AELIA REVA
Wixar's scream is still clawing through my head, even though the lawn has gone still, even though the shadows are gone, even though the ground has swallowed him whole. The silence that follows feels wrong, like my ears don't trust it. My body trembles with the leftover vibrations of his rage, of the magic that nearly tore me apart. My lungs drag air, sharp and raw, but it doesn't feel like enough.
And then.....Ulric.
He's still holding me like he'll never let go, his arms an iron band, his chest heaving against mine. His scent wraps around me cedar and storm, grounding, home and I cling tighter, burying my face into him because I'm terrified that if I let go even for a second, the void will open again and rip me back.
"You're here," he breathes into my hair, his voice broken and rough. His hands are shaking where they grip me, but he won't loosen. "Goddess, Luna I can finally hold you."
