Page 147 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

She grinned with delight.

They hurried along the paths that felt warm, despite the snow. Greeting orcs who now considered them friends. To the Great Rove Tree that had been carved with both Miranda’s and Govek’s names.

They belonged here. In Rove Wood Clan. They had both made it their home.

A sharp but beautiful cry sounded from the tree above, and Miranda turned to look. Most of the birds had left for winter outside of the little ones they used to send messages, so she was surprised to hear such a loud, unusual call.

Her eyes went wide, and her heart pounded.

“Govek . . . is that . . .”

Her mate turned to look and tensed. For good reason.

Up high on a branch above them, with the Great Rove Trees crystalline leaves glittering behind it, sat a gray heron-like bird. Its sharp yellow eyes peered down at them curiously. Knowingly.

A Riabell.

Although grief still struck her occasionally, she hadn’t had any attacks or flashbacks since she’d dredged with the seer. Her mind was clear most days. Her sorrow wasn’t as overwhelming.

Keeping busy chasing after three young orc boys and setting up the clan to host thousands more was a good distraction.

That and the knowledge that her babies on Earth had not suffered. There had been nothing she could do to save them, and she reminded herself of that every time guilt tried to creep up on her.

She would live well in their honor. Cherish every day she had been given back. Remember them fondly in her happiest moments so they could live on in her memories.

The Riabell let out another low, lovely cry and her heart warmed. Aching.

“Miranda?” Govek’s voice betrayed his worry.

But she patted his hand and assured him. “I’m okay. It’s okay.” The bird’s call didn’t sound like a warning siren at all. Not anymore. “It’s beautiful.”

He visibly relaxed next to her. His expression softened, and she smiled. She turned away from the bird and looked up into his perfect face with his untucked jaw and his green and gold eyes glittering.

“Are we ready?” she asked, holding his hand in hers.

He gave her a squeeze. “Yes. We’re ready.”

Hand in hand, step by step, hearts beating in tandem, Govek and Miranda walked with purpose, together with the support of the clan behind them and the promise of peace before them.

They welcomed the merger of Karthoc’s warriors with open arms and began the first steps to fulfilling the Fades commands.

The End

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