Page 95 of Cursed

I sewed together Silas’s wounds. I banished the evil from his body, from this island. Once Silas was put together, I moved over to Atlas.

It took longer to heal him. He was so powerful and so far gone that I feared even the strength I’d inherited as a queen wouldn’t be enough. But that fear only lasted for a moment.

IknewI had it in me to save him. These were my lands, and I would not allow this man to die. Atlas had beenwilling to give his life for my island, and I’d be willing to give him everything I had to bring him back.

When Atlas’s eyes flicked open, his lips quirked into a smile.

“You figured it out, Doc.” Atlas struggled into a sitting position. Then he bowed his head, never losing that levity that was such a part of him. “Or shall I say, My Queen.”

“Get up,” I told him.

“You idiot,” Millie finally managed, looking at Atlas with incredulity.

“Well, this has been fun,” Atlas said, “but it’s time for me to get back to Olympus.”

Silas merely nodded at his brother. What could words possibly say after all of this?

“This won’t be the last you’ll see of me.” Atlas bowed. By the time he righted himself, he was gone.

I made my way to the railing of the castle, awe settling over me. Standing front and center on the balcony, my throne behind me and my lands in front of me, I watched as everything righted in my world.

The blackness of The Forest’s curled leaves and dead foliage began to crumble and vanish in small puffs of smoke that drifted harmlessly away in the breeze. The waters around The Isle were slowly turning from the dark and murky blues natural to Lake Superior, to the majestic cerulean of my enchanted lands. The clouds above parted,allowing sparkling rays of sunshine to twinkle down on the green grasses and sugar-sand shores.

“The manufactured wards are no longer necessary.” Silas’s voice was low and filled with admiration as he moved to stand behind me. “The queen has returned. Your castle has risen. And I will be forever in your service.”

“Silas.” I turned to face him. “With all due respect. Stop talking.”

His eyes flickered in confusion.

I rose onto my tiptoes and kissed him on the lips.

“I am not your queen,” I told him. “I’m your mate.”

THE END