Archive of Our Own

It’s a lovely night in Lunaris. The sky is free from clouds, the stars bright and abundant, and I walk hand-in-hand with Finn as we appreciate the fact that the trees don’t look like they’re contemplating our murder for once.

“Spring has always been so peaceful here.” He mentions, and I smile at him. I didn’t think I’d ever find the forests of Lunaris ‘peaceful’ with their withering branches and eyes in the dark, but he’s right.

“It is peaceful, strangely enough.” I agree, but then Finn stops in his tracks, holding my hand tightly as he drags me to a stop, his nostrils are flared. I know that look, his senses far keener than mine. I sigh, it’s like I can’t have one moment without interruption. “Fuck’s sake.”

He offers me a sympathetic grin. “Sorry, love. There’s a Vampire, a young one, coming up on your six. Do you want me to try and negotiate?”

I reluctantly pry my hand from his and ready my weapon, just in case. I gesture vaguely at the trees and step back. “Sure. Do your thing.” This never ends well, but it’s sweet that he still likes to try. Finn always gives them a chance, even if they’re gnawing at his ankle.

He puffs out his chest and clears his throat unnecessarily, just for dramatic effect, and then he’s stepping forward, hands out in a placating gesture. “We mean you no harm unless you intend to harm us. I can offer you a pla –“ Before he can finish is offer, the youngling springs out from the shadows and launches herself at him, landing against his chest with a thud before tumbling back to the ground in a heap of flailing limbs. Finn barely moves, just a faint wobble from the impact. He rubs his hand over his sternum and frowns down at her as she claws at his boots, jaw snapping. “Well, that was rude.” He drawls.

I step forward, ready to act, but he raises his palm to halt me. He crouches before her, avoiding every lunge, every vicious swipe of her claws that intend to wound, and he sighs. “I wish we could find out who’s doing this. Another one too far gone to help.”  I know that it pains him every time we find a newly turned Vampire that’s too feral to help. He finally steps away, and he lets me do my job.

I want to make it quick for her, to put her out of her misery and end the life of terrible bloodshed that lays before her if we were to let her go, but she doesn’t make it easy for me. Finn doesn’t interfere, not even when her claws slice my cheek, my arm. He paces and watches from the safety of the tree line, knowing I require no assistance and respectfully keeping his distance even though I know that it kills him to not help.

I can feel his gaze burning into the back of my skull, a shiver caressing my spine. Every slash of my weapon and pull of my fist feels stronger and lands a little more precisely because he’s here. It isn’t just moral support, it’s something else, something far deeper, since we’re so in-tune with each other now.

When the youngling finally falls I stumble back and land against the trunk of a tree, gulping lungfuls of air to steady my breathing. My pulse races, my adrenaline is at its peak, and Finn is front of me in a flash. He smiles softly while he checks me over, something I’m still not entirely used to just yet, but I don’t have the heart to tell him it’s not needed. Plus, who am I do deny the attention and affections of such a lovely Vampire?

He hums, satisfied with what his findings. “Just a few scratches, you’ll be as good as new come the morning.”

I nod and return his smile, leaning into his hand, where he cups my jaw. His thumb brushes over my cheek where the youngling caught me with her claws. It’s sore and I hiss through clenched teeth, seeing something flash in Finn’s eyes when I do so. “You okay?” I ask him.

I watch the heavy bob of his throat as he swallows, his eyes darkening subtly, but he brushes it off. “Fine.” He tilts his head. “You know…watching you fight is one of my favorite activities.”

I do know, but playing coy is often rewarded. “Is that so?”

He hums, his smile dripping with wickedness as he moves a little closer. He hooks his thumb in the sash that’s tied around my waist and steps closer until we’re flush from chest to hip. His eyes glow through his lowered lashes and he next speaks his voice is practically a purr. “All of my favorite activities involve you these days, actually…”

“List them.”

