Epilogue Denna

Isat before the polished metal mirror, my reflection wavering in the flickering light of oil lamps. The tent's fabric walls shimmered with silver threads woven into deep blues and purples, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Lita and Mila fussed around me, adjusting my dress and hair with gentle touches.

The pale blue bodice hugged my curves, while the skirt flowed in layers that caught the light like the stones we'd discovered in that magical underground cavern. My heart fluttered at the memory of Korrin's face in that moment, filled with wonder and something deeper.

Lita's fingers deftly wove tiny, glowing crystals into my golden curls. "There," she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "A crown fit for a queen."

I touched the gems gently, marveling at their cool weight. "I'm no queen, Lita."

"You are to Korrin," Mila chimed in, approaching with a small clay pot. "Now, hold still. This is a Shakai tradition for brides."

The scent of crushed flowers filled my nostrils as Mila applied a shimmering oil to my cheeks. Its subtle glow reminded me of moonlight on water.

"Did you ever think we'd escape?" Lita asked softly, "Ever be happy?"

I shuddered at the memory of the past. "We couldn't have been. Not in the Temple."

Mila's hand stilled on my shoulder. "We've come so far since then."

A moment of silence fell over us, heavy with shared history and unspoken gratitude. I reached out, clasping both their hands in mine.

"I never thought I'd find sisters outside those walls," I whispered.

Lita squeezed my hand, then reached for a small cloth-wrapped bundle. "Speaking of sisters," she said, "we have some gifts for you."

She unveiled a delicate chain, its links glinting in the lamplight. "The royal smiths of Zashi made this. Something to remember where your friends are."

As she fastened it around my neck, the cool metal settled against my skin like a promise. I blinked back tears, overcome by the gesture.

Mila presented a wooden box next. Inside nestled a pair of soft leather boots, their sides embroidered with intricate designs. "For the journey ahead," she explained. "May they carry you far and always bring you home."

I slipped them on, the leather molding to my feet. As I stood, a wave of dizziness washed over me. Both women steadied me, our arms interlocking in a three-way embrace.

Right then, I saw not just my friends, but the women we'd become. Strong. Resilient. Unbreakable.

Lita stepped back, her eyes shining. "You look beautiful. Korrin won't know what hit him."

Mila nodded. "You're not just marrying Korrin. You're joining two worlds. It's a big responsibility, but if anyone can do it, it's you."

I turned to face the mirror one last time. The woman who looked back at me was both familiar and strange. I saw the temple girl I'd been, the fighter I'd become, and glimpses of a future I'd never dared to imagine.

The tent flap rustled, and Ashur's voice called from outside. "It's time."

My heart raced. This was it. The moment that would change everything.

Lita and Mila flanked me, their presence a silent support. We shared one last look, volumes spoken without a word.

As I stepped into the sunlight, the world around me burst into vibrant color. The meadow stretched before me, a sea of blues, purples, and whites swaying gently in the breeze. The air was perfumed with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest.

My heart pounded as I took in the sight of the gathered guests, the circle they formed seemed to pulse with energy, drawing me towards its center.

And there, beneath an arch of intertwined branches, stood Korrin, magnificent in his ceremonial attire, the deep green of his tunic bringing out the blue-green of his braided hair. His eyes found mine, and the rest of the world faded away.

I barely noticed Ashur's steady presence at my side as we walked. My focus was entirely on Korrin, on the way his gaze never wavered from me. With each step, the bond between us grew stronger, tugging at my heart.

As we passed Roji and Korrin's men, I heard snippets of conversation.

"Never thought I'd see the day," one whispered.

"She's changed him," another replied.

Their words filled me with a mix of pride and humility. I'd come so far from the scared girl in the Temple, and yet I felt I owed so much to these people who'd accepted me.

When we reached the arch, Ashur placed my hand in Korrin's. The moment our skin touched, a jolt of electricity ran through me. Korrin's fingers tightened around mine, and I saw in his eyes the same overwhelming emotion I felt.

