Page 57 of Unseen Lord

First comes the frost

Second the flame

Third are the voices

of those he has slain

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

Footsteps. They come from the darkness. Drawing near.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

The sound of hooves clacking on icy stone.

And then I see him.

The White Rider.

"Arias, stop that nonsense," Ari says, laughing.

Arias walks across the room and grins. "Sorry, couldn't help it. Old habits and all."

He kisses his mother then kisses my cheek and shakes Elias's hands. He and Elias aren't quite buddy-buddy yet, but they're working on it. Kayla and Tavian follow him in. "Everyone's here now. What's the big news?" he asks.

I hold up my hand to show off my new ring, and there's laughter and cheers and hugs from everyone.

Arias pulls me aside and smiles. "I'm truly happy for you both. I'm glad things have worked out."

"Me too," I say.

For the rest of the day we feast and celebrate. Someone gets word to Uncle Sly, and in a rare departure from his standard protocol, he joins us at High Castle. I've got my whole family together. Well, everyone except Callie, but wherever she is, I know she'd be happy for me.

We don't have answers to questions about dates and logistics. Where will we live? I don't know. Could we maybe take turns living at each other's places? When's the big day? No clue. These questions can wait.

Today is about enjoying the moment and celebrating the love we have for each other and our family.

Tomorrow we can figure the rest out.

THE END

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