She sat on the steps that led down to a serpentine section of pavers. Her last glimpse of the sun. Sure, she’d see it through the windows as long as she was safely tucked in the shadows, but this was the last time she’d feel it on her face. The last time she’d sit beneath its rays and soak up its warmth.

A price to pay, but not such a large one that it changed her mind. Life with Hugh offered so much more.

Orange and coral streaked the sky, and little by little the light disappeared. Captain had settled into a patch of flowers, wide awake as he watched a bug crawl through the dirt. The door opened behind her.

She didn’t have to look to know it was Hugh. She turned and smiled. “I knew it was you without even looking. I realize the odds were low that it was anyone else, but it was like…I could sense you.”

He nodded. “It’s the bond between us forming. It will strengthen even more tomorrow.”

“That’s pretty cool.”

He sat beside her, closed his eyes and inhaled. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

“How was your day as a rook?”

“Sadly, I slept most of it. Then I spent the rest of it eating.”

He laughed. “Sounds about right.” He dug into his pocket, pulled out a little blue velvet box and held it out to her. “I have something for you.”

She took it. “What is it?”

“You’d already know if you’d opened it.” He kissed her temple. “It’s the magic I promised you.”

She snapped the lid back and gasped. “Oh, it’s magic all right. Oh my.”

“Does that mean you like it?”

“It’s stunning. And outrageous in the best possible way. This can’t be my…is this my engagement ring?”

He nodded, took the ring from the box and shifted to face her, putting one knee on the ground. “Delaney James, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

She clapped a hand over her mouth. This was so real she couldn’t breathe. Tears filled her eyes, blurring the diamonds and sapphires into one big glittering mass. “Yes,” she managed. “Yes.”

“Don’t cry, sweetheart.” He slipped the ring on her finger.

“You crazy, ridiculous man. It’s so big and sparkly, and that diamond is enormous. Enormous. It’s too much. No, it’s not. Actually, it’s perfect, but I feel a little guilty liking a ring that’s this over-the-top so much. It must have cost a freaking fortune. I love it. I love you. Thank you. Holy rock candy, it’s enormous.”

“I love the way you ramble when you’re nervous.” He laughed as she stared at her hand. “I’m very happy you like it.”

“Who wouldn’t like this? You weren’t kidding about spoiling me.”

“And it’s only the beginning.” He sat beside her. “The ring was made by a fae jeweler and has been imbued with all sorts of protection spells.”

She looked at the ring with fresh eyes. It didn’t feel like it had any magic in it, but maybe she was still too human to tell. “So this is going to get me through the transition?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

He sounded confident. Mostly. She lifted her chin, wanting to give him some of her own certainty. Because she believed. How could the universe not want them to be together? They were perfect for each other. “Well, then. I’m ready when you are.”

Hugh had vowed never to attempt the turning again, and yet here he was, about to do just that. Delaney lay on his bed, her smile eager. Her ring sparkling with the magic Willa had crafted into it.

Enough magic that he’d felt it when he’d first touched the ring. That alone should have quelled the last of his reservations, but it wasn’t until he saw the look of determination on Delaney’s face that he finally stopped questioning whether or not they should continue.

“Everything okay?”

He nodded. “I was just thinking.”

“You’re going to give me the speech about how I can still back out of this, aren’t you? Because while being a rook is pretty cool, I want to be your equal.” She winked at him. “Also, your baby mama, but that’s for later.”

“You are a strange and wonderful creature, Delaney.” He took her hand. “I wasn’t going to try to talk you out of the final step.”

“Then what was the serious look on your face about?”

“I was thinking that I have no more reservations. It’s clear now that Juliette’s body betrayed her. Her inability to survive the change had nothing to do with me. You’ve taken to it exceedingly well. On her second day, Juliette was pale and weak and barely rose from her bed. You, however, have a glow about you. The change has somehow made you even more beautiful.”

Delaney smiled shyly. “I was pretty surprised by that myself.”

“My only concern is how many men I’m going to have to scare off once your turning is complete.”

She laughed. “Now you’re just being silly.”

“Trust me.” He kissed her knuckles. “And now, with the added protection of the magic in the ring, my fear is gone.”

She pulled him down to her. “Then do it. Bite me and let’s get this new life started.”

His fangs pierced his gums, his desire for that new life just as strong. “As you wish.”

In minutes, he’d completed the final step, and as the wounds on his wrist healed, he kissed her lips. “Sleep well, my love.”