Epilogue

RUE

The night sky was a glittering expanse, each star twinkling like a jewel against the velvet black, brighter than I had ever seen them before. A full moon hung low, casting its silvery light across the snow-covered world below, where everything sparkled as if dusted with diamond frost. The air was crisp and sharp, the kind of cold that invigorates the soul, but as I flew through the sky, leading Santa's sleigh, I felt nothing but warmth and joy.

This Christmas Eve was a miracle.

In my reindeer form, I soared through the heavens, my light brighter than ever, cutting through the night like a beacon of hope. The magic of Christmas pulsed through me, filling every fiber of my being with exultation and an overwhelming sense of purpose. This was what I was meant to do, what I had been created for, but tonight was different. Tonight, the light inside me was fueled by something deeper—by the love I felt for Noel, for my family, for the awe and wonder of this very moment.

The sleigh behind me was heavy with gifts—brightly wrapped boxes of every shape and size, festooned with shimmering ribbons and sparkling bows. The colors of the holiday glowed in the moonlight, reds and greens, golds and silvers, a kaleidoscope of festive joy. Each package held within it something made extra special by the enchantment of Christmas, waiting to bring smiles and amazement to children all over the world.

As we flew over the snowy rooftops of villages and towns below, the reindeer team—Cupid, Dasher, Prancer, and all the others—moved in perfect harmony behind me. Our hooves danced through the air as we soared higher, our antlers sparkling with frost as we flew with purpose, driven by the elation that filled our hearts.

Behind me, I could hear my father's deep, jubilant laughter echoing through the night.

"Ho, ho, ho!" he called, his voice booming as he reached into the sleigh to retrieve yet another gift. "Onward, my friends! Christmas awaits!"

I smiled at the sound, my heart so full it felt like it might burst. This night—the night we had worked so hard to save—was perfect. Everything was bathed in the glow of love, and the air hummed with magic. My joy, my mission, filled me with more strength than I had ever known.

As we continued on our journey, I caught a glimpse of Noel's cabin nestled among the tall pines, a warm light flickering in the window. My heart leaped at the sight of it—at the thought of him waiting for me, watching from below. Even from up here, I could feel the connection between us, stronger than ever. I dipped slightly in my flight, shining my light even brighter for him, sending a message that only he could understand.

Noel stood in the window, his tall figure silhouetted against the soft glow of the firelight. He looked up at me, his eyes following the sleigh as it soared above the treetops. A soft smile curved his lips, and I saw him raise a hand in a gentle wave. My heart swelled even more, and I wanted nothing more than to be with him—to wrap myself in his warmth and tell him how much I loved him. But there was still work to be done.

Behind me, Father let out another gleeful laugh as the sleigh dipped lower, hovering just above the rooftops. The snow-covered houses looked like something from popular Christmas postcards, their brick chimneys sending lazy plumes of smoke curling into the cold air, the windows dark and quiet, the children inside fast asleep in their beds. I could imagine them, dreaming of the magic that would greet them in the morning—stockings filled, presents waiting under the tree, and delicious food to share with family and friends.

We landed gently on the roof of a small house, the sound of our hooves clattering softly over the snow-covered tiles. Father stepped out of the sleigh with a bundle of gifts in his arms, his boots sinking into the soft powder as he made his way toward the chimney. I watched as he disappeared inside. We waited patiently until he returned a few moments later, a grin on his rosy-cheeked face and a half-eaten cookie in his hand.

The sight made me giggle, filling me with happiness, the kind that only comes from knowing you've been a part of something beautiful. We continued on through the night, delivering gifts to children across the world, the sleigh growing lighter with each stop, but my heart growing fuller with each moment.

The stars twinkled above us, and the full moon bathed the earth below in its soft glow. The snow-covered landscape stretched out in all directions, peaceful and still, like a winter wonderland. The world felt alive with magic, hope, and love.