He chuckles darkly and opens his mouth to respond, but I press my mouth to his and shut him up instead, the kiss jumpstarts every molecule in my system, like a spark straight to the heart. I’m already blind with adrenaline, the mish-mash of other that runs through my veins telling me I need to find something else to kill, but I can think of so many other ways to burn off the fight. To distract that deeply ingrained part of me. I pull away and stare him down, knowing he’s thinking the same thing, probably because he can literally hear my thoughts, and Finn purrs.

“There’s nothing like a little fight to get the blood pumping, hm?”

I laugh. “Puns. So many puns.”

He leans back in with a muted growl and nuzzles the edge of my jaw, trailing his nose lower over the column of my throat. He presses a kiss to the hollow, the place where my pulse thrums abnormally. He’s sizing me up, just like he always does. I guess some things are ingrained in him too.

The logical next step in this little dance of ours usually involves him sinking his teeth into my throat. I’m certainly not opposed. He’s hungry, that much I can tell, and the way he surges closer and pins me with a hard press of his hips when I push my fingers into his hair tells me I’m right. “Do it. I want you to.”

He kisses me again, gently, I feel the tender brush of his lips as he finds his mark and hums against my overheated skin. His breath is so cold that my skin prickles with goose-bumps. “Sure? I can wait.”

I tip my head, baring my throat. He quickly gets the hint. A wounded noise falls from my lips when fang punctures skin, the fleeting pain of the intrusion quickly making way for that all-consuming, blinding bite of pleasure that washes over me like a wave. This specific brand of euphoria and I are quite familiar now, and Finn drinks greedily. He holds me tightly, his finger digging into my waist; the noises he makes are beautifully obscene. When he finally pulls away he sucks the pink from his teeth, he looks like a totally new man. I smile and reach out to wipe away a stray droplet from his mouth, offering him my thumb which he cleans off with a quick swipe of his tongue.

“Feel better?” I ask.

He takes my hand and brushes his lips over my knuckles. “I do. Thank you. Do you?”

I stare at him and hope that I can convey exactly how I feel or…what I need. Finn chuckles darkly, a sound I can never tire of, and he steps forward, his finger hooking in the front of my shirt, his eyes hooded. “You’re insatiable.” He murmurs.

“I could say the same of you.” I hum in response and kiss his jaw, reaching for the ties of his shirt and tugging. It falls from his broad shoulders and I take in the sight of him, the moon reflecting off of his pale skin. I sink to the dirt and rest against the trunk of the tree and I wait, but he doesn’t make me wait long. His fingertips are cold where they move over my skin, peeling away or pushing aside any unneeded layers that dare to part us. The forest is eerily silent but for the sound of my breathing as it gets heavier, heavier still.

Finn moves closer, if such a thing were possible, his eyes burning bright as he looks at me. “You’re so beautiful.” He presses his mouth to my skin, unable to resist tasting the salt-sweet sweat of me as he kisses a trail up along my throat where he’s just bitten me. He finally finds my lips and greedily swallows my quiet, desperate whimper.

There’s no space wasted between us, Finn’s movements unhurried, savoring, basking in every little hitch of my breath, in the way his name rolls off my tongue over and over like my favorite prayer. My hand moves up over his spine, his neck, pushing into raven-dark hair. Messy strands snarl about my fingertips that curl and tug and make him shudder against me. The stutter in his steady rhythm is a revelation, one that makes me gasp against his parted lips, fangs sharp against my tongue.

He traces the curve of me, the shape of my body. Every dip, every rib and swell of me committed to memory. He smiles against my too-hot skin as I hiss through clenched teeth, my skittering thoughts echoing loudly in his mind. More. Yes. There. He treasures my warmth and the noises he can pull from me, and I treasure the way he looks at me as he picks me apart piece by piece.

These cherished moments spent in each other’s arms, no words needed.

When we’re both spent and sated Finn presses his lips to my ear and whispers. “Hmm. Is that going in your mission report?”

I laugh and shove him away, balling up his shirt and chucking it at his face. “Hmm…I think I should probably leave that part out. I don’t think August would appreciate it.”

