Epilogue 1 Olivia

EPILOGUE 1: OLIVIA

I stand in front of a full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the woman staring back at me. My hair is braided with wildflowers, and I'm wearing a dress that seems to shimmer with its own inner light.

"You look stunning," Zoe says, appearing behind me. "Elowen went above and beyond with that dress. It's amazing! And Kalen's going to absolutely lose his mind."

I laugh, but it comes out shaky. "I can't believe this is really happening. Me, marrying a minotaur in a magical hidden village. If you'd told me this a month ago..."

"I know, right?" Zoe grins. "And ... um, like I don't know exactly what you're talking about? Try ‘a week ago!"

As we make our way to the town square, where the binding ceremony will take place, I just can't believe how much has changed. The monsters - my neighbors now - smile and wave as we pass. No more disguises, no more hiding.

And I still can't get over that Zoe is here as well. ‘Crazy' doesn't begin to describe it.

Kalen's waiting for me at the center of the square, looking impossibly handsome in a tunic that matches my dress. His eyes light up when he sees me, and suddenly all my nerves melt away. And it looks like he had his horns shined up special for the occasion too. Shined and waxed if I'm not mistaken.

Elowen officiates, her voice ringing out across the gathered crowd. "Under the eyes of the ancients, and the all-that-is, I now pronounce you Minotaur and wife! Kalen, you may kiss your bride. Watch the horns."

Kalen gives her a look.

"I'm kidding! Can't a witch tell a joke?"

But he is already scooping me up, and as our lips meet, I feel a warmth spread through my chest. I look down to see my claiming mark suddenly filling in with vibrant color. A rush of hot red swirls and dances to fill in the heart even as flecks of gold and yellow appear, highlighting the little bee in the sunlight.

Bee in my heart.

This is probably the one time I don't think I need the reminder though.

"Well, would you look at that," Elowen muses. "Guess it's official now, folks!"

The crowd erupts in cheers as Kalen sets me down.

All his monster buddies are here, as well as half the town it seems. I even spot the old gnome he helped out the other day. Zinnia, I think her name was. As she catches my eye she winks.

What a magical place this is. I feel surrounded with love.

He looks at me with those amber-hazel eyes that I've grown to love so much. "This is the happiest day of my life," he rumbles.

"Mine too," I whisper back. "Though I still can't believe I'm wearing a flower crown."

He laughs, pulling me close. "Get used to it, hon. You're stuck with me now."

The next day, we're lounging in our cozy home above the tavern. Zoe and Thokk are over for dinner, and the conversation flows as easily as the fancy elven wine Kalen has brought out just for the occasion.

"Tell me you didn't just about pass out when you first saw a little human standing there in your storeroom!" Thokk and Kalen are reliving their initial traumas.

"Oh gods, but I didn't know what to think! I at least had the benefit of knowing all that you had been through. That must have been terrifying!"

"Umm boys? We're right here. Helllooo," Zoe says in her most put upon, bored voice.

They both instantly reign in their laughter and look suitably contrite. "Sorry Zoe, just doing some male bonding ... that is ... it was – Thokk gives Kalen an uncomfortable glance.

"'Terrifying?' Yeah, we heard you." She looks at him with a stern face before breaking into a smile and giving Thokk a big kiss.

"Just playing with you Thokky.

We all erupt into laughter. The wine truly is flowing freely.

"Hey," Zoe says suddenly, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Speaking of truly terrifying individuals, do you think Douchebag Dan misses us yet?"

I snort into my drink. "God, I hope so. Can you imagine his face if he knew where we really were?"

"I keep fantasizing about us all paying him a visit." Zoe smiles ear to ear.

As we laugh, I feel a soft brush against my leg. I look down to see Othrix and Mary Poppins curled up together, purring contentedly.

"Aww," I coo, reaching down to scratch behind Mary Poppins' ears. "They make quite the pair, don't they?"

"The Slayer of Tiny Beasts does indeed seem content." Kalen lifts Thokk's cat up into his lap to give him a good scratching under the chin .

But as I pet the calico, a pang of worry hits me. "I really hope Mia is okay."

Zoe reaches over, squeezing my hand. "I'm sure she's fine. And I bet she's still back home. If she were here, we would have run into her already. Though I wish we could tell her that her kitty is okay..."

I nod, trying to push away the nagging feeling. "Yeah, you're right. I'm sure everything's fine."

As the evening wears on, filled with laughter and stories, it's hard to really believe I have only just arrived. I can't even imagine all that lies in store for us.

Kalen catches my eye from across the room, and I feel that now-familiar flutter in my chest. He winks, and I have to bite back a grin.

Yeah, I think to myself. I've got my big minotaur, and a whole town full of fantastical history to learn about, not to mention my friend Zoe, and her Orc mate. It couldn't be any more perfect, and I realize I really truly have never been happier.