Page 67 of War Of Fire and Fortune
“The dragons and I just got back from a hunt. There are plenty of fish for your people to eat for lunch and dinner. The rest ofthe flight are choosing to stay, but I’m going to head back to Magni. I’d like some alone time with my books.” He smiled, and I thought of how hard all of this must be for him. The world was at peace, the dragons that had kept him company all of those years were choosing to stay here and create relationships, and all the while he’d be alone since he’d lost his mate. A frown curved my lips.
“Hey now, don’t do that. I quite like my alone time. Besides, it’s not forever. I’ll be sure to visit, especially this little one.” He waved his finger in front of Emeris, and she grabbed it and gave it a little squeeze as he smiled.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay? There are some extra huts. We could make a home for you here.”
“My home is with my mate on Magni, but thank you, Shay.” He handed Emeris back to me. “Where is Baron? I’d like to say goodbye to him too.”
“He went on a hunt with a group to teach them, but he’ll be back soon,”
“That’s alright. I’ll find him while I’m flying. Take care, Shay.”
“You too, friend,” I said, and he smiled and then walked out.
A few hours later, Emeris was sleeping in her makeshift crib while I finished dinner and waited for Baron to get home. When the door opened, I couldn’t help the smile that lit up my face, and then I saw him with a small bouquet of my favorite flowers from one of the small islands off our coast. Tears lined my eyes because I hadn’t seen them since before the war had started.
“Baron, how did you get these so quickly? I thought you were training the hunters.”
“I was. Draken found me and told me goodbye, but before he left, he gave me a lift when I told him what I wanted to do for you.” I took them from him and put them in a vase, placing them on the table already set for dinner that would be ready soon. I pulled Baron against me, and he lifted a hand and cupped myface before kissing me so beautifully that it took my breath away and made my stomach dip. Gods, I knew I wasn’t ready for sex again just yet after having Emeris, but the way Baron made me feel was effortless. Emeris wailed then, and Baron pulled back and walked over to the bed to pick up his daughter.
“Hello, little love. Daddy’s home, and I’m going to tell you all about my day, and we’re going to give Mommy a little break, alright?” He talked to her in a sweet, soothing voice that made my heart ache at the sight. And as he held her against him, she quieted.
“Go bathe, love, and then crawl into bed. I’ll finish dinner and bring it to you when I’m done.”
“But—” He just gave me a look that brooked no argument, and I offered him a little smile before going and doing just that. Relaxing in the bathing room, I wrapped my braids atop my head, and then after I scrubbed the day away, I soaked until the water grew cold. Then I got out and dressed and crawled into bed, not realizing how sleepy I truly was until I got under the covers.
A few moments later, Baron came in with a plate in one hand and Emeris cradled in the other. She’d growing fussier by the minute, and I knew she must be hungry. I sat up to nurse her, and Baron handed her to me before she quickly latched. I expected Baron to start eating, but he motioned for me to open my mouth and fed me. The food was delicious. Fish with plenty of spices and vegetables that had been roasted over the fire.
“What about you?”
“I’ll eat after I’ve taken care of you,” he said simply and then fed me another bite. Soon, my meal was gone and Emeris was back asleep. I held her for awhile as Baron got something to eat and just admired her little features. Getting up, I placed her gently in her crib just as Baron returned, and he wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my shoulder from behind meas we both stared down at our daughter. In that moment, I knew we’d won in life.
Epilogue
Emelyn
Ten years later…
The moment we emerged from Kade's shadows, Heavensreach unfurled below us, filled with so much life. I took in a sharp breath as my gaze swept over the bustling city—the heart of commerce and community for the Sky Elves.
Wings caught in the sun's rays and darted through billowing clouds that hung thick and heavy. The elves soared with an elegance that made flight seem as natural as breathing, theirlaughter and calls to one another punctuating the air like music. Below, homes clung precariously to the mountainside. Wooden balconies overflowed with vibrant flowers that cascaded down the rock face, softening the harsh lines of stone.
Heavensreach was thriving. Storefronts carved into the very earth advertised wares from far-off lands, their signs swinging gently in the breeze that swept up from the valley. And now there was a giant stairwell that had been bent into the mountainside that spiraled upwards. Most didn’t have to use it, as Sky Elves often extended their hospitality, offering lifts with their straps.
I could hardly believe this was the same place that had once lain in ruins. Ace and Luana, alongside the resilient Sky Elves who had survived in the rebellion, had breathed life back into this land. It took my breath away to see Heavensreach stand proud again, gleaming like a jewel atop the world. My heart swelled, warmth spreading through my chest every time I saw it.
"Aunty Em! Aunty Em! Daddy, Aunty Em is here!" My niece's voice ricocheted through the homes. Callie, Ace's spitfire of a daughter, with her untamed curls and fierce little heart, collided into me. The impact nearly knocked the breath from me, but I wrapped my arms around her tiny frame.
"I've missed you!" The words were muffled against my cloak as she burrowed closer, her wings almost flapping me in the face.
“I've missed you too!"
In the next moment, Ace's wind swept between us, snatching Callie up in its grasp and hurling her off the mountain. My heart plummeted into my gut and I gasped, propelling myself forward.
But Ace's hand clamped down on my shoulder. "Em, wait!"
Then I heard it—the soft, unmistakable flutter of tiny wings beating against the air. My breath hitched as Callie's silhouette emerged from the chasm below.
"Daddy! Do you see me? Do you see me?!"
