Page 54 of The Dark Elf's Secret Twins

“Of sorts I suppose. It certainly beats being a whore. I’m not even knocking my mother for that but I’m not about to lay down on my back and let someone cover me.”

“And you won’t have to,” replies Lykan. “You know, I think I’ve learned a pretty valuable lesson from all of this.”

“And what might that be, my love?” I ask.

“My caste isn’t as important as I once thought. There’s so many other things to a good life and I already have them,” he says, gazing lovingly into my eyes. “My one true love, a pair of amazing children, and a future I can look forward to.”

“And we can continue to give each other more great things,” I say, giggling. “We’re only just getting started.”

Lykan’s mouth opens wide, omitting a long, drawn out yawn. I follow suit.

“I think we’ve talked enough for one night,” I chuckle. “But thank you so much for sharing everything with me. Let’s keep it that way from now on.”

“Thanks for listening. I guess that’s all I really needed, a good ear, and I promise to always be truthful. I’m done hiding things.”

He pats the pillows by our side.

“Come on then, let’s get settled in.”

I slide my legs down the sheets, now cool from the blanket having been thrown off when we originally hit the bed. Lykan pulls the blanket up from the floor and drapes it over us. I snuggle into the strong grip of his arms, burying my face in his chest. Peering up, we plant a final kiss on each other’s lips for the night.

Outside, the sky is already beginning to brighten but my body feels more ready than ever for sleep. I knew it was a time for fresh starts, for each of us to let go of our past. Lykan did the impossible and opened up for me. For the rest of my life, it’s him and only him that I need.

I close my eyes, ready for a rejuvenating sleep and the opportunities waiting for me in my new life.

26

LYKAN

It’s a glorious day for the weather here in Vhoig. Across the entire sky blue like the oceans, there’s not a single speck of a cloud to be seen. The sun shines seemingly brighter than ever, dousing the city in its warmth. There rings through the air a light breeze to level the temperature out, keeping us perfectly warm and cool at the same time.

To make the most of the fine weather, I have taken Cyra on a day out. Both of us have the day off work and Braythe offered to watch over the kids for us. We sit now in a small restaurant in the middle of the city, enjoying a delicious breakfast in each other’s company.

It’s just the start to our day. I have something special hidden up my sleeves to which Cyra is completely oblivious to. She has no idea what's coming her way today.

“Are you enjoying your drink?” I ask as she takes a sip of kaffo.

“Yeah,” she beams. “It’s better than I could ever make it back at home.”

“Nonsense,” I chuckle. “Nothing tastes better in the morning than your kaffo. Well, save for one thing…”

I nudge her leg under the table, causing her to giggle with delight.

“On a serious note, I’m glad we were able to hash everything out in the end,” I say. “And I know most of it falls back on me. Again, I’m so sorry for closing myself off for so long.”

“It’s alright Lykan. Every one of us goes through life changing shit, and sometimes it fucks us up for a long time. I know you telling me everything doesn't magically cure the pain but I think you’re so brave for sharing your story with me.”

“You really think so?” I ask, feeling a sense of safety.

“Of course I do. It takes a lot of guts to be vulnerable.”

“I still have some ways to go with my healing journey but… You’re making it a lot easier for me than it has been in a long time.”

“I’m glad to hear. Take things one day at a time, okay?” she asks.

“I will. As long as you’re by my side, I know everything will be just fine.”

Smiling, she turns to face the hustle and bustle of the city.

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