Finn clicks his tongue. “What a shame. I think it would make for a compelling read.” He wiggles his brows and laughs as I swat him away again. Then he’s crowding close again, staring down at the puncture wounds, his Vampire’s kiss. There’s something strange in the way he looks at them, at me. It’s almost wistful.

I reach up and press my fingers to the marks, feeling a familiar jolt surging through me. “What is it?”

He pulls his pulls his shirt back over his head, and he opens his mouth, pauses, and then speaks, “If anything were ever to happen to you, if you were sick or wounded. Gravely. Would you ever consider…” He pauses again, and shakes his head, laughing it off. But it’s too late.

I sit up a little straighter. “Is that something you’ve thought about? I thoug – “

He glances away. “Yes. It is. More recently, at least.”  Finn presses a hand to my cheek and looks at me in that way that makes everything else fade away. “If it was something you would want. Something you’d consider carefully and knew the consequences of. I would do it. I just wanted you to know.”

I swallow the lump that forms in my throat and threatens to choke me. This has always been a point of contention for Finn. He turned Raven centuries ago and has regretted it ever since, not because he doesn’t love her, but because of the things he thinks he took from her. But he didn’t steal anything from her. He saved her. Levi ended her life and Finn gave it back. She loves being a Vampire, loves him.

“Though there are other ways to show how much we mean to each other. Less permanent ways that doesn’t involve you being on the verge of death.” Finn adds.

“Like?”

Finn stares me down for a moment, seemingly at loss for words, and then he says something that knocks my world off its axis. “Marry me.” It isn’t a question, and he already knows my answer in the way I press my mouth to his.

I wake up to an empty bed, but not an empty room. Fiero and Raven stand at the foot of the bed like statues, staring at me with their unnerving red eyes. I sit up, and sigh loudly, still blurry-eyed and questioning why Finn insists on not putting a lock on our door. I shoot them a look. “We really should put a bell on you two.”

Raven laughs, but Fiero remains his usual stoic self, arms clasped behind him. “You officially become part of our Clan tomorrow, Aria.” Fiero states, unblinking, unmoving.

We had been planning this day for a few weeks, but I hope that there isn’t some last minute Vampire tradition I have to squeeze in. I narrow my eyes at him, throwing my legs off the side of the bed. “Oh no. Is there a weird initiation ritual or something?”

Raven wiggles her brows but quickly stops when Fiero glares at her, and I’m thankful that I’m not on the receiving end of such a look. Raven rolls her eyes at him, and looks back to me. “Nothing weird like that, hot stuff, we just wanted to have a little chat with you. You are attaching yourself to our master, after all.” She grins widely, in that way that she does, full of teeth and mischief. “You know, in a way other than with your parts.” She snickers.

Fiero groans like a wounded animal, rolling his eyes at the teenager. “Like Raven said before she said…that, it’s tradition for us to simply give you our word that we will protect you as we protect him.” He elaborates. “We have always seen you as one of our own, but now that he’s decided to commit himself to you, however human the method might be, we will take it all the more seriously.”

I widen my eyes at him, and then look at Raven, who nods in agreement. They are serious. “Oh, well…thank you. That means a lot.” I smirk, “I love you too.”

Raven laughs heartily when Fiero flinches and shudders, my warm, fuzzy emotions washing over him and squeezing him like a tight hug. He hates hugs, but the corner of his lips twitch for a split second.

“That’s enough of that, thank you.” He straightens. “Anyway, I have work to do, so…farewell.” He disappears swiftly and without a trace, and Raven quickly bounds over and launches herself onto the mattress. She wiggles her hips and gets comfy, reaching out to press the tip of her finger to the end of my nose.

“All this romantic shit is getting me sick. Finn is gross when he’s in love, I’ve seen it before, but I always forget. Like I purge it from my mind to keep myself sane.”

I chuckle and smile at her. “Well I’m happy to be the one that helps refresh your memory.” I tap her nose with my own finger. “Plus, you’re in love too.”

She snorts. “Yeah, guess I am. It’s weird, being a Vampire.” She stares up at the ceiling. “You’re told you’re not supposed to like humans and then you go off and fall madly in love with one and realize that they’re actually the best thing that could ever happen to you.” She sits up and turns her head to look back at me. “I’m glad Finn figured that out for us. We did some bad stuff when we were younger, but change is good.”

