Page 169 of Of Blood & Stone

“Can someone burn that?” Kharis shouted.

A Dynami grabbed a handful of candles from the banquet table, using the small flames to burn what was left of Distrathrus.

“We need to inform the kingdom of everything,” Kharis said to Elnok. “I checked with all the Kreenas and Dynameis here, and they agreed to help spread the word.” He took Elnok by the elbow, dragging him away from everyone celebrating Sylzenya’s resurrection. “Multiple Kreenas told me they were on the precipice of death, three of them swearing to me theyhaddied, like you.”

Elnok tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I think Sylzenya healed everyone in this room, even bringing the dead back to life.”

Elnok went to spin the gold ring on his finger, but it was gone.

A strange wave of relief overcame him. He’d been given a second chance to live; a second chance to do something with his life, but this time, on his own terms.

It’d been a rebirth–a change.

He smiled at the thought, letting his fingers rest, placing his hand in his pocket.

“We can ask her about it when she’s more rested,” Elnok stated. “We should probably leave before Distrathrus’ burning body makes us all want to retch. And, I need to make my way back to Vutror.”

Kharis agreed. “We’ll need to take an entourage. If Aretta’s vision was correct and the continent is truly saved from Distrathrus’ curse, then Esteans might be able to help revitalize the land.”

“Revitalize the land?” Elnok questioned, the words coming out slow, “You think that could work?”

“We won’t know unless we try.”

Suddenly, the sound of wings echoed in the cavern, bird song filling the air. Elnok looked up. Golden light spilled through a crack in the ceiling, a handful of gray and white feathered birds flying through, their soft songs echoing. The sun shone onto the clear orodyte floor, a vast array of colors reflecting onto the walls.

Elnok found Sylzenya’s eyes as she embraced her mother. Her bright smile made his knees shake, his heart ache, and a deep laugh to spill from his mouth.

And then everyone started to laugh. Not the kind of laughter that felt strained or constricting, but the kind that felt warm and full. A laughter weaving in and out of everyone’s hearts, connecting each of them to one another, joyful tears spilling from their eyes.

For the first time in a very, very long time, Elnok felt something he didn’t think he’d feel again; not since he lost hisparents or endured the dungeons with his brother; not since he’d been abused by his blacksmith master; not since he became nothing more than a thief in a dying land.

For the first time in ten, long years—he felt hope.

Chapter 41

Home

Golden sunlight filtered through the green treetops. A soft sort of light, gentle and beautiful, mixed with the smell of fresh leaves and earth. Elnok admired the sweet-smelling air as he continued taking down his makeshift linen tent.

They were less than a day’s walk from Vutror, having set up camp at the edge of Lhaal Forest. No longer did a heavy shadow hang over the trees, nor did fog spill out of its dense branches. Instead, birds sang songs and squirrels jumped between healthy branches.

“I still can’t believe it,” Sylzenya said as she approached him, lacing her hand in his. Warm, soft—home.“I never thought Lhaal could ever look like this.”

“It’s beautiful,” Elnok breathed. “Although I could do without the lurking monsters.”

She squeezed his hand. “You’ve done just fine with your special whip.”

He smiled. “So much better than my rope.”

“Hm, I’m still fond of that rope.” She smirked, letting go of his hand and walking back towards her tent.

“SylzenyaPhatris,”he growled, grabbing her waist and pulling her against his chest, nuzzling his mouth against her ear.

A small laugh fell from her lips, one he caught with his mouth before it could slip away.

“We’re supposed to be cleaning up,” she teased, secretly running her hand along the outside of his pants, brushing her palm along his length, which, not to his surprise, had already hardened for her.

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