Chapter 25: Chapter 25

JASMINE

Sebastian’s arms were still around me, his steady breath and warmth grounding me as I nestled into him. His proximity made me feel untouchable, as if nothing could harm me. Yet, even amidst this comfort, a tiny worry tugged at my heart.

I knew this tranquility wouldn’t last forever.

I traced the contours of his face, feeling the rough texture of his jaw under my fingertips. His lips felt dry when my fingers brushed over them, causing me to frown.

He noticed. “The spell causes it—dry lips, increased thirst. It should pass soon. Did you feel it too?” he asked.

I nodded in agreement. “Yes, I did,” I confessed. The thirst had been bothering me all evening.

Sebastian gave a soft smile, getting up to fetch us both a glass of water. He pulled on his pants and walked over to the bar at the back of the room. I slipped into my nightgown and wrapped a robe around myself.

As he handed me the glass, two knocks echoed at the door, causing my heart to jump. Before I could brace myself, the door swung open, revealing Aaron and Erik in the doorway. I froze, a knot of tension forming in my chest.

What would they think? Would they be angry or jealous seeing me here with Sebastian? My mind was a whirlwind of what-ifs.

But when their eyes met mine, all I saw was understanding. They didn’t need words to convey their thoughts. It wasn’t anger or hurt. It was acceptance.

Aaron was the first to step forward, his expression calm, yet gentle. “We’ve been looking for you. It’s late, and tomorrow’s a big day. You should rest,” he said, his voice soothing.

I couldn’t help but scrutinize his face for any sign of resentment, any disruption in the peace. But there was none. He wasn’t upset. Neither was Erik, who stood just behind him, his intense gaze on me, but not with judgment—just waiting, patient, allowing me to dictate what would happen next.

I wanted to believe this could work—that all three of them could be mine, that I wouldn’t have to choose. But the fear of asking was almost paralyzing. My throat tightened as I glanced between them, trying to muster the courage.

“I…I want to ask something,” I started, my voice softer than I intended. I looked at Sebastian, my heart pounding with uncertainty. “Would you…stay? All of you. Tonight?”

I held my breath, waiting, scared of what their response might be. I couldn’t suppress the wave of doubt that washed over me—what if this was too much? What if it was asking too much? The vulnerability of it all made me feel exposed, like I was standing on a precipice.

Aaron moved closer, his gaze still locked on mine. He reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against my hand, grounding me. “If that’s what you want,” he said simply, his voice reassuring.

I exhaled a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. His acceptance was a lifeline, and when Erik stepped forward as well, offering me a silent nod of agreement, the overwhelming emotion of it all filled my chest.

I handed Sebastian the glass. Aaron took my hand gently, leading me toward the bedroom. As we walked, with all three of them surrounding me, I felt something indescribable welling up inside. Could this really be happening? Could they all truly accept this—accept each other?

The thought that we could all belong to one another, that we could make this work, filled my chest with a mix of relief, joy, and disbelief. When we reached the bed, I climbed in slowly, aware of their eyes on me. For a moment, I hesitated. Could I handle this? Would it be too much?

But then, without needing to ask, Erik slipped onto one side of me, his arm wrapping around my waist, his warmth a steady presence at my back. Aaron followed, settling in on the other side, his hand finding mine under the covers. Sebastian sat at the foot of the bed, his hands resting lightly on my legs as if anchoring me there with his touch.

The feeling of being surrounded by all three of them—it was overwhelming in the best way. My chest felt so full it might burst. Tears welled in my eyes before I could stop them.

Aaron noticed the tear that escaped and wiped it away with his thumb, his touch gentle. “Hey,” he murmured softly. “What’s this?”

My throat tightened, my words trembling. “It’s…joy,” I murmured, my heart burdened with the intensity of my emotions. “I couldn’t bear the thought of us being separated any longer. I wanted all of you…here with me.”

Sebastian’s fingers intertwined with mine, giving a gentle squeeze, while Erik’s arm cinched tighter around my waist, drawing me nearer. Aaron planted a soft kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering as if imprinting a vow.

Aaron murmured into my skin, “We’ll never leave your side.”

“We’ll weather this storm together,” Erik chimed in, his breath a warm whisper against the back of my neck.

Sebastian’s voice was the last to reach my ears, gentle yet filled with conviction. “Forever.”

Wrapped in their embrace, I felt as if I had discovered something I didn’t even realize I was missing—completeness, tranquility, and love. This wasn’t a fantasy. It was tangible, and it was ours.

As I let my eyes drift shut, their warmth enveloping me, I understood that fear no longer had a place here. We would figure this out—together.