It wasn’t until she felt the warmth of Kur’s arms around her that Ruby pulled her awareness away from the Music of the Spheres. He was behind her, his cheek resting against the top of her head. She had never felt so comfortable.

“I have missed you so, Merope,” Kur murmured.

She relaxed further against him, her body feeling cleaner, stronger than it had in years. The cravings for drugs lessened, and though she tasted freedom from fear it could not be erased completely. “But what if I can’t be who you need me to be?”

He kissed her neck, “I have every faith in you.”

“Why? Why now?”

He kissed the other side of her neck, “Because you can see and hear again.” His lips were making warmth pool in her middle.

Then he draped something across her, cold beads that warmed on her skin quickly. Ruby didn’t need to look to see that they were Lapis. Memories shifted, sliding back into their proper places. A string of stars…

Hers.

Merope turned and gazed at him. “How could I have forgotten you…husband?”