Epilogue

"I can talk to sharks,"I declare, my voice filled with a blend of pride and awe. Carefully, I hand my pearl necklace—a precious gift from Egon—to my best friend, Amara, asking her to fasten it around my neck.

It's incredible to think I would find her here, of all places. Not in Mirinthia or the mystical Spectral Sea, but right here in the nine realms of the Otherworld. Amara resides in Ravenwood, known to many as Vampire City, though her origins are from Shadowhaven, the capital. It took over a week after my arrival to discover she had also made her way to this enchanted realm, having left Starlight Grove, the very place I once called home. The coincidence of our paths crossing in such an unexpected world adds another layer of magic to my surreal journey.

"I can do this," Amara boasts, conjuring a blue fireball in her hand. She juggles it from palm to palm, whipping it behind her back and then extinguishing it in her clenched fist.

"Is that all?" I tease, smirking playfully as I twirl a strand of my hair, prepping for my upcoming bonding ceremony with Egon. I pause to admire the aquamarine comb, a thoughtful gift from my sister-in-law, Azura. With a sigh of gratitude, I reflect on how warmly Egon's family has embraced me. "Did I mention I can breathe and talk underwater now? Can you believe how incredible that is?"

Amara nods, her smile wide, as she magically manipulates the comb to style my hair with expert precision. She teases my locks so adeptly that I soon look as though I'm a Southern Baptist pastor's wife, elegantly primed for her daughter's wedding.

I laugh uncontrollably, attempting to tame the enormous beehive on my head. "Do you think you can calm this down a bit?"

"No worries." Amara giggles, her fingers dancing through the air as she magically styles my hair into a stunning cascade of beach waves. "How about that? Perfect for an island-style wedding, don't you think?"

"Absolutely perfect," I agree, smiling as I fluff the waves to add volume. I glance at my reflection, pleased with the transformation. "Remember, it's a bonding ceremony, not a wedding." As I admire how the style frames my face, anticipation flutters. I wonder how Egon will react when he sees it. He notices everything.

"I guess I'm not so useless after all," Amara quips with a smile as she expertly fastens my pearls and gently pats my shoulders, resting her chin on my head. "You look stunning, bestie. I'm so happy for you and Egon, and thrilled you're finally here. You sure took your sweet time."

Her words stir a wave of emotion in me, bringing tears to my eyes. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that she could attend today. My parents will soon follow, leaving their home in Starlight Grove to settle in Elder Glen, a haven for nymphs and elves. Their lifelong plan was to raise me among humans and return once I found my mate. According to my mother, long ago, it was prophesied that I would one day become Queen of Mirinthia. Although I wish they could have been here in time for the ceremony, I'm relieved they'll arrive soon.

"Don't sell yourself short," I reply, brushing off her humility. "I've heard of your remarkable talents. People around here say your powers even rival your mother's," I add with a hint of pride. "And here I am, mastering trivial skills like swimming with orcas and deciphering whale songs. How will I ever compete?" I tease her, smoothing out my silver-white dress and checking for imperfections.

It isn't easy dressing in a dimly lit grotto, but this sacred spot by the sea was where Egon and I chose to unite our lives. Luckily, he was on board with the idea. Our guests will watch from the shore as we exchange vows under the moonlit sky.

"I can turn into a bat!" Amara exclaims suddenly, lifting the hem of my dress to help me navigate the steps leading down to the beach.

"No, you can't." I laugh, nearly losing my balance in amusement.

"Fine, I can't. But Attila can, and sister, it's quite the spectacle," she confesses, handing me over to Egon, who waits patiently at the bottom of the steps. "Good luck, you two. I'd better find Attila before he picks a fight with one of the mermen—he's convinced they were giving him the stink eye." With a playful wink, she dashes off through the thick sand, hurrying to manage her mischievous husband.

"You look stunning, baby girl," Egon murmurs as he gently wraps a tentacle around my waist, lifting me effortlessly until I am pressed against him. His finger traces my jawline tenderly, tilting my chin up. His deep blue eyes lock with mine in a gaze so intense it sends warmth flooding through me. "You've changed my life for the better. Thank you for jumping off that ship."

I laugh, my breath tickling his beard, and I savor his familiar scent as I try to compose myself. "I didn't jump. I fell fourteen stories into the ocean. It's a miracle I survived."

"Perhaps fate gave you a nudge," Egon suggests softly, his voice a deep rumble that resonates warmly in my ear, sending tingles down my spine. "Whatever it was, I'm eternally thankful." He pauses, a playful glint in his eyes. "And by the way, your hair looks beautiful. I'm looking forward to messing it up later, baby girl."

"Just wait until after the ceremony, Papa. We wouldn't want to give everyone a show," I tease, tapping my finger playfully against his nose while gently kicking my feet, signaling him to let me down.

"You don't have to worry about that. Papa does his best work in private," Egon replies with a mischievous wink. He gently sets me down and takes my hand, leading me onto the beach with a confident stride. His words, spoken in a low, affectionate tone, promise an exciting evening.

Hand in hand, we step onto the soft, moonlit sand, each grain glistening under the moon's silvery glow. Together, we begin our journey toward a future brimming with promise, each step marking the path to our happily ever after.

As we approach our assembled guests, Egon pauses and clears his throat, his voice resonant with emotion. "Like the pull of the moon on the sea, I will forever gravitate toward you. Nerissa, you are my mate, my love, and my life. I pledge to remain by your side for all eternity."

Fighting back tears that threaten to fall, I reach up for a boost and wrap my arms around his neck, holding him close. With my heart full of gratitude, I thank my lucky stars that fate brought us together.