The gods descended, their voices thunder, their forms towering.
"Enough," one boomed. "The fire has broken her. She must be unmade."
Kael roared, his claws snapping, his green eyes blazing with fury. "Touch her, and I will tear out the stars themselves!"
The gods faltered—but the tallest, crowned in fire, raised his hand. "Then we will unmake you both. Balance demands it."
Aradia stirred weakly in Kael's arms, her fire flickering. "No…" she whispered, her voice fragile but defiant. "Not balance. Choice."
Her golden flames surged, wrapping around Kael, binding them together in light. She stood, trembling, but steady, her fire blazing brighter than gods, brighter than shadow.
"I choose him," she whispered, her voice breaking but strong. "In this life. In every life. Always him."
The gods froze. The shadow screamed.
And Kael kissed her, his lips fierce against hers, his wolf howling with love and fury.
The battlefield shook with their vow.