As we flew over the last village, the first hints of dawn began to creep into the sky, soft streaks of pink and gold painting the horizon. We had done it—we had saved Christmas. And as we turned toward the North Pole, heading home after a night of miracles, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. This was the most magical Christmas of my life, not just because of what we had accomplished, but because of the love that had grown in my heart.

When we landed at the North Pole, the elves rushed out to greet us, the bells on the tips of their curly-toed shoes jingling and their cheers filling the air as they celebrated the success of another Christmas Eve. Father climbed down from the sleigh, beaming as he patted each of the reindeer on the head.

"Well done!" He continued, his eyes twinkling with pride. "Indeed, well done!"

I shifted back into my human form, my legs a little shaky after the long night of flying, but my heart light. I hugged Father and thanked him, but I didn't linger. There was only one place I wanted to be now—back with Noel.

I made my way through the quiet forest, the snow crunching softly beneath my boots. The first rays of dawn filtered through the trees, casting a soft golden light over the snow-covered ground. The air was cool and crisp, but my heart was warm, filled with anticipation. I could feel the pull of my fated mate, the connection between us growing stronger with every step I took.

By the time I reached his cabin, Christmas morning was breaking over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink, gold, and lavender. The cottage looked even more magical in the early morning light, nestled among the pines like a cozy haven. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, and the soft glow of the fire as it crackled in the hearth flickered in the window.

I paused for a moment at the window, taking in the sight before me. Something felt different—something more...magical. The scent of fresh pine drifted through the air, rich and comforting, and as I stepped closer to the glass, I caught a glimpse of something that made my heart leap.

Inside, standing proudly in the center of the room, was the most magnificent Christmas tree I had ever seen. It was enormous, its branches heavy with shimmering tinsel and glittering ornaments. Tiny lights twinkled like stars, casting a soft glow over the room. At the very top of the tree was a radiant star, glowing as brightly as the North Star itself.

The sight took my breath away. Noel had done all of this—he had created something so beautiful, so perfect, and I knew it was a symbol of the joy that filled his heart.

I climbed the short steps of the porch and raised my hand to knock on the door, but before I could, it swung open. Noel stood there, his eyes filled tenderness as he smiled at me. He looked tired, but there was a glow about him—a quiet happiness that matched the magic of the morning.

"Welcome home," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion.

I smiled, stepping into the warmth of the cabin, my heart racing. "Noel, it's...beautiful."

Before I could say more, he took both of my hands in his, his gaze never leaving mine. My breath caught in my throat as he slowly lowered himself to one knee. The world seemed to still around us, and for a moment, all I could hear was the soft crackle of the fire and the steady beat of my own heart.

Noel reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gold box, tied with a delicate silver bow. He looked up at me, his dark eyes shimmering with emotion.

"Rue," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "you've changed my life in ways I never thought possible. You opened my heart, brought love and light into my world again. Before you, I didn't believe in miracles. I no longer believed in hope. But you...you made me believe again."

He opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring, the solitaire stone sparkling like the North Star. The light from the fire caught the facets of the diamond, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the room. My heart swelled, and tears filled my eyes as I stared down at the ring, my breath catching in my chest.

Noel's voice was thick with emotion as he continued. "If you find it in your heart to be the bride of an Orc," he said softly, "I promise to protect you, to love you, and to safeguard Christmas for the rest of our days. Will you marry me, Rue?"

Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I nodded, unable to speak for a moment. Finally, I found my voice, though it trembled with joy. "Yes," I whispered, my heart bursting. "Yes, Noel. A thousand times…Yes!"

I threw my arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace as the tears continued to fall. He held me close, his arms wrapped securely around me, and I felt the warmth of his love surround me, as real and as powerful as anything I'd ever known.

"We'll protect Christmas together," I whispered through my tears. "We'll spread the love in our hearts to every corner of the world."

Noel pulled back slightly, his eyes locked on mine as he cupped my face in his hands. "Together, forever," he whispered, his voice full of love. And when he kissed me, it was magic.