I closed my eyes and absorbed those words. “I think that’s why I love the stories with villains instead of heroes as the main characters,” I whispered. “Heroes are limited because they always have to do the right thing. But villains aren’t restricted by their moral compasses. They will do literally anything and destroy anyone who tried to hurt those they love. I think, deep down, I’ve always considered myself a villain. In that way.”

“You’re my moral compass, Mera,” Shadow said, wrapping his arms around me, pulling my back against his chest as we both faced the fire. “As you’ve seen firsthand, without you, I’m a mindless beast. There’s no hero in my genetics, so maybe we’re in the right story together.”

“Agreed,” I said.

Shadow chuckled, and before I could get even more sappy, he was once again leading me toward the exit. When we stepped through to the other side, Sam was in the process of throwing a damn chair right for the portal. It took me by surprise, and I’d have possibly copped a face full of wood if Shadow hadn’t reached out and caught it mid-pitch.

“Shit!” Sam said, her eyes going wide as she took a step back. “Uh, sorry. I was trying to get through to Mera.”

When her frantic gaze found mine, she sagged in relief. “You’re okay.”

Shaking off my guard beast, I hurried toward her. “Yes, crap, I’m so sorry. It took me longer than expected to tame the shadows. Then they decided to mark their territory.”

Her gaze shifted between Shadow and me and she did not miss my deeper meaning there. “Best news I’ve heard all day.”

Gaster appeared then, his little goblin’s face wreathed in concern. “Master,” he cried, hurrying forward. “Thank the gods you have returned.”

Shadow didn’t smile, but I felt a softening of his energy. He liked Gaster, and more importantly, he trusted him to keep one of the most vital parts of his life functioning: his library.

I was pretty sure Gaster was stronger than he looked—physically and in the magical sense—and was able to hold his own in most situations. It was probably half the reason he’d managed to remain with the library even after Shadow had kicked everyone else out.

We were all lucky to have him in our lives.

“Give me a moment,” Shadow said in English and then in demi-fae so that we all could understand. I’d have understood either way, and at least with my memory returned, I remembered Shadow rearranging my brain in the realm, giving me a universal translator in my head. Hence why I’d been able to understand that alpha back in Torma. Poor guy. His confusion made a lot more sense now.