by SJ Himes
Daniel sniffled then jumped forward and hugged Simeon. He was bare-chested and only wearing a pair of leather pants for the fight. Daniel hugged him hard and long, and Angel smirked at him, Eroch chittering.
Angel was as proud and happy as any man could be at a duel ending in death. His mate was unique that was for certain. Simeon reached out a hand, and Angel took it, heedless of the bloodstains.
Lady Heather was displeased. Angel held the cane and rolled it over his palm. The spell was gone.
“What do you mean, it’s gone?” Lady Heather demanded, eyes watering, face red and blotchy.
“It went too long unfueled and the spell faded away. The ghost was no longer bound as the spell unraveled due to lack of an energy source. His ghost is now on the Other Side.” Angel put the cane down on the counter beside the register. “Considering the ghost left no signature behind, I think he went willingly and without hesitation to the Other side. He’s where he should be.”
“He should be with me!” She sobbed, leaning on the counter of her shop, hankie pressed to her eyes. “You did this! You sent him back to punish me!”
Angel didn’t take it personally. Grief did horrible things to people, made them say things, believe things they never would without it. He understood grief all too well.
Sloan, the small fae, pat their employer’s shoulder, trying to soothe, to comfort. Sloan spared Angel a glance and said quietly, “I’ll tend to her. Thank you for returning the cane.”
Angel nodded. “If you need anything, you know where I live.” Sloan smiled and went back to tending their mistress.
Angel left the apothecary, stepping out into the cool spring evening. The sun was down, twilight entering night, and Simeon awaited him on the sidewalk. He took the hand held out for his, and together they began a slow walk for home. Eroch circled overhead, the small dragon dipping and winging among the trees planted along the curb, the branches sporting small, bright green leaves.
Spring was here.
“Eleven years ago, I lost everything,” Angel mused. Simeon glanced down at him, waiting, love in his eyes. “My whole family, but for Isaac. We were alone. I was alone in raising a boy. Me, who hardly knew how to do anything except kill people in battle and spent more time reading spell books than enjoying my family. I lost it all, and for a long time, I was alone. Even with Isaac.”
“And now?” Simeon asked, holding tight to his hand.
Angel smiled. “I have everything again. A family. An apprentice. My brother. A mate. Milly, Eroch. I finally realized something.”
Simeon stopped him and searched his face. “And what did you realize, mo ghra?”
“I am happy.”
Simeon’s smile was blinding, and Angel lifted on his toes, kissing his soulmate for the whole of Beacon Hill to see.
Eroch churred happily, and pigeons squawked in fright, taking to the air. Burning feathers fell around them. Angel laughed and pulled Simeon into another kiss.
The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series will continue with Isaac’s tale in Mastering the Flames.
Thank you for reading and if you feel so inclined, a review would be deeply appreciated. Reviews help books get noticed by other readers, and that in turns helps indie authors like me.
Titles by SJ Himes
The Wolfkin Saga
Wolves of Black Pine
Wolf of the Northern Star
The Beacon Hill Sorcerer
The Necromancer’s Dance
The Necromancer’s Dilemma
The Necromancer’s Reckoning
Realms of Love
The Solstice Prince
Standalone
Saving Silas
Writing As Revella Hawthorne
Bred For Love: The Prince’s Consort
Bred For Love: The King’s Command
Bred For Love: A Royal Rebellion
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