Dark Awakening: Echoes of Destiny (The Children Of The Gods #88)

21. Jasmine

21

JASMINE

W hen Jasmine stirred awake, Ell-rom's arms were around her, holding her tight, and it was still dark outside.

It took her only a moment to realize that he wasn't asleep.

"Hey there." She reached for his cheek. "Why are you awake?"

"I wanted to make sure that you came back safely. How was your venom trip?"

"Fabulous." She lifted her lips to his and kissed him softly. "As was what brought it about."

"It was incredible," Ell-rom said. "Is it my imagination, or does our lovemaking get better each time?"

Jasmine smiled. "It's supposed to get better with each time, and it will continue to infinity and beyond."

Ell-rom chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I'm not sure how that's possible, but I look forward to finding out."

As they lay in comfortable silence, Jasmine's mind, still hazy from the effects of the venom, began to wander. She thought about their move to the village, her impending transition, and the mysteries still surrounding Ell-rom's past and abilities.

"What are you thinking about?" Ell-rom's voice broke into her musings.

Jasmine propped herself up on an elbow, looking down at him. "Stuff. There's so much happening. It's exciting."

Ell-rom nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "Does it scare you?" he asked softly.

"A little," she admitted. "But mostly, I'm just excited. It feels like we're on the brink of something amazing."

"Even with all the uncertainty?"

"Especially with all the uncertainty. That's what makes it an adventure."

Ell-rom's hand came up to cup her cheek, his thumb gently stroking her skin. "You're remarkable, you know that? You are so brave. Fearless even. And you are always optimistic. You are like a fountain of positivity that I could drink from for eternity."

She leaned into his touch. "It's easy to be brave with you by my side. Your love is like a shield. Nothing can happen to me as long as I'm surrounded by it."

She'd said it half-jokingly, but Ell-rom frowned as if she had just imparted the wisdom of the ages. "Do you really think it works like that?"

Oh, sweet, sweet Ell-rom. He was still so naive.

"Maybe not, but that's how I feel." She settled back into his embrace, her head resting on his chest.

"Tell me something," he said after a moment of silence.

"Anything." Her fingers brushed over the soft stubble on his jaw.

"Are you really looking forward to moving into the village?"

"I am, but most of all, I'm looking forward to turning immortal. I hope my abilities will grow stronger so I can help Annani find Khiann. Her story is so tragic."

"It is. I feel so lucky to have you and also terrified to lose you. Annani's tale is a cautionary one. We should never take for granted the gifts we are given because they can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye."

Jasmine lifted her head, meeting Ell-rom's gaze. "We can't live in fear either, my love. We need to find a balance."

He smiled, the love in his eyes making Jasmine's heart skip a beat. "You are wise beyond your years."

"Thank you. Now it's your turn. What are you most looking forward to about moving to the village?"

Ell-rom was quiet for a moment. "I'm looking forward to having Morelle in a safe place, surrounded by people who care about her. I want her to wake up and realize that life is worth living."

"That's a good one. I like it."

As they settled back into a comfortable silence, Jasmine imagined waking up each morning in their new home, getting to know the other immortals, making more friends, and maybe finding a place in the Perfect Match operation.

"Ell-rom?" she murmured, her voice heavy with approaching sleep.

"Yes, my love?"

"I'm glad it's you. That we found each other."

She felt his arms tighten around her, his lips pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "As am I, my Jasmine."

As she drifted off to sleep again, her last conscious thought was a prayer of gratitude to the Mother of All Life for all the gifts she had bestowed upon her.