I pat her shaved head. “Love is a funny thing.”

She laughs again, reaching out to squeeze my face between her hands. “It is, and I’m glad he found it with you. Welcome to the family, for real this time.” She sits back. “And thank you for making him so, incredibly happy.”

The day was long and I’m covered in blood and other unspeakable things, but I’ve been summoned to August’s office for what I assume is another tongue-lashing.

When I arrive I find Piper there too, and August is glaring at me. That isn’t really anything new, considering that I’ve been giving them plenty of unnecessary work for the past few weeks. But the way Piper grins at me like the cat that got the cream tells me there might be trouble afoot. It is my last night as a single woman, after all…

August stands up from their desk. “Though I still don’t know why think this is a good idea in your first year as the highest-ranking Hunter in Eskria, I suppose I’ve tried to talk you out of it enough at this point.”

Piper nudges me with an elbow. “Aw. So supportive, aren’t they?”

I nod, placing at hand over my heart. “My heart is full of love.”

August gestures to a chair. “Please, come sit.” They roll their eyes and leans over to open their desk drawer, the one with the lock that Piper and I definitely haven’t tried to break into after a few pints in the Wolf. More than...ten times.

I watch as Piper’s eyes light up and attempts to remain calm as she watches August dig into the mystery drawer. We’ve theorized about what’s in there until our brains near exploded. August gets really pissy if you ask them or so much as look at it funny and Piper thinks its dirty letters from their diplomat boyfriend, but…

Is it diplomatic secrets? Keys to some Willenheim estate that they keep for long getaways? Or perhaps -

They lift out a bottle of red wine instead. It looks expensive, sure, but our dreams are shattered nonetheless. Damn it.

Piper visibly deflates and crinkles her nose in disappointment as August gathers three glasses from one of the shelves in their fancy cabinets. They stare at the bottle of wine longingly, and sigh, clearly not entirely enthused about sharing it with us, the banes of their existence. “A Spatburgunder straight from the winery of my parents’ estate in Argyria. I stole it from their cellar before I left for Eskria.” They explain, setting the glasses down on the desk in a perfect little line. “I’ve kept this for a special occasion, so I suppose this one might have to do.” They uncork the bottle, and fill each glass up.

Piper takes the glass that August offers her. “Wow. Nothing special happened in the years you’ve been here? August, you need to tell that man of yours to wise up and get on his knees or something.”

August shoots her a glare, though their cheeks do turn rosy in a blush. “Do be quiet.” They snap, and then turn to fondly look in my direction. “Anyway, as I was saying, I consider you one, if not one of my only dear friends, Aria. You might be betrothed to a dead man but I will begrudgingly say that he’s both the best looking and the sweetest dead man I’ve had the pleasure of encountering.” They incline their head, “So…I’m happy for you. Truly. You’re a fine Hunter, and even finer person, and I’m glad you found someone who loves you so fiercely. You deserve it.” August passes me a glass of expensive wine.

Piper raises her glass and grins at me. I brace for impact, knowing Piper, she isn’t going to be delicate. “To getting hitched in a graveyard!” Surprisingly, that wasn’t anywhere near as inappropriate as I expected, but it still pushes August’ buttons.

They sink into their chair with a sigh and take a long sip of their drink. “You live in a tomb and now you plan to make me spend an evening watching you get kind-of married to a Vampire in a fucking graveyard, of all places.” They glance over at me, “You’re lucky that I like you.”

Piper grins, taking a savoring sip of wine that neither of us could ever dream of tasting again. “They’ve done far worse than that there, let me tell you.” She taps a finger to her chin thoughtfully, a wicked glimmer in her sapphire eyes as she tips her head towards me and lowers her voice. “So, uh…does being around all of those bones boost his stamina or – “

August, not wanting to hear another word out of her, interrupts, raising their glass. “To you and Finnegan!”

Grateful for the interruption, I join in, while Piper snickers and also raises her glass.

