Epilogue

EPILOGUE

O ne year later…

Rudi walked through the village streets, his heart full of contentment as he held Lina’s small hand in his. The winter air nipped at his skin, but the warmth of his family beside him kept the chill at bay. Soft golden light from the festival lanterns caught in Clarice’s auburn hair as she cradled their newborn son, his tiny sounds barely audible above the distant revelry.

His antlers glowed softly, responding to the depth of emotion he felt watching his mate with their child. The marks on his chest pulsed with a steady rhythm beneath his shirt, a constant reminder of their bond. He squeezed Lina’s hand gently as she skipped between them, her silver skin shimmering in the starlight.

The village had changed in the past year—or perhaps he had changed. Where once he saw only judgment and isolation, he now found acceptance. Villagers called out greetings as they passed, genuine warmth in their voices.

He glanced down at his son’s peaceful face, marveling at the tiny antler buds already visible on his golden skin. Unlike his own childhood, his son would grow up knowing he was cherished, surrounded by love and acceptance. The thought filled him with pride.

“Papa, can we have hot chocolate when we get home?” Lina asked, tugging at his hand.

“Of course, little one,” he replied softly, smiling at Clarice over Lina’s head.

After the hot chocolate, he guided Lina down the hallway to the room he’d built for her, her small hand warm in his. The wooden floorboards creaked beneath their feet as they entered her room, decorated with colorful drawings and small treasures she’d collected over the past year.

“Into bed, little starlight,” he murmured, lifting her onto the mattress. The fokuso bounded up beside her, curling into a fluffy ball against her side. He tucked the blankets around them both, his heart melting at her sleepy smile.

“Papa?” Lina’s voice was already heavy with dreams. “Will you tell me a story tomorrow?”

“Always.”

He smoothed back her silver hair and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered closed, and within moments her breathing deepened into sleep. He stood watching her for a moment, still amazed at how naturally she’d filled the empty spaces in his life. With a final glance at his daughter, he quietly closed her door and padded back to the living area.

The sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks. Clarice sat on the couch by the fire, their son cradled against her breast as she nursed him. The flames cast a gentle glow across their faces, highlighting the contentment in her expression. His antlers began to shimmer in response to the surge of emotion that washed through him.

“Did you enjoy the evening?” she asked, shifting their son to her shoulder, and patting his back with practiced gentleness. Her question caught him off guard, making him pause as he considered the festival they’d just left.

The memory of countless villagers approaching him throughout the evening, seeking his counsel about the crystal power sources, still felt surreal. Their respect and gratitude no longer carried the edge of fear or suspicion he’d grown accustomed to over the years.

“It was...nice,” he admitted, running his fingers through his hair. “Though I’m still not used to being the center of attention.”

His gaze swept across their home—Lina’s toys scattered in one corner, the baby’s cradle by fireplace, Clarice’s healing herbs drying near the hearth. Love and laughter filled every space that had once echoed with loneliness.

“I never expected my life to turn out like this,” he said softly, as he settled down next to her, his heart full as he watched the firelight dance across her face and their sleeping son. The gentle crackle of burning wood filled the comfortable silence between them.

So much had changed in the past year. Eldrik, the self-proclaimed Frost King, had departed the region after losing his hold over the village. Even Blitzer, who had tormented him throughout his life, had moved away, unable to face his diminished status once the community embraced his abilities.

The village thrived now, powered by crystals that he regularly charged. He’d even trained others to harness smaller amounts of energy, though none could match his connection to the crystals. His antlers glowed softly at the thought, casting warm light across their cozy living space.

Pride swelled in his chest at her words, but it wasn’t the villagers’ approval that meant the most to him. His gaze drifted from her to their son’s peaceful face, then toward Lina’s room where he could hear the fokuso’s gentle purring. Everything that truly mattered was right here within these walls. The love of his mate, the joy of his children—that was his world now.

“Come on, little man,” Clarice cooed, gathering their son against her shoulder. She rubbed his tiny back until a small burp escaped. He could only chuckle at the satisfied look on her face.

“Let’s put this one to bed and then we can snuggle on the sofa,” she said, handing the baby to him. Their fingers brushed during the exchange, sending sparks of electricity through him.

She disappeared into their bedroom to change while he carried their son, taking a moment to savor the softness of his skin, the way his golden eyes seemed to see into his soul. He carefully placed him in the cradle in the corner of the living area and watched him for a while. When the baby’s breathing evened out in sleep, he walked down the hall to make sure Lina was tucked in, the fokuso curled up on the pillow beside her.

When he returned to the living area, Clarice was waiting, her smile radiant in the soft light of the fire. She’d changed into her robe, the delicate material clinging to her curves and making his heart pound faster. Her auburn hair tumbled loose around her shoulders, and his hands itched to touch it.

She reached out her arms, beckoning him. “Come here, love.”

His breath caught at her beauty, and he crossed the room in two quick strides, drawing her into his embrace. She smelled faintly of the festival’s spiced cider and the sweet scent that was uniquely her. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, and he buried his face in the softness of her hair. Her hands slid up his back, holding him close.

“I love you so much,” he murmured against her hair.

She pulled back just enough to gaze up at him, her eyes shining with emotion.

“I love you too, Rudi.” Her hand cupped his cheek, her touch sending warmth coursing through him. “You’ve made me so happy.”

Her words wrapped around his heart, filling the last remaining cracks with pure light. He never dreamed he could find such joy, such unconditional love. But with Clarice, he’d discovered the true meaning of family, and it was more beautiful than he ever could have imagined.

The fire crackled softly in the background as they held each other in the cozy living room. Outside, snow fell gently on the village, blanketing the world in pristine white. But in this moment, nothing existed beyond their embrace. The female in his arms, the children sleeping soundly down the hall, and the love they shared—this was his entire world. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.