Labyrinth of Stars(102)

Grant, on the other hand, looked healthy, strong. Tearing down the walls between him and the demons had not destroyed his spirit. Just made him stronger. Perhaps even immortal. Just like me. Just like the other demon lords.

We held hands. Sunset had already come and gone, but the last light was beautiful. Zee and the boys huddled close to us. Dek and Mal were stretched across both our shoulders, binding us close.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked him, watching as the Mahati climbed the hill. All that was left of a demon army, marching toward us, carrying their few belongings. Another exodus. I didn’t give a shit if any human saw. We were past that. The Osul were with them, their cubs pouncing through the grass. The adults were more solemn. I saw Mary amongst them, and the Messenger.

“Yes,” he said, and the look in his eye was not entirely human, either. “I made arrangements with Rex and Byron, and some of our other friends. The ones we can trust. Blood Mama, even. You know she’s not leaving. They’ll take care of everything. And they’ll be here when we get back.”

The funny thing was, they would be here. All of them, immortal in their own way.

“I’m sorry,” I said, unable to help myself.

Grant studied me. “I still love you. No matter what.”

“I know.” I kissed his mouth, gently. “But I don’t know what I am anymore. Maybe I’m a monster, maybe I’m . . . something more . . . but the answers won’t be here. There’s no truth in standing still, and the demons can’t stay here, either. They need a new home.” Where that might lead us, I could not begin to imagine. Who I might become, out there, as much a mystery.

I hesitated. “You don’t have to come.”

“Oh, be quiet, wretch.” He flashed me his old smile, and it took my breath away, even while making me laugh. “Remember when we first met?”

“I loved you from the moment I saw you,” I said, close to tears. “And I’ve loved you more every day since then. You are my light, Grant.”

He was still smiling, unguarded and strong. “Both of us together. We can make anything happen.”

“I hope so.” I was afraid that was a lie; but then I touched my stomach, and hope swelled inside me, and determination. “For her, yes. We’ll figure it out.”

He took my hand. I drew in a deep breath and looked at the demons gathering around us. I felt Oturu close by. Tracker was nowhere in sight. Perhaps, in his prison. I would take care of that later.

“Young Queen,” said Lord Ha’an, bowing his head. Dek and Mal let out a sad trill, while Raw and Aaz drank their last beers for a long time to come. Zee leaned against my legs, sighing.

I looked at my husband and placed his hand on my stomach. I drank in his face, bathed in the last glow of light; then looked from him to my mother’s grave. For a moment I thought I heard my name called, and turned. Far away, so far from us it seemed to be another world—and maybe it was—I saw a figure standing alone, waving.

Her hand stilled. A greeting, or good-bye.

I blinked, and she was gone.