I finally take a taste of this stolen wine, and it’s certainly unlike anything I’ve ever had before. August sets their glass down on the desk. “Now, don’t forget you’re back at work the day after.”

I know that they’re serious. The joys of being important, I suppose. “I won’t be late…” I assure them.

“That’s the spirit, Aria.”

Piper scoffs against the rim of her glass. “Teacher’s fuckin’ pet.” She mutters.

I take my time walking back to the catacombs, basking in the peaceful dark and the bright light of the moon. Strings of lanterns hang between houses, over the streets, casting a dim lavender glow. It’s supposed to be full tomorrow, which is actually fitting, considering I’m marrying a Vampire in a graveyard. Clearly the universe appreciates good aesthetics.

Strangely, every time I walk this particular street, the one that leads to the Aibek, I feel an overwhelming flood of nostalgia. The night I arrived I was so clueless about what would transpire, walking these very same cobblestones, fog and unease clouding my vision. And yet now I walk them, assured and calm, knowing that all that lies ahead of me is a future I’m excited for. That wasn’t something I’d ever anticipated, not since the initiation when my life suddenly became embroiled in bloodshed and monsters. I still have my monsters, but at least I now call some of them my friends. I smile to myself and round the corner, and I find myself face to face with two of those aforementioned monster friends.

Omen and Alkar are giggling as they stumble along, Alkar with his arm slung over Omen’s shoulder, Omen with his around Alkar’s waist. They haven’t spotted me yet and they look painfully happy, their smiles wide enough to make their eyes crinkle at the corners. Alkar leans in and presses a kiss to Omen’s forehead, and they both blush furiously as their eyes finally land on me.

“Well, look who it is!” Alkar greets as I walk over to them. “Shouldn’t you be getting’ to bed nice and early, getting’ your beauty sleep?”

I roll my eyes at him. “Been to the tavern, have we?”

Alkar hiccups. “Pft, yeah, but we kept getting’ funny looks so we thought it’s be best to take this…” Omen smiles sweetly as his tail swings in front of him, the spaded tip coiled tightly around a bottle of expensive-looking rum. “Back to our humble abode.” Alkar laughs, “Cave party!”

Omen looks pleadingly at me. “Don’t tell Edna.”

I put a finger to my lips. “I will try my hardest not to expose you.”

Alkar laughs and swats at Omen’s tail until he’s hiding their loot behind his back once again. The poor Demon looks impossibly guilty; his cheeks are pink and his eyes looking anywhere but at my face. “It was Alkar’s idea.” He adds.

Alkar grins proudly. “Of course it was my idea.”

I cross my arms, looking between the pair of them. “I’m surprised you haven’t dragged Finn out to take part in your nefarious deeds.”

That makes Alkar pout. “Yeah, well…tried, didn’t I? But he was all soft about spendin’ the night with you. Probably looking to get –“Omen quickly slaps a hand over the Lycan’s mouth and Alkar growls, then they burst into another fit of giggles. It’s adorable.

“Then I suppose I’d better get home to him, shouldn’t I?” I guess.

Omen untangles himself from Alkar’s clutches, bottle in tow, and he quickly reels me in for a tight – bone crushing – hug. He’s warm, so warm I think I might actually start to sweat if he doesn’t let me go soon, and I throw Alkar a pleading look as I pat Omen’s back soothingly.

“Hey, uh, Omen, I think you can let go now.” Alkar suggests.

Omen releases me and jumps back, his eyes wide and cheeks bright pink. “Oh! Sorry! Just…excited. Seeing you and Finn happy and becoming one warms me right here.” He presses a hand to his sternum and, sure enough, his ribcage seems to glow like he has embers deep in his chest. Alkar watches him with unabashed fondness.

I gesture between them. “Maybe it’ll be you two next?” I expect them both to trip over themselves to deny such a thing could ever happen, but instead they lace their fingers and smile softly at each other. Maybe we’re all growing here in Lunaris.

