My lips stretch into a smile, and I kiss his chest before hiding in it, because all I want is his approval, his love, and he wanted me even with a shadow pale as a bone. “Is that better for you, my…” I stall, chuckling as a wave of incredulous shyness washes over me. “Are you my husband now? Can I tell everyone?”
Tristan grins and kisses the side of my head. “While unexpected, yes, this is an amazing turn of events, and yes, I will proudly call you my husbandandDark Companion. Though if we want that lavish wedding, you might have to call me your fiancé for a while.”
I chew on my lip, then move my chin up his chest and look at his handsome face.
Unicorn? What unicorn? The most beautiful thing in my life has happened only now.
“I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
“I guess we’ll just throw a party then.” Tristan grins. “I love a party. Oh! And we need to have pizza. And beer pong!”
“And beer pong,” I agree with tears in my eyes.
I love him so much.
For him, I’d even get a tattoo of a solo cup.
Epilogue
Nate
Six months later
Tristan looksso goodin a three-piece suit!
The sapphire blue outfit that makes my man’s red mane look even more gorgeous was made by our usual tailor, which means that while the design is copied from a catalog, the tailoring is excellent, the fabrics and accessories are all Nocturne Court panache, and I lowkey love it. My Tristan has a delicate pattern of crabs on his tie, and rose-shaped cufflinks. His hair descends down his back in elegant waves, and while I love him in leather pants, poet’s shirts, and capes, he is very much still a stunner.
I decided to go with an understated look that features an embroidered vest and a shirt with beautiful pearl buttons. Then again… understated? My grandparents would surely think we’re both dressed for our wedding party when they see us! Tristan has specifically chosen the human-style (as he calls it) suit to make a good impression on them, but I know they’d love him in sweats if he makes me happy.
I didn’t want to burden them with the details of everything that happened to me, since I know how much pain it would’ve caused them to learn about the torture I endured. All they needed to know is that I found my way to a magical fantasy realm where I fell in love with an elven prince. At first they didn’t believe, me of course, and it took a while to ease them into it, but after I flew out to meet them in Sydney, and showed them some proof, they started believing me
I think.
The other option is that there will be a psychiatric ambulance waiting for me the moment I arrive in the spot we’re supposed to meet tonight.
One of the two.
Either way, this will be the first time Tristan meets them in person, and if all goes well, they will accompany us to the Nightmare Realm and at least consider joining us there for good. I wouldn’t have pushed for it so much if it wasn’t for the very real fact that they‘re aging. There’s no escaping that. And I miss them. Unless I make a trip to the human realm, which isn’t a quick and easy thing, I can only exchange letters with them, since electricity doesn’t work in the Nightmare Realm, and that means no telephone nor video-calls.
I know I’m asking a lot, but if they settle in the elven realm, they will be able to live on indefinitely. Sure, the Nightmare Realm has its dangers, but they’d be under the protection of the Nocturne Court, so I can see them flourishing. After all, they wanted an adventure, and what adventure could be more exciting than the chance to explore a whole different world?
“They will love you,” I tell Tristan as our open carriage passes through the invisible border between the realms. The woods around us shimmer like the aurora borealis, and then I spot the familiar neon of our ‘local’ fast food franchise, Best Burgers Bonanza, looming against the background of the darksky. Apparently, the Lord sourced the food for his wedding from this very restaurant, so I don’t even think the pizza idea was that surprising anymore.
“Are you sure the hat wouldn’t go well with the outfit?” Tristan asks, glancing toward the neon sign matching the logo at the front of the baseball cap he wore the night he came for me. I’m not sure how to explain not all ‘human’ things go together just because they’re human, but he’s adorable.
“A hundred percent sure,” I say and lean against him as the coachman slowly steers the carriage onto the asphalt road that will lead us to the place where we’re picking up my grandparents. I’m sweating from the stress of it, because what if they think this is all a prank? What if they hate the Nightmare Realm and choose not to stay? If this were the case, I’ll likely only see them a couple of times before they pass away, and that’s an excruciating thought.
I can already see them as we approach the abandoned bus stop, and my heart is in my throat. It’s been over four months since our last meeting. Fortunately, I can’t see any cops or EMTs, and they both have two big suitcases each. It’s late summer, but the night is chilly, so they’re both in their favorite matching sweaters.
I rise before the coachman even stops and wave at them with a big grin.
They’re in their early seventies, still active, and as I leap off the coach before Tristan can do his usual thing and gallantly help me off, Grandma steps forward in time to pull me in.
She smells of her favorite perfume. It’s old-fashioned and sharp from the alcohol content, but this was the scent of comfort in moments when reality crushed me. I briefly lift her off the ground before stepping into Grandpa’s embrace. “I missed you so much,” I tell them, grinning from ear to ear.
Tristan is silent, but I can sense him behind me when he ever -so gently pokes my shadow with his.
“You’re growing out your hair? Aren’t you dapper!” Grandpa compliments me as we also hug. He’s grown a beard since I’ve last seen him, and it’s definitely grayer than the last one he sported a few years ago.