Baroness Balinta began the ceremony, her words washing over us. I tried to focus, but found myself lost in Korrin's gaze. How had I ever thought I could leave this man? He was my home, my anchor in a world that had once seemed so foreign and frightening.

When it came time for the vows, Korrin spoke first. His words, a mix of ancient tradition and heartfelt emotion, brought tears to my eyes.

"Denna," he said, "you crashed into my life like a storm, upending everything I thought I knew. You've challenged me, inspired me, and shown me a strength I never knew existed. I vow to be your protector, your partner, and your equal in all things. Where you go, I go. Your battles are my battles. Your joys are my joys."

I blinked back tears, my voice wavering as I began my own vows. "Korrin, you found me when I was lost and gave me a home in your heart. You've taught me what it means to be truly free, to love without fear. I promise to stand by your side through whatever life brings us. To be your strength when you need it, your comfort when you hurt, your laughter when you rejoice."

As Baroness Balinta wrapped the colorful cord around our joined hands, a sense of rightness settled over me. This was where I belonged. With Korrin, with these people who had become my family.

The baroness finished the ancient blessing, her hands warm over ours. "By the spirits of earth and sky, I pronounce you mated for life, partners in all things."

Korrin pulled me close, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that conveyed all the love, passion, and promise of our future together. The cheers of the crowd faded away, and for a moment, it was just us, bound together in body and soul.

The baroness's voice rang out across the meadow. "Let the celebration begin!"

As if by magic, the meadow transformed before my eyes. Lanterns flickered to life, hanging from tree branches and casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Long tables appeared at the edges of the clearing, laden with colorful dishes and gleaming goblets.

The scent of roasted meats and fresh bread wafted through the air, mingling with the sweetness of wildflowers. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn't eaten all day.

A group of musicians struck up a lively tune, the haunting melody of the gyrelorns weaving through the night air. The instruments curved necks glinted in the lantern light as skilled fingers plucked at their silver strings.

Korrin's hand found mine, his touch sending sparks through my body. "May I have this dance?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.

I nodded, suddenly breathless. He led me to the center of the clearing, where other couples had already begun to sway to the music.

As we moved together, Korrin leaned in close. "This reminds me of when we were in the cavern. Remember how the light danced off the walls?"

My heart skipped a beat at the memory. "It was beautiful. I felt like we were in another world."

"We were," Korrin replied, his breath warm against my ear. "A world where only you and I existed."

Heat rose to my cheeks. "You held me then, too. To keep me warm."

Korrin's arms tightened around me. "And now I get to hold you forever."

I melted into his embrace, overcome by the intensity of my feelings. How had I gotten so lucky?

The music swelled around us, and I lost myself in the moment, in the warmth of Korrin's body against mine, in the love I saw reflected in his eyes.

A throat cleared nearby, and we turned to see Roji standing there, a cup raised in his hand. "If I could have everyone's attention," he said. "I've known Korrin since he was small enough to hide underneath a villart, always getting into trouble. Never thought I'd see the day he'd settle down."

The crowd chuckled, and Korrin playfully rolled his eyes. I bit back a smile, imagining a young, mischievous version of my husband.

"But then Denna came along," Roji continued. "I've never seen two people more perfectly matched. She's as stubborn as he is, and twice as brave."

I felt my face grow hot at his words. Roji raised his cup higher. "To Korrin and Denna. May your lives be filled with adventure, and may you always find your way back to each other."

The guests cheered and drank. Korrin pulled Roji into a tight embrace, while I leaned in to kiss the older man's weathered cheek. "Thank you," I whispered, my throat tight with emotion.

As the celebration continued around us, I caught glimpses of our friends and family. Lita and Drax stood off to the side, lost in their own world as they gazed into each other's eyes. Mila's laughter rang out as Ashur attempted to learn a complicated Wandering Nations dance, his feet tangling beneath him.

The baroness watched it all with a contented smile.

