Epilogue

Eight Years Later

Ihoist my younger son higher on my hip and lean him closer to the pine leaves. His little fingers, clumsy and green, work diligently to secure a wooden bird on the Christmas tree. The pine scent mingles with the coolness of the new snow.

"Dad!" Eirik dashes toward us, weaving between clan members like a fox, clutching another ornament. He flashes his tiny tusks in triumph, and I can't help but grunt affectionately at the sight. I pick up the ornament and give it to his brother.

Violet trails behind, her amber eyes sparkling beneath the wild curls of her bangs. I had no idea she could get more gorgeous, but she does. Every year. Her new haircut creates a halo around her head and it's so tempting to grab and tug.

She's donned orcish garb today—leathers and furs that somehow accentuate her curvy figure rather than conceal it.

Violet has become essential, not just to me but to the entire clan. She's become loved. Adored even. She's the level-headed one between Ursha and me, the one giving a new perspective. We've grown to be great with her.

She catches me staring and smiles.

"I can't wait for the afternoon snack," my mate says, her voice cheery over the chatter of children and their parents. Decorating Christmas trees has become a new tradition. One we never miss. "Morga and I have come up with the best dessert ever."

I smirk. "You said that last week, mate."

She approaches and plants a kiss on my cheek. "It was true then. It's a new best dessert ever."

Violet turns to our youngest, still held in my arms. "What about you, baby? Do you want some candy in your stockings?" She tickles him until he giggles.

Eirik runs toward us again, yet another ornament in his hands for his brother. I bend and pick him up with my other arm. He's nine now and growing up to be a good-hearted leader, always attentive to others' needs. Thistle would be proud.

Eirik gazes up at Violet with glinting eyes. "Mom, Jorn has a new brother!"

"He does, doesn't he?" Violet asks, smiling. Jorn is Eirik's closest friend, the son of a smith.

Eirik nods. "Can we get a new sister?"

Our glances lock, an unspoken conversation passing between us. Violet reads me easily. I don't even have to try.

"We could adopt another," I suggest, the idea already blossoming in my chest. As expected, Violet and I cannot bear children together, which is a good thing because I'm not sure her body can handle a baby orc. Instead, we adopted. "One of the allied clans lost people in a battle to the south. They've got children in need of families."

"Really?" Violet's eyes widen, the prospect shimmering within them. She opens a wistful smile. "You know what? I'd love a girl this time."

Eirik squeals and claps in happiness. I smile at my queen and bend to kiss her.

Violet's lips meet mine. She kisses our kids, then kisses me again. Eirik giggles when she squeezes him.

And I stand there, holding my world in my arms, silently thanking the forest for sending me this blessing. Sacred Woods indeed.

Thank you so much for reading Knotty or Nice!