Orion narrows his eyes and leans back while crossing his arms. “I can’t believe I fell for that.”
“Don’t pout, pretty boy,” Isera says. There is a knowing glint in her eyes as she gives him a long look. “You were cheating too. You’re just mad because she was better at it.”
“That is entirely beside the point,” he huffs. A disappointed frown creases his brows as he shakes his head at himself. “I really wanted that house here on the Western Isles that she was betting.”
“Well, you know what to do when life gives you lemons,” Draven says with a shrug.
Orion gives him a flat look. “Make lemonade?”
“No. Squeeze them in people’s eyes.” Draven shoots him a bewildered frown. “What the fuck islemonade?”
Orion bursts out laughing. Not his usual refined snicker or a smug kingly chuckle. This is a laugh that comes all the way from his soul, and the sound of it warms my heart.
His black and silver eyes glitter as he gives Draven a teasing grin. “Oh you really are uncultured, aren’t you?”
“Careful now, princeling.” Draven smirks back. “Or I might change my mind about the house I was about to gift you and Isera here on the main island.”
Light floods Orion’s eyes, but he still keeps up the pretense of a sly smile while nonchalantly flicking his long dark blue hair back behind his shoulder. “I knew it. You really can’t get enough of basking in my glorious presence.”
I throw a piece of bread at him. “Well, if His Glorious Majesty is finished, let’s make a toast.”
Orion tries to shoot me a threatening look while brushing the breadcrumb off his fancy garments, but it’s entirely ruined by the smile he can’t hide.
Candlelight glitters in the glasses as everyone grabs theirs and raises it.
For a few seconds, I just look at them all in silence. My mate. My friends. This extraordinary group of people that I now call family.
“To us,” I say, holding up my glass. “And new adventures to come.”
“New adventures!” they all reply.
Warmth fills my soul as I drink from the sparkling wine in my glass while watching my friends do the same. The path here was rough. It was filled with pain and grief and sacrifices. Heartache and sorrow and utter exhaustion. But there is no one I would rather have gone through this life-changing journey with than these six people. I have felt alone and unwanted for most of my life. But now, here, I finally feel at home.
Draven pulls me onto his lap and kisses my temple.
I laugh and swat him on the shoulder. But inside, my heart is fluttering with love and warmth.
And as the golden sun sinks into the sea outside and a glittering night rises, I drink in that feeling. This wonderful feeling of light and warmth. Of love and friendship. Ofus. And as I do, one thought keeps pulsing through my head. One thought that is now written on the walls of my heart.
I got everything.
I got fucking everything.
And when we at last leave the tavern behind and wander out into the open air outside, I feel drunk. Not on alcohol. On that incredible feeling. I don’t want this night to end. But I also know that there will be many more nights like this to come. Because now, we finally have time. Time to enjoy life to the fullest.
“Don’t forget,” Isera says as we all trail to a halt in the middle of the final crossroads that will take us all back to our respective homes for the evening. “Orion and I expect you all for winter solstice. Actually, the day before. Because apparently,” she gives the Unseelie King a sideways glance, “the celebration is supposed to last for three entire days.”
“Everyone knows that any good party has to be at least three days long,” he replies with a flourishing wave of his hand. “Andbesides, little viper, you’re the one who couldn’t decide on a single menu, which is why we needed three.”
“Wait,” I interrupt, raising my eyebrows. “You’re cooking?”
“I don’t cook.” She jerks her chin towards Alistair instead. “He’s the one with fire magic.” Her silver and blue eyes glitter in the light of the moon as she flashes him a grin. “Get to it, Flambé.”
He snorts and then chuckles. “Fine.”
“We’ll bring the wine,” I offer.
“What areyoubringing then, ice lady?” Alistair asks, still looking at Isera.
