Chapter 287

Declan was touching him. Really touching him.

“You're touching me,” he rasped in awe.

Declan's eyes were glassy, but he smiled. “That's because I'm alive. I'm not a ghost.”

“But h-how is that even possible? How is this possible? I don't understand...” For the first time, for as long as King Lucien could remember, he sounded dumb to his own ears. He was too confused. He was too hopeful.

Declan sniffled. “A long story. But I'm—”

King Lucien threw his arms around his brother then. For a moment, he dreaded that the fantasy would be over and Declan would disappear in a poof of air from his arms. But that did not happen. No, his brother wrapped his arms around him too, burrowed his head into his neck and his shoulders began shaking—the only indication that he was crying.

“By the gods! Deck!? You're really here, Deck!” King Lucien held him tight, the world zeroing in on him.

His brother is alive! His brother is right in front of him! His bro