Epilogue - Till Next Time
Eliza
There was no body to bury.
Eliza stared at the casket being lowered into the ground. She and every Shade member had put something they treasured into the casket. No matter what anyone said, their ability to live a peaceful life as witches was because of Lanias.
She still hadn’t fully absorbed all her returning memories and what they meant for her future. She was a clone of Lanias, and so far, she hadn’t shared this information with anyone.
Eliza could barely look at Sabina without wanting to punish herself.
This wouldn't have happened if she’d just done as Lanias said.
Malcolm and the others had repeatedly told her it wasn’t her fault, and Sabina and Oye had not once accused her of anything.
If anything, they had allowed her to grieve with them.
Yet, Eliza wasn’t sure she could ever put the guilt aside. She’d tried to ask the goddess to help her, but the goddess was gone, her energy having been used up.
A heavy hand pressed against her back; she leaned over and pressed her cheek against Malcolm’s shoulder. The one reason she hadn’t completely lost herself to her guilt was the man next to her; she had to keep going for him.
She could only be grateful to Lanias for putting their demons to rest. At least now she could move on, but she would never forget. Never
“Eliza,” She straightened and half turned to find Sabina standing behind her. “I wanted to know if you wanted to help us place the seal on the casket.”
Eliza moved away from Malcolm's side. “Are you sure?”
Sabina offered a small strained smile. “Yes. You are one of the people who benefited from my sister's existence, and I know she’d be annoyed if I didn’t ask.”
Eliza lowered her head, pressing her lips together, “I’m sorry, I can’t…”
“Don’t,” Sabina said, reaching out and covering her hand with hers. “I don’t blame you, and I won’t.” She tugged her hand. “Come, let's get this done,” she said, and Eliza followed her to the side of the grave. Oye soon joined them.
The three of them brought their hands together and released their magic, melding together to form a magical circle with old language to give peace to the dead.
Together, they lowered it into the ground.
Malcolm
As he watched the three women approach the casket, Malcolm gave a cursory look around the graveyard until they landed on a tall man who would have been noticeable by others if there wasn’t already Raijin there.
When their eyes met, he lifted his chin in greeting.
Seeing this, Malcolm glanced once more at Eliza. Seeing she was okay, he left and walked over to the man who stood a bit away.
Once he was close enough, he greeted him, “Hello, Cael. I wasn’t expecting you to show up. I thought you left this place behind.”
Cael, a tall Nephilim with red blood hair, shrugged. “It’s not every day an associate of mine dies, especially one who likes to misbehave by giving orders when she’s meant to rest in peace.”
After saying this, Cael handed him an envelope. “Word on the street is that some think it’s a good time to move in on the shade’s block since its City Demon is no longer protecting it.”
Malcolm opened the envelope, “Oh, is that what they’re saying? Well, tell them just because the Demon is gone doesn’t mean her guard dogs left.”
Finished reading the letter, he tore it up, “And tell your dead friend that maybe she should take this chance to rest a bit. I’ll take care of things on my end.”
Cael smirked, “Mmm, I’ll try, but I doubt she’ll listen.”
After they parted ways, Malcolm quickly returned to Eliza’s side, where he happily wrapped his mate in his arms.