This and Every Life

by Emmy Sanders

“There is so much in this world that is unknown to me. Places I will never see. Concepts I will never understand. But I cannot bring myself to believe there’s one governing body who decides the fate of all mortal men on this earth. The will of man is great. And no matter the circumstances under which we are born and die, if I didn’t believe us capable of commandeering our own fate, I would have nothing to fight for.”

What would happen if those at the bottom stood up? The thought nearly has me laughing. Surely, the men up high would topple.

“You are beautiful, my star. If I could, I would spend eternity here with you, and I wouldn’t want for anything. I would look into your eyes and have everything I need.”

“Jasper.” He rocks me, his face buried in my hair. “My heart. My star. My love. Whoever it was that wove the fabric of my being did it with you in mind. I was made to love you. And I will do so no matter where on this earth you are. My love for you will never, ever flicker out.” “Then I will look at the stars,” I say, voice catching, “and be reminded of it every day.”

“Do you know what I felt when I first met Gray? It was like I’d found a piece of myself that had been living outside of my body. And I didn’t even know it until he was close enough to bring it home. If soulmates are a thing, he’s mine. It’s not romantic. It doesn’t have to be. He’s part of me, and I would no sooner cut out my own lungs than be without that man in my life.”

Ezra smiles, the corner of his lips drawing upwards. “We’re inevitable, Grayson Fox. Bound by fate or luck or maybe even gravity. The moment I found you, I knew there was no escape.”

“I would say I’d have loved you in whatever form you came to me. In whatever time. I would defend you with my dying breath, and I would follow you wherever it is you go. The pieces of us were made to fit, Gray. To be drawn together and shared. You told me once bound stars are destined to go out together. And I’m glad for it. Because I can’t imagine a life, now or ever, without you in it.”

I cannot claim to know what waits for us when we leave this world. But I beg of you to make the same promise you gave me that night so very long ago. No matter where, no matter when, be it swiftly that you return to me.

“I’m sorry,” I rasp against his mouth. “I’m sorry I don’t remember.” “How could you possibly? But you feel it.” It’s not a question, yet I nod all the same. “I don’t want to forget again.” There’s a hitch in his breath before he kisses me, harder than before. His eyes are shining when he leans back. “Remember me now, my warrior heart. It’s all you can do.”