40. Epilogue
40
Epilogue
A s I re-shelved a tattered grimoire, my fairy wings fluttered—the only remnant of my lineage magic, likely too stubborn to fade even after five years.
I’d been working at the Arcanum Academy library, where supernaturals from around the world came to check out Alister’s donated collection. It had taken months to recover from the aftermath of Eris. With no elders left standing after my lightning wiped them out, new leadership had to be chosen. But the Academy was thriving. We had battled a goddess and won.
The influx of students meant expansion—and more jobs.
“Evelyn, darling, have you seen my reading glasses?” Alister’s voice rang out from behind a towering stack of books.
I stifled a laugh. “Check your head, love.”
There was a pause, then a sheepish chuckle. “Ah, yes. Thank you.”
I looked over the stack of books to find him reading. His once-chiseled vampire physique had softened into what Chad affectionately called a “dad bod.”
He adjusted his glasses, peering at me over an ancient text.
A crash echoed from outside, followed by Chad’s booming laughter.
I sighed, shaking my head. “Sounds like Tactile Training is going well.”
Alister raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps too well. Your shift is up. Shall we investigate?”
We made our way outside, where Chad—now one of the teachers—stood among a group of flustered students, all tangled in what looked like a failed attempt at hand-to-hand combat.
“Hey there, little witch,” Chad called out, jogging over with his usual boundless energy. “How’s the library today?”
“Busy as ever,” I replied, smiling. “Your students keeping you on your toes?”
Chad grinned. “You know it. Who knew the new generation of witches would be so into CrossFit?”
I laughed. “Try not to destroy the academy grounds, okay?”
I spotted Lucien and Rafe emerging from the Academy. Lucien’s scowl was etched on his face, but it softened as he approached us. “Rough day, Professor?”
Lucien’s eyes narrowed. “These third-years couldn’t brew a decent sleeping potion even if their lives depended on it.”
“Now, now,” Alister chimed in, a half-eaten pastry in hand.
Where did that come from?
“Not everyone can be a prodigy like our Evelyn,” Alister stated.
I raised an eyebrow. “Says the man who’s discovered the joys of carbs.”
Alister patted his softening midsection with a wink. “One must indulge in life’s pleasures.”
Chad snorted. “I’m putting you on Evelyn’s and my training schedule. You’re starting to look more and more like a dad every day.”
Alister’s eyes gleamed as he looked at me expectantly.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m still taking my contraception potion.”
Something I was thinking of forgetting to take next month.
“How about you, Rafe?” I asked. “How was your day with the healing division? Still enjoying being an official staff member?”
Rafe’s smile widened, his gaze softening as it met mine. “The best decision I’ve ever made…well, aside from coming to Earth, mating you, and finding my family.”
Warmth spread through my chest as I smiled back. “You’re pretty good at those big life decisions.”
Before Rafe could reply, Lucien’s voice cut in. “Ryker should be here any minute now?”
As if summoned by his name, a massive shadow passed over us. Ryker landed gracefully, his dragon form shrinking mid-step until he stood before us, fully dressed. That clothing potion Lucien and I perfected for shifters really does work wonders.
“Speak of the dragon,” Lucien muttered.
Ryker nodded silently, his eyes finding mine. A small smile tugged at his lips.
“How’s the refuge?” I asked, genuinely curious about his work with supernatural beings in need.
“Growing,” he replied, his voice low and gravelly. “Saved a family of merfolk from poachers last night.”
My heart swelled with pride. He’d turned his father’s enterprise into a haven for the supernatural while his father was being held at the maximum security prison for the foreseeable eternity.
We’d come so far, all of us.
Lucien adjusted his cuffs. “We should change and prepare. Raven and Viper’s engagement party is tonight.”
Chad groaned dramatically. “Ugh, formal wear.”
I rolled my eyes, smiling. “You’ll survive.”
As my mates and I walked back to the mansion, I felt a surge of contentment. My magic might be modest now, but this—this crazy, wonderful family we’d built—was all the power I needed.
Who knew being burned at the stake could lead to such happiness?