Wlloza's cries of agony are a symphony to my ears, a reminder that he is no longer the untouchable master, but a broken, bleeding mortal. I slice his other arm, his ear, each severed piece of him a symbol of the justice I've been denied for so long.
"You’ll die here. Bleed out like the monster you are. Let the animals feast on you, just like you let her die," I spew out.
My words hang in the air, a dark cloud that settles over the scene of carnage. The sword slips from my bloodied fingers, its purpose fulfilled, its thirst quenched. My chest heaves as I struggle to draw breath, the weight of what I've done pressing down on me.
Garron's armswrap around me, a steadying presence that guides me back from the brink of madness. His voice is a gentle murmur against my ear, a soothing balm to the ragged edges of my soul.
"It’s done. Let’s go," he says gently.
I collapse against him, my body sagging with exhaustion. The battle is over, the monster slain, but the victory feels hollow. The ghosts of my past may finally be at rest, but the scars they've left behind will remain with me forever.
As we leave the courtyard, the sounds of Wlloza's dying breaths growing fainter with each step, I realize that this isn't the end I'd envisioned. The thirst for revenge that has driven me for so long has been sated, but it has left me changed, marked by the brutality of my journey.
When we approach the edge of the estate, Lazir stops me abruptly and pulls me closer to him. His hands cradle my face, his touch a lifeline in the turbulent sea of my emotions. His eyes, a deep, soulful amber, hold mine captive as he speaks. "You’re incredible," he says, his voice a soft reverberation in the quiet."Your intelligence, your courage... I admire everything about you."
His words wash over me, a benediction, a validation of the trials I've overcome. When his lips meet mine, it's a promise—a silent vow of solidarity, of shared pain and triumph. The kiss is deep, yet infinitely tender, as if he's trying to gentle the beast within me. I melt into him, my lips parting to welcome the sanctuary of his embrace.
As Lazir and I break apart, Calo's touch is next. His hands rest on my shoulders, grounding me in the here and now. His eyes search mine, reflecting a deep-seated admiration that makes my heart flutter.
"Your resilience is unmatched, Mara," he murmurs, his gaze never leaving mine. "You’ve been through hell and still stand tall."
There's a reverence in his voice that tugs at something within me—a delicate thread woven from the shared experiences that have bound us together. His lips find mine, a gentle exploration that speaks of his awe and respect for the journey I've undertaken. The kiss is sweet, a healing balm that soothes the ragged edges of my spirit.
And then there's Garron, his presence a dominant force that demands attention. His hands come and grip my waist, a possessive gesture that sends shivers down my spine. There's a wildness to his kiss. His lips are firm, unyielding, and the passion behind the gesture ignites a fire deep within me.
"Your strength inspires me," he growls, his voice a low rumble that resonates in the depths of my soul. "You’ve given us more than we could ever ask for."
A faint smile tugs at the corners of my lips, the tears that have marred my face throughout this ordeal now drying under the warmth of their affection. I am overwhelmed by their declarations, each word a precious gift that bolsters my spirit.
"You’ve shared your strength with me," I whisper. "I couldn’t have done this without all of you."
In the arms of these minotaurs, I find a sense of safety and belonging that I never thought possible. They have seen me at my most vulnerable, witnessed the depths of my rage, and yet, they stand by me.
In this moment, enveloped by their love and support, I understand the true meaning of strength—not as a solitary force, but as a collective power, forged from hardship and nurtured by the bonds of unwavering devotion.
As we leave the estate grounds, the haunting spectacle of Wlloza's downfall fading into the distance, I know that this is only the beginning. Together, we will forge a new path—one illuminated by the enduring flame of our shared purpose.
37
MARA
Iinhale the crisp night air, the scent of damp earth and smoldering ash lingering from the battle. My heart thuds in my chest, not with fear, but with a profound sense of relief. After walking several miles from the estate, we are far enough to feel safe, yet close enough to bear witness to the aftermath of my vengeance.
We soon settle around a bonfire, its flickering flames casting dancing shadows across our faces. The warmth seeps into my bones, chasing away the chill of the night and the lingering cold of my past. A small, satisfied smile pulls at my lips, and I say, "It’s finally over." My voice is steady but filled with hope, the weight of the years finally lifted from my shoulders.
I look at each of them, my heart swelling with a tenderness I never thought possible. "There’s really gold," I tell them. "Hidden away in Wlloza’s vault. Enough to change everything. I can show you how to find it."
Lazir shakes his head, a gentle smile softening his usually stern features. "Gold doesn’t matter anymore," he says, his voice carrying a quiet conviction. "All we want is you."
Calo's hand finds mine, his touch reassuring. He looks at me with an intensity that takes my breath away. "Be our mate, Mara," he says, his voice a low, earnest plea. "That can be our reward."
Tears well in my eyes, their words stirring something deep within me. These three minotaurs, once strangers, now feel like the only family I've ever known. They've seen me at my weakest and strongest, and yet, they still want me. They still choose me.
"Yes... yes, I’ll be yours," I say, my voice trembling with emotion. The words come easily, a natural extension of the bond we've forged. Their smiles are bright, their relief palpable.
Garron pulls me into a hug. "You've made us the happiest beings in all the realms, Mara," he murmurs into my hair.
Garron's embracetightens around me, and I feel the thrum of his heart against my cheek, a steady rhythm that matches my own. His hand cradles the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair as he tilts my face upward to meet his. The kiss is fierce and claiming, a celebration of life and a testament to our shared bond. "Mara," he breathes against my lips, the sound of my name on his tongue a sweet whisper in the night.