by Jen L. Grey
He swallows hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I'll get on it." He glances at Charlie and then back at me. "Dax, there is no time like the present. Do you want to go tell the other elders what happened?"
"Yeah, let's do it. After all that's happened, I could use some entertainment." Dax hugs me and heads out the door.
When I'm all alone, my eyes go to Charlie. My time is running out, but I don't want him to go through what Becca did. I make my way next to him and touch his hand. It's cold as ice which is just wrong. He's warm and comforting, not stiff and frozen. I don't know how to go on without him.
The artifacts’ strands, reaper magic, and healing powers begin coursing through me at the same time. All of the other times this happened were when they were rebelling because I was unbalanced. But now, with the addition of the water, they are moving in harmony.
A light flashes inside me, and then I realize what I have to do. If I'm willing to entangle my soul with his, it'll prevent the fracture from occurring. This can only be done once because if it’s done too many times, my soul won't be strong enough to hold the power inside me. I push it out toward him, allowing the healing power to take a small chunk of my soul. We'll be linked forever, but I'm okay with this; he's my one and only.
When my power floods into him, it courses throughout him and brings his soul back. As soon as it comes back, I see that it's already cracked, but my healing power mends his soul with my piece. It covers his crack and latches on to his, blending them into one. As soon as it's pieced together, my powers return to me.
He’s silent for a moment, but then his chest begins to move, and his hazel eyes open. He blinks a few times and then glances around. "Chris?" His voice is weak.
"Yes?" I take his hand and squeeze it. I hope he's going to be okay with me bringing him back.
"Am I alive?" He sits up and looks around. "Wait... Are we back on Earth? But the Water Artifact."
"It's over. I found the artifact, and now I'm whole." My palms become sweaty. Maybe I made a mistake. "You died, and I found a way to bring you back whole."
His face turns thoughtful, and then he throws his arms around me. "Thank God. I've been wanting to get back to you the entire time." He pulls me against him and kisses my lips.
"Also, I found Beth and released her soul." He needs to know this. She’s his sister after all. "She finally has peace."
"I love you so damn much." He brushes the hair back from my face and grins. "Thank you. Knowing she has a chance for happiness brings me comfort."
Speaking of comfort... "Are you ready to go home? I'm tired of adventures and want to sleep in my own bed."
”I’ll do anything with you as long as I get to stay by your side." He stands and takes my hand. "I'm ready when you are."
For the first time in my life, I can do whatever I want to do. I'm finally in charge of my own destiny.
The End
About the Author
Jen L. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Fantasy genres.
Jen lives in Tennessee with her husband, two daughters, and miniature Australian Shepherd. Before she began writing, she was an avid reader and enjoyed being involved in the indie community. Her love for books eventually led her to writing. For more information, please visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.
Also By Jen L. Grey
The Artifact Reaper Series
Reaper of Earth
Reaper of Wings
Reaper of Flames
Reaper of Water
Reaper: The Beginning
Stone of Amaria
Kingdom of Storms
Kingdom of Shadows
Kingdom of Ruins
Kingdom of Fire
Stand Alones
Death’s Angel
Rising Alpha
The Pearson Prophecy
Dawning Ascent
Enlightened Ascent
Reigning Ascent