by Lori Aisling
No, I wasn’t afraid of dying- I lived a fantastic life. I was blessed with a lucrative career and a successful marriage. My husband, Bladec, was a good man- God rest his soul. We married shortly after I graduated from The Advanced Schooling Academy and although our relationship wasn’t filled with the fireworks and passion portrayed in books, it was stable and comfortable. We raised two children and they grew up to be amazing, productive professionals. Bladec died in a shuttle accident when our kids were teens, and I never remarried, choosing to embrace my career and enjoy the time I had with my children. Looking back, I honestly felt no regrets.
My family visited when they could, but I know it was hard for them to see me like this. Hell, I didn’t blame them, I don’t like seeing me like this. I felt little pain, just the typical symptoms of old age, but I found many tasks nearly impossible these days and I could no longer walk.
The moons cleared the mountains, the twin orbs glowing brightly reflecting the jagged peaks of the ridge, their perfectly round, distended bodies casting a calming glow on the massive city below me. They’re magnificent. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back onto the soft pillow.
I opened my eyes to see a young man looking down at me. He wore a cloak with a hood, and his silver eyes were kind and pure. “Hi, there. So glad you could make it,” I joked.
His lips pulled up in a smile. “Hello, Systra. I have come to help you on your journey to your next great adventure. When you’re ready, I’ll pass you to your guides, those gentlemen there,” he nodded to the end of the bed.
I looked down and three beautiful men stood, surrounded by an incredible golden glow. Their faces were handsome, and peaceful. I felt no fear, I knew there were better things in store for me. Looking back to the man beside me, I felt an odd connection to him, but it was quite powerful. “What’s your name?” I asked him.
The man cocked his head, his brows drawn. “My name is no concern, your future lies with them.”
“I know. I’m sure they’re wonderful, and I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this gift, but I want to know about you, young man. What’s your name? And why do I feel as if I know you?”
His silver eyes flashed and he shot a look to the trio at the end of the bed. They leaned forward, and were staring at me rather intently. “Why would you think you know me, Systra? I’m merely the manifestation of Death to assist all mortals to their next cycle.”
“Yes- I know who you are and what you do, but I want to know your name. You have an existence outside all of...this, I’m sure. You aren’t just Death incarnate, are you? Maybe it’s all part of the master plan to make the end easier on us, but your eyes are so pretty and I...oh heck, I don’t know. Perhaps I’m just a crazy old woman.”
“When you’re ready, take my hand, and I will tell you my name,” he said, something akin to excitement sparkling in the pewter orbs which were so incredibly familiar.
With no hesitation, I reached up and placed my hand in his and he leaned close and whispered, “Callon.”
A million and one memories slammed into my head as the name left his lips and I gasped. Although I recognized none of the people, places, or things I saw in my mind, I knew somehow, it was me in those memories. “Callon. I do know you.”
He gently pulled me to my feet and standing over me, I looked up into his face. I placed my palms on his chest, and the plush feeling of the cape he wore created another onslaught of memories. “Do you want to see what I see?” he asked softly.
“Yes. Oh, yes.”
Placing his hand on my face, his strong fingers traced my jaw and ran down my neck to my arms. I looked down to see my old, wrinkled skin become supple and young again. My hair was a chocolate-brown and fell well past the center of my back. My mind was a blur of experiences, every one of them creating cohesion and emotion. I was remembering everything, a past life which was now so clear. Looking at the wall across from me where a mirror hung, I saw a young woman, late 20’s, with honey-brown eyes and a look of utter devotion on her face. Instantly, my mind restored every last minute detail of that life, my life with Death. My life as Death.
This wonderful man- he was my soulmate, and I saw the last scene of my life with him and tears filled my eyes. “Oh, my love. I’m so sorry I left you the way I did, but there was no other way! I knew you would find me! And my hound, did Lue stay with you?” Callon’s arms wrapped around me, picking me up off the floor to hold me tightly, his breathing irregular, his hands shaking as they pulled me closer.
“I have searched for you for centuries, woman. I’m never letting you out of my sight again, I swear it. And I can guarantee Lue will agree with me on this. She often accompanies me, but she is spending some time with Papa Luc and her four-legged family.”
I choked on a laugh, his description of Lucifer at odds with the description of Hell’s leader. “Papa Luc? Does he know you call him that?”
“He acts like it’s below him, but I can tell he likes it. You remember how much he cares for his hounds. We visit often, he’s going to be so pleased to see you again, love.”
“Amara?” Hearing my name, I turned my head to meet the eyes of the three angels as Callon put me back on my feet. “Jer! Oh my God, I’m so happy to see you!” I hugged my friend, shocked I could have ever forgotten any of these memories, as vivid as they were in my mind now. Azrael got his hug and I turned to the last angel. “Hey, ‘Tron. I know it wasn’t the best of circumstances to get to know each other, but I’m glad we did. Thank you for all you did,” I hugged him, grateful to be able to start my new eternity on a better note than last time.
“Your sacrifice saved more than your mate, Amara. The selfish gift you provided to both factions reminded us of the flawless design The Beginning created. All of us lost sight of what was truly important- the souls. You reminded us that our end goal is not necessarily victory for our cause, but the opportunity for the souls to experience life to the fullest, regardless of their choice or cycle. I am confident speaking for us all when I say ‘Thank you, and welcome back’.”
I smiled, humbled to think I made such a difference and thrilled to know the factions were no longer in a constant state of war. I turned back to my mate and threw myself at him and he caught me, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. I pushed his hood back and buried my fingers in his dark hair, pulling him closer.
Breaking the kiss, he buried his face in my neck, inhaling deeply. “Amara,” he purred between nibbles on my sensitive skin, “I have missed you more than you could ever imagine. How I have longed for this exact moment.”
Yes, I remembered everything: From the feeling of his lips on mine, to the way he smelled, and the way he tasted. This man was mine, and the love I felt for him was beyond description. I was looking forward to eternity and nothing would keep us from going the distance this time. “I love you so much. I choose you; I choose The Counterbalance. Now can we skip right to the sex part now, and then the searing pain? I want my binding mark back,” I teased, before kissing him again.
“Yes, let’s do that. You are mine, Amara Rush, forever. I love you.”
Thank you
Editing by the tolerant and ever-supportive Andrea Richardson
Formatting magic brewed and spelled by coven mistress Nicole JeRee aka Swamp Godess Formatting
Cover art by the talented and creative duo of Joolz and Jarling- Uwe Jarling & Julie Nichols
About the Author
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Also by Lori Aisling
The Change: Earth Realm Book 1
The Change: Four Others Book 2
The Change: Endgame Book 3 (Spring of 2020)