Omen shrugs. “Maybe, but I’ll have to ask my father first.” Alkar’s tail bristles and straightens like he’s been electrocuted and Omen laughs loudly. “Just kidding. He’d say no, so I won’t ask.”

I gesture down the street. “I’d better get home. It was nice seeing you both, don’t go getting into any trouble. I’d quite like the night off.”

Alkar slaps me on the shoulder as they pass. I turn to watch them go, their tails are entwined behind them, that bottle of rum still holding firm.

Love is really in the air.

I pry myself from Finn’s arms sometime around midday. When your boyfriend is a Vampire who doesn’t require sleep and is very persuasive, it’s hard to get yourself motivated on a day off. Especially a day like today.

I make my way to Ezra’s shop, ready to profusely apologize for being over an hour late for our brunch date, but when I fling open the door and I notice that he’s not there, I think I’m off the hook. The countertop is laden with its usual gems and crystals, but there’s also an abundance of books and swaths of fabric. For some reason, our local Witch has turned himself into wedding planner of the century. Or, at least he’s helped half of Lunaris get kitted out in the finest threads for Finn and I’s big day, and my very own dress hangs, pride of place, on one of his many bookshelves.

I wander over and run my fingers over the soft fabric, over the lace embellishments and detailing, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. This is really happening.

“There you are.” He appears from behind that purple curtain, wearing his usual bright smile. He carries a tray of tea, and he looks exhausted.

“Sorry, I was…preoccupied.” I apologize. Finn was very adamant about trying to keep me in bed.

Ezra sets the tray down and shoves a cup into my hand, winking at me. “I’m sure. It’s fine. It’s not like I could begrudge you a lie-in when you’re usually up and in the office most days before dawn.” He grins. “The hardest working Hunter in Eskria deserves to rest every once in a while.”

I scoff playfully, taking a grateful sip of the tea. “Say that to August, I dare you.”

Ezra laughs knowingly. “Gus doesn’t know the meaning of rest. Never has, never will.” He loops his arm around mine. “Now, come on, into the back. We need a little chat, and I have something for you.”

I cast my dress a final, loving glance, excited to get it on later, and I let Ezra lead me into the back room.

Coco is snuggled upon the sofa when I take at Ezra’s little table for two. He has his hands clasped around a little black box, his green eyes sparkling with delight. He’s up to no good; I can feel it in my bones…

He taps the mystery box. “I made you and Finn a little gift, for luck and, well…” He smiles. “He said you didn’t plan to have any rings made which I though just wouldn’t do.” He slides the box across the table and waits patiently for me to open it.

When I do, I’m at a loss for words. The two bands are simple and elegant, and look silver but I’m sure Ezra made sure that they are made out of something a little more vampire-friendly. I brush my finger over the shiny surface and I’m struck by the strange feeling of familiarity that washes over me. Of comfort. I look up at him, and he’s leaning forward, eager to see what I think, I suppose. “These are beautiful, Ezra. You didn’t have to…” I can’t seem to find the exact words that I want to tell him. How much this means to me, to Finn.

Ezra places a hand over mine and shakes his head; the look he offers me is one of earnest fondness. “Now, none of that. You and Finn are very dear to me; I wanted to make you something extra special to show you just how much.”

I hold the ring box up. “You made these?”

He nods, waving at hand, being ever so humble. “I’m used to crafting weapons and more complex items, so this was a lovely little break from such complicated. I did enchant them for you though.” He adds, “Here…” He takes the box and carefully pulls one of the rings from between the plush velvet that encases them, holding it between his forefinger and thumb. When I look more closely, I see the most subtle shimmer of magic running through the core of the material. And there, on the inner ring, is a tiny, engraved crescent moon.  “They say that people here used to worship the moon…that the Aibek was crafted for a god that watched over the town and its people before it fell to ruin. The moon, this moon, represents change.” He explains. “Like the one we’ve all been through since you arrived in Lunaris. I’ve seen how happy you make him, and how happy he makes you in return.” He carefully sets the ring in my palm. “I know you’re going to be so happy together, even more so than you already are.”

