Chapter 63: Chapter 63

JASMINE

A rush of connection washed over me, filling me with a warmth that was deeper than anything I’d ever experienced. I was enveloped by the strong arms of my three mates, the air around us filled with soft laughter, shared breaths, and lingering touches. My heart was overflowing, almost overwhelmed by the love that pulsed between us, stronger and brighter than I’d ever imagined.

Erik’s hand moved to my face, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from my cheek, his eyes soft with affection. He grinned down at me, his smile breaking into a laugh that was rich and genuine, lighting up his face.

“Our dream girl,” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Who knew you’d be the one to make all of us so…complete?”

I laughed, burying my face against his chest as I felt Sebastian’s arms tighten around my waist, pulling me close to him. His chin rested on my shoulder, and I felt his lips curve into a smile against my skin.

“You’re everything, Jazzy. Look at you,” he murmured, his voice a soft rumble as he stroked my arm with gentle fingers. “So strong, so brave—and somehow still ours. I think we’re the lucky ones.”

Aaron’s hand found mine, his fingers curling around mine as he brought it to his lips, brushing a tender kiss across my knuckles.

“I think fate was more than kind to us,” he said softly, his voice filled with reverence, a deep smile lighting his eyes as he looked at me. “You…you’ve completed something inside each of us we didn’t even know was missing.”

My chest swelled with so much emotion I could hardly breathe. I couldn’t help but let out a smile, a full and genuine one, as I took in the sight of them, each of them surrounding me with their love, each a part of me now, forever.

I leaned back, resting against Sebastian’s chest as Erik settled beside us, his arm around my shoulder, his thumb rubbing gentle circles against my skin. Aaron stayed close, his hand resting on my knee, his presence grounding and constant.

They began to talk and joke, laughter bubbling up as Erik made a dramatic recounting of the first time we’d all met, embellishing every detail until even Aaron was laughing, shaking his head with a fond grin. Sebastian interjected with his own dry humor, his eyes sparkling as he reminded us of Aaron’s infamous awkwardness at the Moon Ball.

Aaron rolled his eyes, his arm slipping around my waist to pull me closer as he murmured, “I was just distracted by my queen, that’s all.”

I felt my cheeks flush, and I laughed, swatting playfully at him, overwhelmed by the joy radiating between us. I could barely keep up with their banter, each of their voices intertwining in a comforting symphony, each laugh and touch blending together until I couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began.

“Are you all right, Angel?” Sebastian whispered in my ear, his voice tender and knowing as he sensed the quiet emotion building within me. “You look…a bit overwhelmed.”

I took a deep breath, glancing around at each of them, each of my mates who now carried a piece of my soul, each holding me in a way that made me feel complete.

“I am,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But…I’ve never been happier. You…all of you, you’re everything I never dared to dream of.”

Erik brushed his lips over my temple, his arm squeezing me tight. “Good,” he whispered, his voice filled with fierce affection. “Because you’re stuck with us now, Minnie.”

Aaron nodded, his hand sliding up to rest over my heart, his touch a steady, calming weight. “Forever, Jasmine. We’re right here, always.”

As we sat there, wrapped up in each other, the world beyond faded into nothing. All that mattered was this—the laughter, the love, and the unbreakable bond that tied us together. It was everything I had ever wanted and so much more than I had ever thought I deserved.

For the first time, I let myself believe that this was real, that they were mine, and I was theirs—forever.

The next morning, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the laughter and warmth of the night before. Tension hung thick in the air, weaving through the morning fog as we readied ourselves to head to Silverclaw. The weight of the upcoming battle with Morgathis was pressing on all of us, a silent reminder that whatever love we shared could be tested in ways none of us could predict.

In the heart of the strategy room, I watched Aaron, Erik, and Sebastian, each engrossed in their tasks. Aaron was hunched over a table, his eyes scanning ancient maps of Silverclaw, whispering with the mages. He was a picture of focus and tranquility, but the burden of responsibility was evident in the tension of his shoulders—a sight that tugged at my heartstrings.

Erik was discussing the army’s formation with Ragnar, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by a palpable readiness that seemed to hum beneath his skin. Sebastian was silent, his gaze hard, his voice a low murmur as he guided the mages on the spells that could potentially counter Morgathis’s dark magic.

All three were in their element, but a subtle urgency hung in the air between them—a silent acknowledgment that today could be a turning point from which there was no going back.

I held our dagger, our vows, and our hope in my hands.

As I observed them, Erik looked up and our eyes met. His gaze softened, and he gestured for me to join him on the balcony.

Once we were alone, he drew me close, his touch tender but his voice low and intense. “Dream girl,” he whispered, his thumb tracing my cheek, “you’re ready for this. I can feel it—but I wish I could keep you safe, away from this chaos.” His words were filled with assurance and protectiveness.

