lumen gave me and realized I totally forgot to check it.

Which is what I did today, and almost regret it because Bradyn is being a pain.

"Yes, I get that. And all I can do is apologize. But I'm fine now. And I'm happy. Doesn't that count for something?"

He sighs. "Yeah, it does. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, just chill out, okay?"

"I'll try."

"I really have to go. I have a million things left to unpack."

"Are you sure you aren't moving too quickly? It hasn't even been a year."

I roll my eyes again. I told Bradyn I met someone and we moved in together. I don't think I'll ever see him to have to worry about it, but if I do… Slate or Lumen will have to play my boyfriend. If he sees Ves, that'll be a huge issue.

"Please don't start." I groan.

"Fine. But you better call me later."

"Tomorrow."

"Fine," he growls.

"Bye, Bradyn!" I end the call before he can argue with me again. I toss the phone onto the bed and run my hands through my hair.

New Hampshire is beautiful.

We found the perfect little house in the mountains. There's enough shade for Vesperon, but also enough sun for Lumen. We get all the seasons and are close to the ocean and the city. It works out perfectly for all of us.

"Hey, you're not dressed yet." Whirling around, I see Lumen in the doorway. I look down, remembering I'm still in my underwear and t-shirt. "Your father is going to be here in like five minutes."

I groan. "There is too much to do!"

He comes into the room, pulling me in for a hug. "We have plenty of time, Lexia. Remember, you're immortal now."

Yeah… that's still hard to wrap my head around. I'm not sure I believe it. But it's what we were told by the Master of Light, who seemed to have a lot more information about our situation than he let on in the beginning.

"I'm still not used to that," I mutter.

"Well, get used to it," he says, giving my butt a playful swat. "And get dressed."

He leaves the room and I quickly get dressed, thankfully just in time.

Slate is letting my father into the house when I head out. I pause, meeting his gaze. He smiles, and I walk to him, leaning into his open arms.

"Gods above, I am so glad this worked out," he says.

"Me too," I tell him.

He squeezes me tightly, then lets me go, putting his hands on my cheeks.

"You look so much like your mother."

I smile. "I've never thought so."

"You do. Trust me, Lexia, you do."

"Will she return?" I ask.

I'd intended on asking him that later, not the moment he walked through the door.

"She will, though I do not know when. It's always a mystery. But she will be here."

I give him another hug, then lead him to the kitchen table.

"Lumen made dinner," I say.

"Hope you're hungry, sir," Lumen says.

My father chuckles. "I'm always hungry for human food."

"It's great, right?" Slate says excitedly, pulling out a chair to sit.

"It is not," Vesperon says from the couch.

"I made you boiled potatoes!" Lumen calls out.

Slate frowns, waving a dismissive hand. "The only thing he enjoys are potatoes with no flavoring."

My father frowns.

"Leave him alone," I tell Slate.

Vesperon joins us at the table, and the five of us sit to eat.

Lumen made a large roast with carrots, onions, and potatoes. But he boiled potatoes separately on the side for Vesperon, since he really doesn't like any seasoning. Not even salt or pepper.

As we eat, I can't wipe the smile from my face.

Life is good. I love my mates. They love me. I tell them all the time, and they tell me too—though they all have made it very clear it's a human term. Still, I love hearing it.

Vesperon and Slate still bicker, but I see the fondness for one another growing in their eyes. We have a house that is slowly coming together. The world is saved. My father is here. Maybe my mother will be one day too.

I finally get my simple life.

It's all I've ever wanted, and my stars, it's much better than I ever could have imagined.