Chapter 180 Part 3
**Avery**
The raven nuzzles my cheek, a gesture both tender and heartbreaking. It’s Donn, I know it, his essence clinging to this form like a lifeline. My mates surround us, their faces filled with determination, their hands clenched into fists or resting on the hilts of their weapons.
I take a breath as an idea strikes me. The scent of earth and grass mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood and the acrid bite of magic fills my lungs. I lie on the ground, the dead raven’s body cool on my stomach, its feathers a stark contrast to the vibrant, pulsing grass around me. The live raven on my shoulder caws softly, its claws digging gently into my skin as if to remind me of its presence. My belly, heavy with the life growing inside me, rises and falls with each breath, a constant reminder of the power I carry—both within me and beyond.
“Trust me,” I say, my voice steady despite the storm raging in my chest. I meet the eyes of my mates and friends, each of them a pillar of strength and trust. Cassius stands tall, his blue eyes sharp with focus, his leather armor creaking as he shifts his weight. Clint’s gaze is steady, his casual posture belying the tension in his jaw. Conner’s hands are clenched at his sides, his dragon-scale belt glinting in the dappled sunlight. James’ regal presence commands attention, his green eyes piercing through the chaos. Vincent, ever the enigma, watches silently, his amber-black eyes flickering with unspoken thoughts.
“Don’t move,” I add, my voice barely above a whisper. They nod, their trust absolute, and I feel a surge of gratitude for these men who stand by me, who would follow me into the void and back. Of Draven, Jace, and Rory, who have shown me loyalty and love.
I close my eyes, letting the magic rise within me. It’s a familiar warmth, a fire that burns in my veins, but today it feels different. It’s heavier, more urgent, as if it knows the stakes. I push it out, forcing every ounce of my power into the air around us. The world shimmers, the edges of reality blurring as the magic takes hold.
The heat is immediate, searing, as my body begins to transform. My skin cracks, my bones shift, and I feel myself unraveling, only to be reborn in flames. I rise as a phoenix, my feathers ablaze with fiery brilliance, the heat radiating from me in waves. The grass beneath me withers, but the magic sustains me, fuels me. I flap my wings, the movement sending gusts of scorching air across the clearing.
The dead raven bursts into flames, its body disintegrating into ash that swirls in the air like a dark, twisted snowstorm. The live raven, however, is different. It caws loudly, its eyes meeting mine as if to say, I’m ready. I breathe fire onto it, the flames engulfing its form. It doesn’t burn away—instead, it transforms. Its feathers shift from black to a fiery red, its eyes glowing with an inner light that’s both familiar and otherworldly.
And then, it changes again. Feathers give way to skin, wings become arms, and Donn stands before me, his void eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that steals my breath. His athletic body is clad in his signature black leather, his long black hair falling in disarray around his shoulders. He’s whole, alive, and the relief is so overwhelming I can barely stand it.
I transform back into my human form, my gown miraculously intact, the dragon-scale pattern shimmering in the sunlight. I rush to Donn, my heart pounding in my chest, and pull him into a kiss that’s raw, desperate, and filled with everything I’ve held back. His lips are warm and demanding, his hands tangling in my hair as he deepens the kiss. I can taste the magic on him, the essence of the phoenix that brought him back, and it’s intoxicating.
When we finally part, breathless and dazed, I look into his eyes and see the depth of his gratitude, his love, and something else—a shadow, a darkness that still lingers, a reminder of the void he escaped.
“You did it,” he whispers, his voice hoarse with emotion. His hands cup my face, his thumbs brushing away the tears I didn’t realize had fallen.
“I couldn’t lose you,” I reply, my voice thick with unshed tears. “Not again.”
The others close in around us, their relief palpable. Cassius pulls me into a tight embrace, his strong arms a reminder of the bond we share. “You’re fucking incredible,” he murmurs into my hair, his voice rough with awe. Clint and Conner flank us, their hands resting on my shoulders, their touch grounding me. Clint’s lips quirk into a small, proud smile, while Conner’s blue eyes shine with unshed tears.
James stands tall, his green eyes gleaming with pride. “The kingdom needs its queen,” he says, his voice cutting through the emotional haze. “But first, we celebrate.”
Vincent, ever the wildcard, steps forward, his gaze unreadable. “The void doesn’t give up its prisoners easily,” he says, his voice low. “Be prepared for what comes next.”
His words send a chill down my spine, but I push them aside. For now, we’re whole, we’re together, and that’s enough.
As we prepare to leave the clearing, Donn’s hand closes around my arm, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. “Thank you,” he says, his voice low and intense. “For everything.”
I smile, my heart swelling with love for this complicated, beautiful man. “Always,” I whisper.
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