Chapter Thirty-Three

Alfie

My heart pounds as we near the last song of our final show. The deafening roar of applause after “Acktar’s Revenge” fades to a hush of anticipation. Gripping the polished neck of my wooden khu’rinn, I step toward the mic, nerves vibrating through me.

What I’m about to do will put my deepest feelings on global display. It could be a disastrous end to my image as well as my self-respect. But when I glimpse Stephanie side-stage, ponytail swaying as she consults her clipboard, love and longing rise to eclipse fear. I have to try.

Clearing my throat, I lean into the microphone. “For this final song, I’ll be performing solo, a new piece I only finished last night.” Surprised murmurs ripple through the crowd. When I turn to glance at my bandmates, they’re exchanging stunned looks behind me.

I meet Stephanie’s startled gaze across the distance as a hush falls. “This one’s for you, Stephanie. It’s called ‘Song of the Wandering Minotaur’.”

Taking a bracing breath, I caress the strings, unleashing the haunting intro. As the melody swells, I close my eyes, laying bare my heart through the lyrics. I sing of my past errors, and my penitent quest for her forgiveness and trust.

“For every note, an apology sincere, a vow to erase your doubt and fear.”

With each verse, regret and hope pour from my soul.

I sing the chorus, “Once a wanderer lost, now a minotaur found, in the song of love, a change profound.”

But as courageous as it is to sing this song to thousands, I don’t have the balls to look at Stephanie. Keeping my gaze on the audience, I sing my favorite line, “Through the labyrinth, love conquers fate,” then keep my eyes closed until I finish the song.

Finally, trailing the last resonant note, I open my eyes. Thunderous applause erupts, but I turn, my focus narrowing to Stephanie as she stands frozen in the wings. Even at this distance, I can see the tears shining on her cheeks. Unexpected joy leaps within me—could my words have touched her heart?

Laying aside my instrument, I stride offstage, heedless of the screaming crowd. Heart hammering, I sweep Stephanie into a secluded corner backstage and cradle her lovely face between my hands.

“Oh, Steph.” My voice cracks with emotion. “I’m so sorry for everything. For the pain I caused, for taking your brilliant light for granted.” I smooth away an errant tear with my thumb. “You awakened feelings in me I never imagined possible. I might not deserve your forgiveness, but I had to try…”

I trail off at her radiant expression. Rising on tiptoe, she brushes her fingers along my jaw. “That was the most romantic, wonderful surprise.” Her emerald gaze bores into mine. “I forgive you, Alfie.”

Joy bursts inside me, dizzying in its intensity. Unable to resist a moment longer, I capture her parted lips with mine. Sweet relief washes over me at this long-missed connection. I kiss her tenderly, pouring all my love and repentance into the caress. Stephanie responds ardently, fingers tangling in my ruff as our breaths mingle.

Lost in bliss, I barely register the thunder of approaching footsteps until Kam shouts, “There you are! Encore calls… whoa!” He breaks off awkwardly.

We spring apart, flushed and flustered. Behind Kam, the other band members gape at us.

“So, does this mean you’re back together?” Bechtel asks with a knowing grin.

Stephanie glances at me shyly through her lashes. Heart swelling, I wrap an arm around her shoulders and plant a fierce kiss to her temple. “Yes, we’re together again. If she agrees, it’s now and always.”

I reach into my pocket and pull out the engagement ring I’ve been carrying with me since the night she walked out. It represented the thin thread of hope that kept my heart and soul from splitting into shards. I move in front of her, taking her hands in mine, and bend to one knee.

“Steph, I was going to ask you to be mine, forever, on that horrible night before we left. I wanted Theo and Zoey to be there to share my joy.”

“Yes! Yes!” She steps close, spears me with her most heartfelt gaze, and pitches her voice for only me to hear. “Oh my God, I’m so happy.”

She steps closer and our emotional hug sparks a chorus of cheers and back-slapping congratulations from the band. Through it all, Stephanie molds herself to me, eyes bright with joy and promise.

The moment stretches, blissful and profound. Then Kam claps his meaty hands. “Right! We need our khu’rinn player back onstage! The crowd is stomping. Sounds like they won’t leave without an encore.”

With a laugh, I squeeze Stephanie’s hand, then return with the band to the stage to bask in the deafening roar that greets us. Stephanie stays in the wings—my muse, my flame, my forever love.

As we play “Beldahm Nocturne”, the music has never sounded more alive, more vivid and true. My soul soars upon the notes—an anthem of hard-won redemption, and of extraordinary love found and reclaimed.