Page 130 of Stolen
Because this man—this miracle—holds me like I’m everything.
I close my eyes, and for the first time in my life, I know what it feels like to be safe.
To be chosen.
To beloved. Not in pieces or conditions, but wholly.
And it’s better than I ever dared to dream.
Epilogue One
JULES
One month later—ThePublic Library just outside the Eyrie
Since there’s still so much I don’t know about Nightfall—its history, its magic, its people—I’ve found a way to begin learning that feels right.
Teaching the children.
Every morning, we gather in the newly built public library, a sunlit stone hall filled with scrolls and storybooks, with thick rugs for sitting, and shelves stacked with lore.
Alaric had it constructed just outside the keep after I offhandedly mentioned how nice it would be to have a space for the little ones to learn and dream.
I didn’t expect him to follow through so quickly—or so extravagantly.
But he always does.
Fulfills my every whim as if it were sacred.
“As I always will,Myrrin,” he murmurs now from the shadows, his voice low and warm with promise.
The moment he speaks, the class erupts.
A flurry of cheers, giggles, shy waves, and one bold little boy—Thimble—who throws his arms in the air and shouts, “Lord Alaric!”
I smile as my Dragon Lord steps fully into view, silver eyes softening when they meet mine.
And just like that, the day feels brighter.
He moves to lift Thimble up, giving the boy a spin before setting him down on his feet. Then he stands at my side without hesitation, his hand finding the small of my back like it belongs there.
Like I belong.
And I do.
Not just beside him—but with him.
As Lady of the Eyrie.
As hisviyella.
And maybe—please oh please—something more.
Because the past few days have brought more than just peace to our lands.
They’ve brought stillness to my body, a deep warmth blooming in my belly that no amount of magic can explain away.
I haven’t told him yet—haven’t spoken the possibility aloud—but every time I catch him watching me with that quiet reverence in his eyes, I wonder if he already knows.
