Chapter Twenty-One: Epilogue

Finding myself once again on the top of the cathedral, the familiar wind moved over me, warm and welcoming. Taking a deep breath of it, I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. Turning around, Gideon was leaning against the side of the cathedral, looking as handsome as ever in his comfortable clothes. There was a broad grin on his face as he looked at me. Grinning back, I rushed forward, throwing my arms around his neck as he caught me in his arms, kissing him with all the love I had for him.

"My Melina." He whispered, kissing me again, his tongue brushing against mine. "You didn't wait very long." He told me.

"I died a noble death." I smiled back.

"Is it finished?" He asked.

"Yes, baby, it's finished." I replied brushing my nose against his.

"Is Adam still alive?" He asked next with a raised brow.

Smiling, I kissed him deeply, "Despite wanting him dead for a while, yes, he is still alive."

"I thought you might have killed him yourself."

Dropping from his arms, I sighed, "I wanted to, Gideon. I wanted to so badly. But standing there with your axe in hand, looking at him, I couldn't do it. It would have made me a murderer. And without him - well, I'd still be dead. But he attempted to save me. That's something." He nodded. "He has a soul now."

"What?" He frowned.

"He sacrificed himself for Terra. For me. Without him she would be dead and I would have come much sooner." I explained. He simply nodded at me. "He's a good man." I smiled. He nodded again. "And I'm not sorry." I added. "I'm okay with what happened. If we could have lived a life together I would have been happy. Only now I get you for eternity. Forever the same."

"It's not what I wanted." He said pulling me against him.

"I know." I nodded. "But I'm still not sorry." He sighed and shook his head at me, a smile creeping across his face. "I love you, Gideon. I cannot express the love I have for you. And now - if you'll have me - I'll be with you forever."

He kissed me passionately, his taste flooding my senses, his touch sending fire across my skin. Leaning away, staring into my eyes, he simply smiled at me, "As you wish."

THE END

Well, there you have it. The ending is short and sweet but will hopefully offer the closure you may or may not be seeking. Thank you all so very much for readying! I can't say how happy I am that you've all enjoyed it! And I apologize for no gargoyle babies. It was simply not meant to be. There is something to say for both their deaths. And now there will be no growing old and they will remain happy for all eternity. You can't say that that's not a happy ending! Love you all!