Page 45 of My Fated Orc Hero

"Hey, what was Elowen saying about ‘binding?’”

Thokk looks into my eyes. "Oh that, right.” He says it in an obviously put-on blasé and overly casual voice. “I guess we have to make it official, right?

My heart skips a beat. “A wedding!” I practically scream.

Thokk laughs seeing my excitement.

I’ve heard of shotgun weddings but this is crazy.

It’s all crazy, Zoe. Duh. Look around.

The idea both thrills and terrifies me. "Will they accept me? I mean, really accept me?"

Thokk stops, turning to face me. "They already have, Zoe. You've won them over, just as you won me. So is that a yes?"

“Of course it’s a yes, you big dummy!” I practically jump into his arms. We continue walking, and I find myself imagining our future in Fablewood. The adventures we'll have, the friends we'll make, the life we'll build together.

As we reach home, a thought strikes me. "Thokk, do you think... could we visit my world sometimes? There's so much I want to show you."

He nods, pulling me close. "Hmm. Let’s take one step at a time. I think there might be a few complications there...”

“But it’s not impossible, right?”

“No, definitely not impossible. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? Worst case, there’s always Halloween.”

I laugh.

But yes, where there’s a will there’s a way.

Later, as we lay in bed, I think about Aunt Charlotte's statue. With so much happening I have hardly had time to process.What could it mean? And how the hell did it even come about? And what about those murals? So many questions. Is there a connection between my world and Fablewood? But that's an adventure for another day.

For now, I'm exactly where I want to be – in the arms of my orc, in our magical hidden village, ready to start our happily ever after.

EPILOGUE

It’s only a few days later and I'm standing in the town square, surrounded by a sea of monster folk, as I have taken to thinking of them, and I can't stop grinning. If you'd told me a week ago that I'd be getting married to an orc in a hidden magical village, I'd have asked what you were smoking. And then I would have slowly slipped out the door. But here I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Elowen stands before us, her eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom. Draped in robes adorned with mystical symbols, she clears her throat and the crowd falls silent.

"Dearly beloved monsters, mythical beings, and ... human," she says with a wink in my direction. "We are gathered here today to witness the binding of Thokk and Zoe."

I squeeze Thokk's hand, my heart racing. He looks down at me, those amber eyes full of love, and whatever nerves I may have had melt away.

"Somehow the hand of fate, with a little nudge perhaps has brought her here to us, and to Thokk. You both have opened our eyes to what is possible for Fablewood, and I believe I speak for all – or almost all -when I say we are grateful. And we are glad to welcome you, Zoe, to our town.”

There's a chorus of “Huzzahs!” from the crowd. I spot Kalen giving me a thumbs up, while Koda pretends to wipe away a tear. Big softy.

"So," Elowen continues, "Under the eyes of the ancients, and the all-that-is, I now pronounce you orc and wife! Thokk, you may kiss your bride. Try not to squish her."

Thokk doesn't need to be told twice. He scoops me up, and as our lips meet, I feel a warmth spread through my chest. I look down to see my claiming mark kitty cat suddenly filling in with vibrant color. Swirls of deep red and purple dance across my skin, while flecks of gold shimmer in the sunlight.”

“Wow!” I gasp.

Now it’sreallycool.

"Well, would you look at that," Elowen muses. "Guess it's official now, folks!"

The crowd erupts in cheers as Thokk sets me down. He looks at me with those amber eyes that I've grown to love so much.

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