Chapter 56

Soren’s side was on fire. 

Scratch that, his entire body felt like a mage had wrapped tiny spiders in hot, broken glass, and then directed the spiders to crawl over his skin and through every vein. He wanted to scream, but his mouth wouldn’t open. He wanted to claw out his eyes just to have something to focus on besides the never-ending burning, but his hands wouldn’t move and his eyes wouldn’t open.

He could still hear, although it was like listening to someone shouting through layers of wet wool. 

Suddenly, a pinpoint of soft blue light flared to life in the darkness. Soren wasn’t sure if it was the distraction of the light, or if the little fire-spiders had finally run their course, but the burning abated. Like a piece of wood held down under water and then released, the pain and pressure coursing through his body rapidly lessened even as the light grew closer with each passing breath. 

A warm sensation spread through his body as if he were filled to the brim with sunlight. His muscles relaxed, and he inhaled a deep breath. If this was dying, then beyond the initial unpleasantness it really wasn’t so bad. The gentle warmth continued to spread, and a tingling followed, as if his entire body had been asleep for far too long and his limbs were waking up. 

For the first time in a very long time, Soren was at peace. Annalise would be okay; they would all be okay. The Goddess would take care of her, and when it was time for her to return to the Goddess’s embrace, he’d be there waiting to welcome her as well. He may have to wait a little, but what was a few years when he could spend the rest of eternity with the woman he desperately loved? 

The light drew ever closer, and Soren closed his eyes at its brightness. A wave of cool air brushed over his face, and the muffled sounds solidified. He opened his eyes, ready to see what kind of life occurred after death, only to find himself staring at the ceiling of the Rhinnean throne room. The blue light he’d seen was actually one of the many windows set high in the wall that afforded a view of the light blue sky outside. 

“Guards, take her into custody.” Nelan’s voice pierced through the haze and the reality of the situation crashed on Soren like a breaking wave. 

He gasped, rolled to his side, and groaned. “Oh, great Fire God’s breath, that hurt. I hope I never have to do that again.” 

“Soren?” 

Someone fell to their knees at his back and he turned to find Annalise staring down at him. There was a splatter of blood on her dress, an open cut on her face, and her hands were crimson, but her eyes were shining and her lips were so soft and inviting he couldn’t help himself.  

A burst of energy flooded Soren’s limbs, and he launched himself at her, sitting up fully and taking her into his arms with a strength that spoke of a new unwavering promise to never let her go again. Annalise squealed in surprise, and he laughed as he nuzzled her ear. 

“Remind me to wear actual armor next time I defend your honor.” His head was buried in her hair and his fingers kneaded circles over her back and all he knew was that she had said she loved him, that she wanted him, that even if he was a poor shepherd she would have been happy spending the rest of her life with him and he decided in that very moment that he’d spend the rest of his life making sure she never regretted those words. 

He was so lost in the sensation of being near her that he almost didn’t feel her fingers ghosting over his side, and he nearly missed the small noise she made. 

“What…what…how? Your wound is gone,” she gasped, and Soren realized he was holding her so tightly he wasn’t sure if she was surprised or just couldn’t breathe. He loosened his arms and drew back to get a better look at her face. 

“I don’t know anymore than you do, love. One minute I was bleeding out and kicking myself for not being more careful and making stupid mistakes, the next I was kissing you, and then everything was dark and cold until it wasn’t and now I suddenly feel like a brand new man,” he said, withdrawing his arms from around her so he could hold both her hands in his. She winced, and he frowned when he registered the several cuts bleeding from her fingers and palm, making a mental note to punish whoever hurt the love of his life.  

“But I touched you.” Annalise looked down at their interlaced hands. “I’m still touching you.” She tried to withdraw her hands, but Soren wouldn’t let her go. 

“You’re touching me, and nothing hurts. In fact, it feels warm, like a cozy fire or a ray of afternoon summer sun. I don’t know what happened, Annalise, and I’d hate to be hasty and make assumptions, but considering how I’m not dead… I think you healed me.” He moved his hand to the back of her head and pulled her lips to his. 

Their second kiss was everything Soren had ever dreamed of. He’d only ever wanted Annalise to be safe, to be happy, to feel loved and worthy and wanted and here, in his arms, he sensed her relax and melt into him like he was her safe place; her harbor in the storm, her shelter during a blizzard. Her lips were soft under his, answering every question he had with a resounding yes. 

Her arms shifted, wrapping around him and pulling him closer, and her mouth grew greedy, as if he was her favorite dessert and she’d never be able to get enough. He thought before that he’d die happy with just one kiss from her, but now, after having a second chance at life, Soren knew that heaven wasn’t only something he’d find after death—it was there, in her arms. 

They broke apart, more out of a need for breath than because either of them wanted the kiss to end. Annalise gazed into Soren’s eyes and smiled, her entire expression alight with joy. “I guess we won’t have to worry about travelling the world after all to break my curse,” she whispered. 

He unwrapped one of his arms so he could brush a lock of perfectly curly blonde hair away from her face, his heart so full it felt like it was about to burst. “We still can if you’d like. Wherever you go, I will follow, my lady, my queen, my love.” 

She smiled down at him and brushed her lips across his cheek. “My Soren.”