19. Epilogue

Epilogue

M ara

The bright gallery lights make the gleaming hardwood floors shine as I take one final glance around at the artwork displayed on fresh white walls. I smooth my hands over my elegant black dress, feeling nervous and excited for the big night. It’s the grand re-opening of my beloved gallery, now renamed The Hell or High Water Gallery, and the place is packed.

My gaze finds Krull standing tall and handsome near the entrance, looking incredible in a sharp suit that does nothing to hide his muscular physique. He catches me staring and winks, making my heart flutter. I hurry over to wrap my arms around his sturdy waist, breathing in his comforting scent.

“This is amazing, love. You’ve worked so hard to rebuild.” Krull’s eyes shine with pride as he surveys the vibrant space.

I was so lucky that the building didn’t suffer any structural damage. When the insurance money finally came through, many willing hands from the Zone put in a new floor, repaired the walls, painted, installed new lighting, and hung the pictures. It now has that cool, retro vibe with clean, white walls and lots of light.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” My voice is filled with so much more than mere appreciation. “You really delivered.” And it’s true. Without Krull’s unwavering emotional support these last six months, I might have crumbled under the pressure. But with my soulbound mate at my side, we weathered the aftermath of the flood, and my gallery is even better than it was before. His accounting skills helped me get into the black in record time.

My parents join us, beaming and greeting Krull affectionately. They’d been terrified when they couldn’t reach me after the tsunami, but once travel restrictions were lifted, they rushed out to visit me and meet my new orc love. To my delight, they took to Krull right away, won over by his protectiveness and good humor. Now they chat with him like old friends.

“We’re so proud of you, sweetheart,” my mom gushes, squeezing my hand. “Just look at what you’ve rebuilt!” My dad claps Krull on the back, praising him for taking good care of his little girl. I lean into my soulbound, heart swelling with love for this little family we’ve created.

My attention shifts to the wolven hovering discreetly near the desk. “And it looks like Bold is settling into his new gig,” I add with a smile. Thanks to the news helicopter footage of my harrowing rooftop rescue, Bold became something of a local celebrity. He’s in high demand as a bodyguard now. We joke with him, teasing that with all those high- profile, high-dollar gigs he’s been getting, he’ll get a swelled head. He’s too nice for that, though. He even offered to provide security for the grand re-opening, and I jumped at the chance to have my friend nearby.

Chief Brokka and the firefighter crew pile through the front doors, raucous and cheerful. They sweep me into hearty hugs, teasing Krull about his suit, then they mention how happy they are that he’s found his soulbound.

Though they tower over me, I feel only affection radiating from these gentle giants who helped save my life. Over home-cooked meals at their firehouse, they welcomed me like a sister into their tight-knit group during the long rebuilding process.

As I chat with familiar faces, a swell of gratitude pours over me for my new extended family who came from the Zone to celebrate with us. Krull’s circle of friends embraced me without question, offering support through difficult times. Like brash Kam with his terrible jokes and his sweet mate Emma; or soft-hearted giant Thrall and his human mate, Amelia. Their friendship has been invaluable. These people helped buoy my spirits when things felt darkest.

Wandering the gallery, I smile to see my artist friends animatedly discussing their works with patrons. Santiago throws me an excited grin when a buyer expresses interest in his enormous centerpiece canvas. My heart lifts to see dreams coming to fruition all around the room. Mid-circuit, Krull pulls me into a shadowy corner, his smoldering gaze making my breath catch as he captures my mouth in a lush, melting kiss.

“I’m so proud of you, love,” he murmurs against my lips. “You make magic happen.”

Happiness bubbles up in me as Krull nuzzles my hair, his rumbling purr comforting and familiar. My optimistic dreams lay shattered just months ago. Now here I stand, having never been so happy, and the future looks even brighter.

The joyful re-opening celebrates my revived vision: showcasing talented artists, forging connections through creativity. As I gaze at the vibrant paintings, I resolve to pick up my own neglected brush soon. My tiny upstairs studio calls to me, eager to birth new life onto blank canvas. Creating art always centered my spirit; it grounds me still.

As patrons mingle amidst bright paintings, laughter echoing off the walls, Krull’s arm circles my waist, anchoring me close as we share this moment. Whatever storms loom on the horizon, Krull and I will weather them, buoyed by fierce, unshakable love.