Page 75 of Death

Ari gazes back at me, his amused eyes reading my own. “What?” he whispers.

I fill my lung with a strong, stable breath. “I still owe you a third kiss,” I say.

He nods slowly. “You do.”

I lick my tingling lips as I tilt my face toward his. He gazes back at me and his focus shadows for a split second. I touch his face, bringing his solemn eyes right back to mine.

I kiss him.

And then, I fall.

* * *

Iopen my eyes on a dark and old ceiling. A black, silk sheet hugs my naked flesh, still warm as velvet from last night.

My wedding night.

I must have fallen asleep.

I sit up and glance around the room. It’s Ari’s room with the deep, dark curtains and the tall fireplace. A smile teases my lips as flashes of perfect memories come back.

The other side of the bed is cold. How long have I been alone?

How did I get here?

I turn to plant my feet on the floor. As soon as my toes sink into the carpet, a single conscious thought makes my blood run cold.

I fell asleep.

I clutch the sheet around me as I stand up. A cool wind blows past me, softly billowing the curtains across the room, and I catch sight of a dark figure lingering outside. The sheet whispers the floor as I tiptoe over to investigate without fear.

I push the curtain aside, exposing the balcony overlooking the world. The sky is gray and full of clouds, floating above countless souls drifting off until forever.

A man stands at the edge of the balcony in a black suit, watching over the void with dark eyes and a heavy expression.

The king of the dead.

My new husband and lover.

For eternity.

A warm ribbon clenches around my heart and I smile.

“Ari,” I say.

Ari turns around and smiles back as the loneliness leaves his eyes.

“Welcome home, Tannis,” he says.