NARRATOR

And not wanting her meant Electra would wander again without an anchor, would disappear someday, or Laziel would wipe her out for good. Here and now.

"I accept, and this time I will never fight you again; I only have one condition." Lavinia watched her squeeze that very handsome specter’s hand even tighter.

She was dark by nature and cold. He was sunny, even for a specter formed from resentment.

Two beings so different and yet so compatible.

"César comes with me, forever. He’ll also be your hired specter; you can call on us to fight for you," she told her confidently.

Lavinia, in truth, wasn’t that surprised. Not after Laziel’s confession.

This was the outcome he’d been aiming for.

She realized Laziel had also fed César with his power to make him stronger; that’s why he’d regained a corporeal form.

Lavinia felt her male’s presence at her back the whole time, protective.

If she said she wasn’t moved, it would be a lie.

"All right... I accept you both, and you already know the