Page 52 of My Fated Minotaur Hero

“Huzzah!!!” A roar erupts as all the monsters cheer. Practically everyone in the room turns to me and raises their glasses in a kind of salute or welcome, it seems, and I feel the most incredible warmth spread through my chest. This is home now, I realize. This crazy, magical, wonderful place.

And before I know what I am doing – before I even think of making a list of pros and cons – I am on my feet raising a glass to the room as well. “And to my mate’s brand new beer garden! May it and the tavern continue to be a place to gather with both your old friends and new!”

“Huzzahhh!!!”

One look around the room, and at Kalen’s face and it is obvious he has nothing to worry about as far as the continued success of Fablewood’s most popular tavern.

But as the crowd sits down again and I look around at my new family - Kalen, Zoe, our monster friends - I can't help but wonder about the mysteries still unsolved. The seal, the map, the murals ... and what about Mia?

Somehow, though, I just know it will all work out.

I just know it.

Fate hasn’t let us down yet.

And one more thing's for sure too - life in Fablewood is never going to be boring.

EPILOGUE 1: OLIVIA

I stand in front of a full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the woman staring back at me. My hair is braided with wildflowers, and I'm wearing a dress that seems to shimmer with its own inner light.

"You look stunning," Zoe says, appearing behind me. "Elowen went above and beyond with that dress. It’s amazing! And Kalen's going to absolutely lose his mind."

I laugh, but it comes out shaky. "I can't believe this is really happening. Me, marrying a minotaur in a magical hidden village. If you'd told me this a month ago..."

"I know, right?" Zoe grins. "And ... um, like I don’t know exactly what you’re talking about? Try ‘a week ago!"

As we make our way to the town square, where the binding ceremony will take place, I just can’t believe how much has changed. The monsters - my neighbors now - smile and wave as we pass. No more disguises, no more hiding.

And I still can’t get over that Zoe is here as well. ‘Crazy’ doesn’t begin to describe it.

Kalen's waiting for me at the center of the square, looking impossibly handsome in a tunic that matches my dress. His eyes light up when he sees me, and suddenly all my nervesmelt away. And it looks like he had his horns shined up special for the occasion too. Shinedandwaxed if I’m not mistaken.

Elowen officiates, her voice ringing out across the gathered crowd. "Under the eyes of the ancients, and the all-that-is, I now pronounce you Minotaur and wife! Kalen, you may kiss your bride. Watch the horns."

Kalen gives her a look.

“I’m kidding! Can’t a witch tell a joke?”

But he is already scooping me up, and as our lips meet, I feel a warmth spread through my chest. I look down to see my claiming mark suddenly filling in with vibrant color. A rush of hot red swirls and dances to fill in the heart even as flecks of gold and yellow appear, highlighting the little bee in the sunlight.

Bee in my heart.

This is probably the one time I don’t think I need the reminder though.

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

The crowd erupts in cheers as Kalen sets me down.

All his monster buddies are here, as well as half the town it seems. I even spot the old gnome he helped out the other day. Zinnia, I think her name was. As she catches my eye she winks.

What a magical place this is. I feel surrounded with love.

He looks at me with those amber-hazel eyes that I've grown to love so much. "This is the happiest day of my life," he rumbles.

"Mine too," I whisper back. "Though I still can't believe I'm wearing a flower crown."

He laughs, pulling me close. "Get used to it, hon. You're stuck with me now."

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