Redeemed (House of Night #12)(108)

“Hi,” I said. “Can you see me?”

I can, he said. A brilliant smile lit his face. You heard me. You came back for me!

“Yeah, I did. I don’t leave part of the Nerd Herd behind,” I said.

Part of the Nerd Herd. I like that. I’ll remember that.

“Remember something else. Remember that I came back for you.”

Aurox looked utterly shocked, and then his smile was back. You really do care about me.

“I really do,” I said.

From just outside the circle, Stark added, “We all really do, Aurox.”

Aurox turned his glowing eyes on Stark. Can we still have that beer together someday?

“Absolutely!” Stark said. “Next time around.”

Next time around, Aurox repeated. Then he looked at me. Now what?

“Now you stop keeping your Goddess waiting,” I said. “Here, take my hand again.”

I’m not sure I’m ready, he said.

I smiled at him. “I’m sure.”

He took my hand, and I lifted again, imagining that I was tossing him into the sky. The silver light that had been encircling us funneled through me, and with a great push of energy, Aurox shot upward.

The night sky above us shivered and then parted like an opening curtain to reveal Nyx standing before a beautiful blue lake. Kalona was beside her, smiling down on us. I watched as the Goddess opened her arms to embrace Aurox as if she were a mother welcoming home her beloved son.

“I finally did the totally right thing!” I said, wiping tears from my cheeks.

Before the curtain to the Otherworld closed, Nyx’s gaze went to me. The Goddess grinned. She looked younger and happier than I’d ever seen her look. And then, very distinctly, Nyx, Goddess of Night, winked at me.