Edge of Light (Armor of Magic Book 3) Read online

  “Did I die?” I asked.

  “Only your physical body in that particular realm.”

  “So, I guess that means I died a virgin,” I said, laughing.

  Asher stepped forward, reaching out to touch my cheek. The sensation rippled through me in pleasant strokes. He leaned forward, our lips melding together, creating sparks of dazzling light. A wave of effervescent elation trickled through my chest, lighting me up brighter than the sun.

  “Sorry about leaving you. Didn’t have much of a choice,” he said. “They needed me up here. Duties and such.”

  I grinned, studying the prince standing before me. He was infinitely more beautiful than his earthly version, which sounds impossible since he had already surpassed perfection. His essence beamed powerfully, and somewhat blindingly if I stared for too long. He took my hand and led me through the garden to a tunnel of purple and white wisteria trees, the tiers of petals draping overhead in endless archways.

  “I have something to show you,” he said.

  “I could stop the tour now and already be overwhelmed with this abundant beauty,” I told him.

  We continued walking until we reached a larger pathway made of luminescent stones. At the end of the road sat a cottage draped in lush pink bougainvillea. He led me to the front door and knocked.

  “What is this?” I asked, feeling a twittering all around me.

  After a few moments, the door opened to reveal my parents, both clothed in the same white robes as mine. Their faces beamed with immense joy and they pulled me in for a long embrace. All of our Light intertwined and wove together like fabric.

  “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again after the whole dark matter deal,” I said.

  “The Darkness cannot kill the Light,” my mother said, stroking my cheek.

  “You did well, Fiona.” My father smiled. “Your sacrifice not only saved humanity, but was integral in protecting the Monarchy. You’ve made quite a name for yourself here.”

  I laughed at the thought of being the Monarchy’s darling. But maybe it’d work in my favor, since I was vying for the attention of their prince.

  “That’s a relief,” I said. “I thought for sure I’d be on their bad side, dating Asher without their approval.”

  Asher held my hand. “It’s not that they didn’t approve. You had a duty to perform. A responsibility.”

  “I’d say I came through for them. But if our bloodline is here with the Monarchy, where’s the Scroll?”

  “It’s here,” my father said.

  “Don’t they need it back in the earthly realm?” I asked.

  Asher explained that Cagliostro and the dark matter had shifted the entire dynamic of that dimension. When The Spire combusted, every single evil faction was vanquished. The world would be a much different place and they’d be fine with only six Scrolls.

  “But what a mess they have to clean up,” I said.

  Asher smiled, with a hint of foreshadowing glinting in his opalescent blue eyes. “They’ll have help,” he said. “But first thing’s first.” He stepped back a foot and knelt down, reaching out for my right hand. “Fiona Farrow, will you be my wife?”

  The radiance in me rose up and whirled all around the four of us. My excitement was unable to contain itself, or maybe that’s just how things happened in the Monarchy.

  “Um, aren’t you a prince?”

  He nodded.

  “They’ll let you marry someone who isn’t of royal blood?”

  Asher laughed, kissing my fingers. “You’re a Protector, Fiona. One who saved the Monarchy from imminent doom. They approve.”

  I knelt next to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Well, then I accept. Yes! I’ll be your wife.”

  He stood, helping me up. “Princess Fiona has a nice ring to it.”

  My parents broke out in laughter over that comment. I’m sure I had always been their little princess. And though in the earthly realm I wouldn’t have felt significant enough to take Asher’s hand in marriage, everything about it felt right in that moment. It was meant to be.

  It was my destiny.

  And this time it didn’t suck.

  forty-one

  The wedding ceremony took place in the tunnel of wisteria trees. I wore a white sparkling gown and had my long auburn hair pulled back, with tresses cascading over my shoulders. My mother made a halo of purple and white flowers around my glowing crown—a princess crown. It was like every fairytale coming to life only there weren’t any more evil demon mages waiting in the shadows.

  As I walked barefoot along the soft bed of vibrant green grass, streams of glistening light trailed from me like tendrils. The sound of heavenly angels poured through the majestic garden, bringing forth every creature of Light. My parents escorted me through the tunnel toward the handsome Prince Asher waiting for me at the end. He stood at the right-hand side of a colossal throne housing the most spectacular and glorious Light being of all creation. It was the entire essence of creation.

  Among the others in attendance, I noticed a familiar face and gleaming violet eyes: my Guide, Ezra. He had survived the attack on Glimmer City and was able to attend our wedding. He gave me one of his famous crooked smiles and a nod of approval, a beam of pride shining in my direction. I had done my job as a Protector, which made him look really good in front of the Monarchy. If they only knew how much grief I had given him along the way. I wasn’t entirely sure, but there might’ve been a trace of relief in his smile.

  I also noticed Aaron of Sardis among the others. He was still ancient, but no longer feeble. He stood tall and powerful, reminding me of his son Rocco.

  My parents handed me over to Asher, then joined the others to witness the bonding of our two souls. Holding Asher’s hands, our Light became one. Our souls wove into an eternal knot. Yet, we would always remain as individuals with our own essence. Songs of celebration lifted all around us as we joined lips and promised to love and protect one another for all eternity. And when it was over, the party began. Jubilation and rejoicing carried on throughout the garden as hundreds of Light beings joined together. Everyone celebrated our union in everlasting Light.

  Asher held me close against his chest as we danced barefoot in the soft grass. “Are you happy, Fiona?”

  “Beyond,” I whispered into his neck as we twirled around the garden.

  I wondered if I’d miss my old life or my house in San Francisco that I barely got to enjoy. I missed Charlotte, but trusted she would be okay. We’d find each other again one day. I thought about Julian and Rocco, and all the other Protectors. They had a lot of work ahead of them, rebuilding civilization and reestablishing the Light among humanity. They would lead and protect all of those innocent humans who had been brainwashed and led astray by Cagliostro and the Darkness. Yes, it would take many years to restore what had been lost. But I had faith that they would pull it off if they worked together, because they’d be stronger that way.

  Asher took my hand and we strolled through the canopy of purple and white flowers all the way down until we reached a milky-white path that sparkled under our feet. We reached a cottage, much like my parents’, with exuberant flowers and trees filling the yard. The sky was an endless rich blue and millions of stars twinkled above.

  “We’re home,” he said.

  “So this is it. The moment I’ve been waiting for?” I teased, but honestly I was so excited to finally lose my virginity.

  Asher leaned down and lifted me gently into his arms, our Light overflowing and wrapping around us as he opened the door and entered our new home.

  ***

  Author’s Note

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  Books in this Series

  Sacred Light: Armor of Magic Series Book 1

  Rising Light: Armor of Magic Series Book 2

  Edge of Light: Armor of Magic Series Book 3

  Other Books by Simone Pond

  Swarmed

  The City Center: The New Agenda Series Book 1

  The Mainframe: The New Agenda Series Book 2

  The Torrent: The New Agenda Series Book 3

  The New Agenda: Prequel to The City Center

  Voices of the Apocalypse: Short Story Collection

  simonepond.com