Lucia stepped closer. “You came to those you hurt with humility, and most important of all, you put the needs of your family and the woman you love above your own life. You died for love.”

“As you did, Grandmother. You died for me. You opened up my emotions and set me on this path, didn’t you?”

Lucia shrugged. “It was my destiny. Your children and grandchildren always come first. Now, go.”

Torija turned to Angele. “Thank you for everything you have done for Daisy and me.”

“I was your beginning, and she was your end—and new beginning. Be good to each other.”

“How do I get back?”

“Just run at the portal, and your body will catch up, but hurry—they can’t hold it much longer.”

Torija nodded and gave a flourishing bow. “Thank you, ladies.”

She ran as fast as she could and jumped into the void.

* * *

Amelia and Daisy could only see each other as a typhoon of energy whirled around them. It was so hard to keep it together.

Daisy kept feeling her hands slipping, and then Amelia would shout, “Hold it! Hold it just a little longer.”

Just when she thought she couldn’t hold any longer, a body hurled through the portal and landed heavily on the ground. It was Torija.

Daisy broke the circuit and ran for her. “Tor!” She slid onto her knees and gently shook her. “Tor? Are you okay?”

“Ah…that was a hard landing,” Torija said.

“You’re alive!”

Daisy kissed her hard on the lips and peppered her face with kisses. “Yes, what a welcome. I should die more often.”

Daisy smiled and gave her a playful hit to the arm. “No, you’re not to die, ever.”

“I just want it put on record that I died for you, so that should make up for some missteps I make in our relationship. Since I’ve never had a long-term relationship before, I’m sure the missteps will be many.”

Daisy had never been happier in her life. She’d fought for Torija’s soul, and she’d won.

Amelia and Byron came running over. “Is she okay?” Amelia asked.

“I’m fine.”

“Wait, what about the poison?” Daisy pulled open her shirt.

“I appreciate you want to get me naked, but there’s a time and a place.”

“I can see you didn’t lose your arrogant streak on the other side, but look at your chest. The green poison is gone,” Daisy said.

Torija touched her chest and looked up and down her arm. “I’m as good as new.”

Byron reached down and offered her hand. “You kept your word.”

“I said I would.” Torija took her hand and jumped to her feet.

“How did you know, Amelia?” Daisy asked.

“Angele. She let me know.”

“You met her again?” Daisy smiled.

“Yes, she wished us a happy life.”