I can feel the magic, the tiniest hint of a park settling upon my skin, I carefully set the ring back in its place inside the box. “I don’t know what to say…” I look back up at him. I’m surprised by how full of emotion my voice is. “Thank you, Ezra. This is so thoughtful.”

He takes my hand again and stares me down, his eyes narrowed and his lips set in a thin line. “I will also simply have to kill you if you hurt him.”

I smile, watching the corner of his mouth twitch as he tries to stifle a smile. “I hope you scared the shit out of him when you gave him the shovel talk.”

He laughs, breaking his composure. “You know I did.”

I squeeze his hand hard. “You’re a wonderful friend.” I state.

He squeezes back, “And you are too.” And then stands up, tugging me up with him. “Now come on, let’s get you into that gorgeous dress. You’ve got a handsome Vampire to marry.”

The moon is full in the sky, bright enough to cast Lunaris in this vibrant, otherworldly glow. It shows off every strange and unexplained glimmer of magic that lingers near the ground, the air warm and thick with the smell of spring-flowers. It’s beautiful, and is still my favorite place in all of Lunaris.

“Hey, good looking.”

I turn and find him, and he looks like a dream. I didn’t expect to see him in anything other than black and gold, but August’s tailor did a fine job with his suit. It fits him like a glove, the gold embroidering that edges his jacket bring out his eyes. He reaches for me, and of course, I go to him.

I splay palms on his chest and take a deep breath, my eyes roaming his smartly dressed form. “I see you didn’t bother to cover yourself up.”

He clicks his tongue. “Never. At this point it’s a written rule.”

I look up at him. “If I ever see you with your shirt buttoned I’ll know that you’ve been possessed.”

He feigns a brief look of horror. “Please behead me if that time ever comes.” I smile and lean in, and he meets me halfway. The kiss is fleeting, but it still leaves my toes curling in my shoes. He rests his forehead against mine, a lazy smile forming at the edges of his lips. “You’re sure about this?” He makes it sound like we’re about to embark on some terrifying journey. Like something deadly or close to the end of the world.

I quirk my brow at him, “Are you, Mr. Kazimir?”

He scoffs a presses a kiss to my forehead. “Please. Of course I’m sure. Look at you; I can’t wait to call you mine. Officially.”

I hum. “Or as officially as a Vampire and a human can get, right?”

He smiles. “Hmm…Official paperwork aside, yes.” He takes my hand, iron fingers cooling my suddenly clammy palms. “Now, let’s do this.”

And so we do. By the light of the moon and under the gaze of our loved ones, we promise ourselves to each other. When I slide the ring onto his finger I feel something shift, like everything has truly, finally, fallen into place. The band doesn’t feel heavy around my finger, it just feels right. Eventually everyone leaves us, the drinking and loud laughter taking itself into the streets of Lunaris and straight to the tavern where I’m sure Finn and I will join them, but…for now, a reprieve.

He holds out his hand and I take a moment to just look at him, to take in the sight of the man I love before I lace our fingers. Light reflects off his ring, the one that matches mine, and I smile when I step forward and into his waiting arms.

“Now what?” He asks. “We’ve done everything, haven’t we…”

I smile, letting him pull me close, melting against him like its second nature because it is. “Hmm...We could run away.”

“Raven would kill us.” He points out.

“That’s true.”

We sink down against our favorite headstone, me settling between his legs, him pressing his nose to my ear to whisper terrible things that make me both smile and blush.

There were so many things in my life that I wanted when I was younger. Things I didn’t dare to list because wanting such things was a weakness to a Hunter; friends, a place to call home, someone to share your life with. It was all deemed untouchable even if we did live long enough for such things to be plausible. To live in the moment was the only way, and to look to the future would surely get you killed. But…I’m living my future right now, and I feel like my body could burst with how full of love I am. It spills out, overflows, and Finn is there to hold me and help me carry the weight.

“We could just stay here.” I suggest.

He hums, turning me in his arms so that I’m staring him down, looking right into burning, vivid gold. “Whatever you want, my love. Always.” And then he kisses me, and I find all those worries melting away.