36. Grateful for all the Trouble

Hand-in-hand, Lukas and I walk along the beach in Kervis Elevra. The air and water are deliciously warm on the trade island, so we've removed our boots, enjoying the feel of the surf and sand between our toes. Flink trails with us, making happy churring noises every once in a while. The dragon is delighted to be back in a tropical climate. It's not Elrija, but that can come later. We have our entire lives ahead of us.

"I'd like to visit Wilder once his bookshop is set up." I pause to pick up an interesting shell, dusting the sand off it and then handing it to Lukas for our collection.

"We can visit as often as you'd like," he says.

Earlier, Wilder showed us the building that will become his bookshop. Patches is going to stay with him and help him run it. I smile every time I think of the massive mercenary assisting bookish patrons.

Dax, having no desire to help with the shoppe, will return home with us. Davyn plans to find him a position in the family scouting business.

The scholars are returning home as well, with stories to tell that will make their companions green with envy.

All in all, I think it was a successful expedition.

"What are you going to do with the mage's tome?" I ask Lukas, closing my eyes as a warm breeze caresses my cheeks.

"For now? I suppose we'll give it to my uncle and ask him to lock it away. Eventually, we'll have it translated. At that time, we'll decide if it should be destroyed—but that's a problem for the future."

"It caused a lot of trouble, didn't it?"

"It did, but I'm grateful for it." Lukas squeezes my hand. "Because it brought us together."

I sigh, acknowledging that I am, too.

"Have you decided where you want to go when we return to Kalae?" Lukas asks. "Grenalda? Elrija? Dres Le Forain?"

"I want to go to Eromoore."

"To visit your parents?"

"To go to the mage's college."

Lukas turns toward me, raising his brows. "You can't practice destruction in Eromoore, nor is their college known for their elemental studies."

"No, but they do have a fine alchemy master."

Lukas smiles as he laces our fingers together. "You want to study alchemy?"

"I want to become a healer—a real one, not a novice who makes educated guesses. I have a decent understanding of the elements, and it's served me well. But that's not what I want to do with my life—I don't want to be a beast slayer anymore."

"Even though you've reached legendary status?"

I scoff, still uncomfortable taking even partial credit for Brinhelga. The whole thing still feels surreal. "Even despite that."

"And this is what you want, Sunshine? Not what you want because it's what your father wants?"

"It's what I want."

"Then I will support you." Lukas leans in, dropping a sweet kiss on my lips. And then he grins. "Your parents are going to love me."

I raise an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because I'm bringing their wayward child home."

Laughing, I shove him away. "If Father should thank anyone, it's Sebastian. It's his fault I was on the expedition that gave me so many opportunities to test my magic."

"Ah, that's true. I should thank my uncle, too." He wraps his arm around my waist, tucking me close.

"Why?"

"Because you got to see me at my most dashing, and just look how quickly you fell for me."

"Honestly. You're?—"

"Yours." He kisses my lips, sweetly lingering. "That's what you were going to say, right?"

"No." I smile. "But I like that better."

Grinning, Lukas takes my hand again, and we continue down the beach, making plans for our future and walking toward our sunset horizon.