As the sun set, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink, Korrin took my hand. "Come with me," he said softly.

We slipped away from the festivities, climbing a small hill that overlooked the celebration below. The sounds of music and laughter drifted up to us as we settled onto the grass.

"It's beautiful," I murmured, leaning against Korrin's solid warmth.

"Not as beautiful as you," he replied, then chuckled. "That was terribly cliché, wasn't it?"

I smiled, snuggling closer. "Maybe, but I liked it anyway."

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the sky change color. Then Korrin spoke again. "I wonder where Tharon is now. Do you think he found Niam?"

A pang of worry shot through me. "I hope so. I can't help but be nervous about what will happen when he does."

Korrin's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining with my own. I turned to face him, overcome by the love I saw in his eyes. "I love you, Korrin. Thank you for showing me what that really means."

He cupped my face gently. "I love you too, Denna. More than I ever thought possible."

I gazed into his eyes, seeing my future reflected there. The setting sun cast a warm glow over his features, highlighting the curve of his jaw and the slight upturn of his lips. I traced my fingers along his cheek, marveling at how far we'd come.

If someone had told me on that first day that the ‘outlaw' who captured me would become my soulmate, I'd have thought them mad.

The first stars twinkled in the darkening sky as the sounds of the celebration below drifted up to us—laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.

A cool breeze rustled through the grass, carrying with it the sweet scent of wildflowers. I shivered slightly, and Korrin immediately wrapped his arm tighter around me.

"Cold?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

I shook my head. "No, just... happy. Content."

Korrin planted a soft kiss on my forehead. "Me, too."

We fell into another comfortable silence, each lost in our own thoughts. I found myself reflecting on the incredible journey that had brought us to this moment—from the oppressive confines of the Temple to the wide-open spaces of the Wandering Nation, from strangers to lovers.

"What do you think the future holds for us?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Korrin took my hand, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my palm. "I don't know exactly, but I do know this—whatever comes our way, we'll face it together. Just like we always have."

I nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "Together," I echoed.

Korrin stood, pulling me to my feet. "Come on," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I think it's time we rejoined our guests. I hear Roji has prepared quite the surprise for us."

I laughed, allowing him to lead me back down the hill. "Should we be worried?"

"With Roji? Always," Korrin replied with a grin.

As we made our way back to the celebration, hand in hand, a profound sense of belonging filled my heart. The path ahead might be uncertain, but with Korrin by my side and our friends and family surrounding us, I knew we could handle whatever challenges lay ahead.

The sounds of laughter and music grew louder as we approached, and I squeezed Korrin's hand. He looked down at me, his eyes full of love and promise.

"Ready?" he asked.

I smiled, my heart overflowing with joy and anticipation for our shared future. "Ready."

Don't miss the conclusion of the Valti Fated Mates with Theron and Niam's story!

Niam

To destroy the temple, I'll make a deal with a beast... never dreaming that in his arms, I'll discover heaven.

I've been a prisoner in the temple my entire life, my body used to maintain the ancient systems that control my people. But now I'm finally free, and I'm determined to bring the temple crashing down - no matter the cost. Tharon, the calculating Valti warrior prince, insists on helping me.

As we race to find the key to the temple's destruction, the searing attraction between us ignites into an all-consuming inferno.

Tharon may be a brute, but when he touches me, I feel cherished for the first time. In his arms, I'm finding a reason to live... if we survive the battle ahead.

Tharon

I've found the one woman in the world who can tame my Valti soul. To make her my queen, I'll raze her enemies to ash.

I won't be prisoner to my Valti nature. I've gambled everything on keeping control.

But when a fiery human female crosses my path, I know I've met my match. Niam is a prisoner of the temple, her body used and abused, but her spirit is unbreakable.

I've never wanted anything as much as I crave to possess her, body and soul.

I tell myself I'm only helping her to serve my own ends. But I'm beginning to wonder... who is the true prisoner in our dangerous game?