Chapter Ninety-Nine: A Love That Lingers

Shiloh’s Point of View

I rolled my eyes as Salem ranted about Mr. Shiny Light Pants being a real person and how we were too clueless to see him. Eventually, he quieted down and started playing the game with Onyx. I couldn't help but reflect on how Salem had always believed that someone was watching over us, even when we were younger. Maybe he was right all along. With everything going on and our world turned upside down, I had to admit that anything was possible now.

I leaned back in my seat and let out a deep sigh. Onyx glanced at me with concern, but I shook my head slightly and silently mouthed, "I'm okay, just exhausted." He nodded in understanding and mouthed back, "Me too." Strangely, this experience had brought my brothers and me closer than ever before. I had a feeling we would need each other even more as we adapted to our new lives and identities.

Would we end up at the same school? Would people talk about us? It was obvious Mom was going to marry Xavier. His love for her was so clear; you could just feel it. I couldn’t help but wish for someone who’d love me like that, too.

X’s Point of View

I observed the children as they settled down, fully engrossed in the video game. Salem kept glancing at me, seeking my approval. I gestured towards the game's screen and shook my head. He looked at me for reassurance, and I nodded and pointed again. Salem was a bright kid, always aware of his surroundings. I had always wanted to do more to protect him. If I could let go and merge myself with Xavier, I could fulfill that role.

Deep down, I already knew what my decision was going to be. I loved Rei with all my heart, and no one else would ever complete me like she did. Not just her, but her children, too. They were like my own. But before I gave myself up fully, I wanted one last experience with Rei alone—just the two of us. And then I could fully let go and be with her, as we were always meant to be.

I closed my eyes and entered her dreams. She was swinging on an old-fashioned tree swing in a peaceful forest. This was new; it wasn't a place we had ever been together. It must have been a special place for her, and she wanted to share it with me.

"I wondered if you would come. I've missed you," Rei said softly.

"I will always be here for you whenever you need me," I whispered back, tears welling in my eyes, knowing this would be our final encounter.

"Why are you sad, X? Did I do something wrong?" Rei asked, concerned.

"No, you've done nothing wrong," I assured her with a bittersweet smile.

I inquired, “Where are we?”

Rei's response was a gentle smile as she began to share her memories with me.

"This is one of the places from my childhood where I would come on family vacations at a cottage. It was always so quiet and serene here, and I loved the swings that were nestled among the trees. It felt like a secret place, and it was my favorite spot to escape to when I was feeling down."

I sat down on the swing beside her and we moved back and forth silently. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence though, it felt natural just being together.

“Why do I feel like you are coming to tell me goodbye,” Rei whispered, looking straight ahead.

When I turned to look at her, I could see tears streaming from her eyes.

“I think it’s time, don’t you? Lillianna and Emmanuel are gone now, Aamon will tell you that once you wake up and meet with them for breakfast. You have Xavier, and you are happy, Rei. You love him, and he loves you,” I said.

“Xavier is not the only one I love,” she said, closing her eyes and taking a shaky breath.

My heart broke and melted at that. I knew she loved me, but to hear her acknowledge it…

“I will always love you, Rei. No other woman could ever hold my heart like you do. But it’s time for me to leave your life,” I said gently.

“I don’t want you to leave,” Rei whispered. “I know I have no right to want that, but I do.”

I stood up from the swing and walked over to Rei. She stopped swinging and held my gaze silently, her beautiful eyes swollen and red from the tears that wouldn’t stop falling.

“I can give you something to remember me by, but then I must go, Rei. Will you let me do that for you?” I asked softly.

Reaching out, I took her hand in mine and gently pulled Rei towards me, enveloping her in my embrace. She fit perfectly against me, and I could feel her letting out a small sigh as she settled into my arms. Looking down at her, I could see the love shining in her eyes. It was difficult to let go, wishing she could be just mine and no one else's.

Bending down, I kissed her softly on the lips, tangling my fingers in her long hair. To my surprise, Rei's kisses were more intense than ever before. It felt as though she was claiming me as her own with each touch of our lips, marking me as hers just as her name was etched onto my heart.

As we kissed, Rei whispered, “I love you, X” against my lips. Her tongue played a passionate dance with mine, conveying emotions that words could never capture.

A moan escaped my lips as I felt myself becoming aroused by Rei's touch and the gentle words she whispered in my ear. My hands explored her perfect curves, and I lifted her up so that her legs could wrap around me as we moved to a secluded spot just out of sight. It felt like a dream, and I knew it was, but I didn't want to share this moment with anyone else. I wanted it to be just me and Rei.

We made love for hours, and just before it was time for Rei to wake up something felt different when we both found our release in one another. Somehow I knew that it wasn’t just the two of us leaving this dream at the end.