I felt everything he felt, like it was me. He wasn't just elated, he was… perfect. Life was perfect. The universe was at one with him and his mate.
"The hour grows late," he whispered against her temple. "Shall we go back to the castle?"
She pulled away and pouted. Her dark hair fell in loose waves all the way down to her waist. "Catch me first."
"Too easy."
"Do it!" She laughed than took off ridiculously fast.
Laughing, Ethan chased her into the forest.
It was impossible not to laugh with them, not to experience the love firsthand. It was so beautiful I wanted to weep, but I couldn't feel my face or any part of my body. Maybe I was dead. But at least I'd seen true love once. It was something I'd never forget — the way he held her, the way their hearts beat the same rhythm.
The scene changed.
She was in a large bed. The curtains were pulled back from the window, letting in the moonlight.
"A daughter." She held the baby up in her arms and grinned. "Ethan, we have a daughter!"
Ethan's face was pure awe as he took the small bundle in his hands and whispered against the baby's head. "So perfect."
"She is."
"We did it," Ethan said with tears in his eyes. "I cannot believe after all these years—"
The temperature in the room dropped.
"Quickly…" Her eyes were fearful. "Take her away from here."
"He would never harm a child." Ethan shook his head. "We can trust him."
"We can't!" she cried. "You've seen what they are capable of."
"Leave it!" he roared. "I will protect us."
The door to the room burst open as Cassius casually walked in, his eyes scanning the room with a cold detachment that caused me to shiver.
"So…" Cassius tilted his head; it looked animalistic. "You defy me?"
"She's half human," Ethan said. "You know the rules."
"The rules…" Cassius grinned. "…and you've broken them."
"No." Ethan shook his head. "That's impossible."
The woman in the bed started to cry softly in her hands.
"Maybe you should ask your wife where her loyalty lies."
"Ethan…" she sobbed. "I'm so sorry! It was the only way! It was the only way!"
Realization dawned in Ethan's eyes as he fell to his knees. "Tell me you didn't do this, my love… tell me!"
No more words were spoken.
I felt like my heart was breaking right along with his.
Cold green eyes met mine as if he truly knew I was there, in that heaven or hell, in the dream.