A Clash of Storms (A Shade of Vampire #50)(79)

Mom let a heavy sigh roll out as she rested her head against Dad’s chest.

“Don’t get us wrong. We’ll always be happy to see you,” Phoenix said. “But we’re both in love with people who are the very lifeline of this world. In a way, it’s become our world too. Our wild, untamed, and damaged home, but home nonetheless…”

“You know we love you, right?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Of course, we know,” Mom replied, wiping her tears. “It’s just that… It will always be hard for parents to admit that their kids are all grown up and ready to start their own lives. We’ve only just found you, in a way. Twenty years went by for us, and…”

“Mom…” I cried out and rushed to hug her. She held me tight as Dad kissed the top of my head again. “Mom, we love you, and we’ve missed you like crazy. Of course, we’ll spend time together and catch up, but life has changed for us. So fast, so unexpectedly… It just turned us on our heads, and we’ve had to quickly adjust because I can’t see a future without Draven in it, and Eritopia needs him now more than ever.”

“The same goes for Viola and me, Mom.” Phoenix added himself into the hug.

“This portal will always be open for The Shade,” Rubia confirmed, her voice rising above the crowd of happy, reunited families. “The flow of time has been restored now, and you will all be able to visit one another whenever you wish. All you have to do is speak your destination out loud when you step through the portal.”

“It is just one of the gifts that we will bestow upon you for all the great things you have done for Eritopia,” Ruelle added, her violet gaze moving around the throne room to find us, the Shadians who had stopped Azazel.

“It is because of you, Serena, Phoenix, Jovi, Aida, Vita, and Field of The Shade, that the entire galaxy of Eritopia has survived the darkest and evilest of threats,” little Nova announced.

“The parents of The Shade must be very proud,” Chana said. “For you have brought extraordinary beings into the world.”

“Twenty planets with millions of innocent creatures and uniquely mystical cultures owe you their lives,” Safira continued. “For that, you and The Shade will always find a place and a home in Eritopia.”

I took a deep breath and recognized the pride beaming out of our parents, our uncles, aunts, grandparents, great-grandparents, and closest friends. My heart swelled as I looked back and understood the magnitude of our achievements. For an aspiring journalism student, I’d done a fine job of helping destroy a powerful sadistic maniac.

“Thank you, Daughters of Eritopia, for your kind words.” Mom spoke, then looked at Phoenix and me. “This definitely makes our children worthy of GASP.”

The Shadian crowd hummed their approval, while Phoenix and I winked at each other. Harper moved between us and put her hands on our shoulders, squeezing firmly to express her affection. I had a feeling she wasn’t a vampire sentry of many words, by nature.

“Hah!” Aida’s voice broke out. “Did you hear that, Uncle Derek? What do you say? Are we in now?”

We all glanced at Derek, who moved toward the center of the room, accompanied by Sofia. He smiled and nodded slowly, his electric blue gaze fixed on Aida.

“If saving an entire galaxy doesn’t automatically make you an elite member of GASP, I don’t know what does.”

His reply was swiftly met with cheers and fervent clapping, along with Aida’s squeals of joy as she jumped into Field’s arms. She was the happiest by far, as she’d spent the most time and energy in becoming a GASP member. After what she’d been through, after her trials and tribulations against shape-shifters, Sluaghs, Destroyers, and Azazel himself, Aida had truly emerged as a champion.

I looked over at Vita, who was surrounded by her parents and her new sister. She’d come a long way, too. From the little introverted girl to a fiery fae with a sharp tongue and visions of the future, in control of her life and in love with an incubus who was ready to split the planet in two for her. Yeah, she’d done all right, for sure.

Jovi beamed, holding Anjani in his arms. He’d been faced with the prospect of death since Vita’s first vision. He’d been chased and threatened and nearly killed at least a couple of times, and yet, despite all the adversities, he’d come out victorious and unyielding. He hadn’t lost his sense of humor along the way, and he’d even fallen head over heels in love with a succubus who could twist him around like a pretzel. He’d beaten his odds, over and over.

Field had relentlessly fought to protect us, falling in love with Aida along the way. He’d taken tremendous risks and tight turns to keep our group safe. He’d defied the Destroyers and pushed himself to the limit until he’d emerged victorious from every single battle. Most importantly, he’d put the wellbeing of others above his own and become our winged victor. Our war with Azazel would’ve taken a different, much darker turn, had it not been for him.

As for Phoenix, I was speechless. Despite his struggle and his vulnerable connection to the Daughter, Phoenix had pushed ahead, always onward and upward, never looking back unless it had to do with visions of the past. He was part of the glue that kept us together. He would’ve done a lot more, had he been able to leave the mansion’s protective shield, but he’d sure made up for it once he was out. I was unbelievably proud to have him as a brother.