I swallowed, my heart constricting at the vulnerability in his eyes. “Erik, I’m here because I’m supposed to be,” I murmured, squeezing his hand. “I need to fight for our future, just as much as you do.”

A spark of pride flickered in his eyes as he nodded. He leaned down, his lips brushing my forehead. “Then let’s give them hell,” he said, his voice brimming with the confidence we both needed.

He kissed me, gently at first, but true to Erik, it quickly escalated, our tongues intertwining, his lips trailing down my jaw, my neck, and finally, my mark. Kissing my mark was an entirely new sensation, a blend of love and pleasure that made me sigh and moan.

“Erik,” Ragnar’s voice sliced through our moment.

Erik rested his forehead against mine and sighed before chuckling. “I wish we could have a moment without interruptions,” he said.

I couldn’t help but laugh, my fingers tracing his jaw.

“I promise you, we’ll have all the time in the world after this. I could spend an entire week in bed with you,” I teased.

Erik smirked. “I doubt they’d ever let me have you to myself for a whole week, but I like your promise…”

He kissed me softly before duty called him away. I watched Erik return to the strategy table, and my gaze met Aaron’s. He was watching me.

He seemed to be waiting for something. His face was a mask of determination, but his eyes softened when they met mine.

Aaron joined me on the balcony and pulled me aside, his fingers intertwining with mine in a comforting, grounding gesture.

“Jasmine,” he began, his voice gentle but tinged with uncertainty. “I’ve spent countless hours studying every strategy, every spell—but nothing could prepare me for this.”

He took a shaky breath, and I felt his grip tighten. “I’m trying to be strong, but I need you to know that you are the reason I believe we can win this. You are the reason I’m fighting so hard.”

My heart clenched as I reached up to touch his face, grounding us both in the moment.

“Aaron,” I whispered, “I feel we’re on the right path. We’re in this together. Whatever comes, we face it together.”

He nodded, pulling me into a quiet embrace, his lips pressing against my temple.

“Then promise me you’ll keep that strength—keep it with you. We’ll need it.”

“I promise,” I said, kissing him softly on the lips.

As Aaron stepped back, Sebastian appeared at the entrance of the balcony, a bottle of potion in his hand. He shook it in the air, and Aaron left the balcony, leaving us alone.

Sebastian’s free hand found mine as he led me to a quieter corner. There was something different in his gaze—a mix of fierceness and vulnerability.

“Jazzy,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion, “I’d shield you from this if I could—without a moment’s hesitation.”

His breath hitched, his gaze holding mine with a fervor that set my heart pounding. “But I know you won’t be held back. That’s not who you are. Just… if anything happens, remember I love you, okay?”

A knot tightened in my throat as I nodded in response.

He drew me into his arms—their strength a silent promise that he’d stand by me, no matter what was to come.

“I’ve brewed this potion. It’ll amplify your magic, which could be useful given the power of the dagger.” He handed me a bottle, which I accepted and drank without question.

The liquid was bitter, and I grimaced as I swallowed the last drop.

“Good girl,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead before leaving me.

As I returned indoors, the three of them gathered around me—the air crackling with a newfound strength and unity.

There was no room for doubt now; our mission was clear.

We were prepared to confront Silverclaw and whatever Morgathis had in store for us.

We couldn’t be certain if Morgathis was there, but it was our best bet—whether to venture there or wait for her to strike us again.

I wasn’t sure if our packs could endure another attack.

Our best shot was to catch her off guard, and that’s why we were heading to Silverclaw.

Erik rallied his troops, Sebastian prepared the mages, and Aaron meticulously reviewed every aspect of our plan and strategy, ensuring everyone understood their role.

As we journeyed, I found myself studying the dagger again, appreciating the craftsmanship Erik had put into it, the ~Wolscibella~ crest we had designed, and all it symbolized.

I hoped the weapon would somehow confirm we were on the right path, because despite my mind assuring me we were making the best decision, my heart feared it was a trap.

I felt like I was marching toward my own execution.

But I wasn’t doing this for myself. I was doing it for my people.

For my mates.

Only with them did I feel capable of this. Erik gave me courage, Sebastian instilled confidence, and Aaron provided wisdom.

Marked by them, I felt even stronger.

I just wasn’t sure if I was strong enough for what lay ahead.

“Are you ready for this?” Erik asked, his eyes searching mine.

“I think so,” I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

Sebastian clapped me on the shoulder. “You’ve got this,” he said with a reassuring smile.

Aaron nodded in agreement. “Remember everything we’ve taught you,” he added.

I took a deep breath. “I won’t let you down,” I promised.

Erik smiled. “We know you won’t,” he said.