Page 46 of Dark Princess Emerging

Her excitement bubbled through their link.I'm so happy for you all. You can finally start your life in the village. Did you have any problem with the transfer? Tell me everything!

Everything went smoothly, he shared, sending her mental images of the three men.They are former Special Forces—disciplined, discreet, and eager to travel. They think they are on a long-term assignment that just happens to pay very well.

Clever.He felt her satisfaction mix with a touch of wistfulness.I wish I could see the village. See you and Gabi in your new home.

I wish you could. The thought of his twin being unable to share in this new chapter of his life brought a familiar ache.I will send you a mental image once I get there. Gabi is already in thevillage, celebrating Jasmine's transition into immortality with her friends.

Give her my love. Aria's mental touch was gentle.

Thank you, I will. He poured all his love for her into the thought.One day, we will find a way for you to visit and see it all for yourself. Maybe even move in.

It was an impossible dream, but they were immortal gods, and no one knew what the future would bring. Besides, there was no harm in dreaming.

One day, she agreed.For now, live well and prosper, my brother. Make the most of your freedom.

As their connection faded, Aru opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling of the room he'd called home for so long.

Soon, it would be just another memory.

28

MORELLE

"Keep your core engaged," Gertrude instructed as Morelle completed another set of exercises on the Pilates Reformer. "Perfect form. You're getting stronger every day."

Morelle could feel the difference in her muscles already. The machine that had initially seemed like a torture device was proving remarkably effective at rebuilding her strength.

"Good news," Gertrude announced as Morelle finished her final repetition. "We're moving the Reformer to the gym tomorrow. You will continue your rehabilitation there."

"Thank the Mother," Jasmine said from where she waited for her turn. "I'll be very happy not to come here anymore." She smiled apologetically at Gertrude. "I love you, so don't take it personally. I just don't like feeling like a patient. I'd rather feel like a pampered lady who gets private exercise sessions."

Morelle nodded in agreement. "I feel the same."

Gertrude didn't seem to be offended. "You'll be happy to know that I will continue to be your instructor. I will have adedicated room for the Reformer." Gertrude helped Jasmine get positioned on the machine. "I could even offer private sessions to others now that I'm an expert on this thing. But not right away. I'm too busy enjoying my new boyfriend to take on students."

They didn't need to ask who the guy was.

Like clockwork, Rob arrived every day with lunch for Gertrude, and the way the two looked at each other didn't leave room for misinterpretation.

They were in love.

A dreamy expression crossed Gertrude's face. "Rob is so awesome. I've never enjoyed a male's company as much as I enjoy his. He's smart and funny, and he actually listens to what I have to say."

Jasmine chuckled as she began her exercises. "We noticed. The two of you are like a couple of school kids in love, and I couldn't be happier for you. Rob deserves someone who appreciates him, especially after what happened to him."

"What happened?" Morelle asked.

"Ah, it was just awful," Jasmine said, maintaining her form as she spoke. "Rob was engaged to this woman who was just using him. She had an affair with her former boyfriend right before the wedding, and when he confronted her about it, she spewed hurtful things at him, saying how he was so boring she could barely tolerate him."

Gertrude huffed in indignation. "That's so untrue. Rob is the opposite of boring. We talk nonstop about every subject under the sun."

"It was despicable of his former partner to hurt him like that," Morelle said.

"Are you already planning her annihilation?" Jasmine asked with a knowing smile.

Morelle frowned. "What she did was deceitful and cruel, but it doesn't deserve death. I'm not that bloodthirsty." She paused, studying Jasmine's expression. "Is that what people think of me?"

"I've only been awake for three days." Jasmine completed another repetition. "I don't know what others think of you. It's just my impression that you have no mercy and that you believe in ruthless retribution."