His lips are on my neck, and I bring my legs around his waist.
I have nothing but love for Sam and Jarek and their beautiful Satori. I couldn’t name two better people to raise a child.
But Sorin and I have our own family. Our own way of doing things.
Sorin fists my hair and kisses me deeper than before. He moans against my mouth as I push my hips forward. He pulls away to discard his clothes.
His eyes connect with mine and every single moment leading up to this flashes through my mind.
Valebridge and the mountain. My mother and the cabin in the woods. Sorin in the river and our tumultuous journey that brought us to this very moment. He watches me for a moment, unmoving, as if he’s also recalling the same thing. Our life before this one. The deal made with the Fates. A promise to MotherGaia to always protect Teravie. Every single moment, choice, mistake has led to this and I would do it again. Over and over, I’d relive it if it meant finding him. And perhaps one day I will, should Mother Gaia ever need our souls again.
He drops to his knees and pulls off my pants. He kisses my ankles, then my calves, and continues upward until his teeth are around my undergarments and then, they’re off as well.
I close my eyes, and let the memories from earlier fade away. My fingers clench around the sheets.
I arch into Sorin’s touch but he pins me down with his free hand, continuing his movements with his mouth. I wish I could go back in time just to show that girl on the mountain just what life had in store for her. I’d tell her that through all the turmoil, life finds a way of showing you the beauty in it. And despite what she thinks, despite what her mind tells her, she is worth living to see that beauty.
On a shaky breath, I whisper a goodbye to that lost girl on the mountain. I wish her well on her way. I’ll miss her, that broken version of myself.
Because without her, I wouldn’t be here.
Sorin’s body frames mine again, and before he has a chance to go anywhere, I pull him into me for a long, slow kiss.
I sigh against his mouth, and my body relaxes under his touch.
He’s the home I sought for so long.
The family I craved.
The family I didn’t think Ideserved.
And what a family it turned out to be.
Just me and Sorin, and a pack of wolves.
Epilogue
Elwyn
The veilbetween the living realm and the beyond wanes in the silvery moonlight. Behind me, a light glows. It beckons me, drawing me toward it, but my eyes drift back to the room before me.
Candles flicker on the tabletop where a feast is laid out. Sorin and Elora sit at opposite ends of the large, wooden table. Jarek and Sam are there as well, chatting amongst each other. Agnes holds Satori, rocking her back and forth in a slow, even tempo.
Finally, my eyes settle on Calix. His hair is more gray than the last time I saw him, but his face is full and happy. He’s raising a glass, speaking proud words and praise for our daughter. His wife is by his side, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulder, gray lining her temples. She places her hand on Calix’s and leans forward to whisper something to Elora that makes her smile.
My eyes bounce between them, all three of them, and though it isn’t there to beat, a flutter stirs in my chest.
How many years did I dream of this? Of Calix and Elora together. Knowing each other. Loving each other. My eyes sting as my gaze drifts back to Elora.
I don’t miss her blush as she takes a sip of wine.
Don’t miss her smile as everyone claps at the table for the work she’s done as their queen.
Sorin rises, raising his glass to Elora, and an eruption of laughter sounds around the table.
Celia joins my side, resting her head on my shoulder. “They’re perfect,” she says and I nod my agreement.
They truly are.
