Chapter 29

29

MARIAH - SIX MONTHS LATER

I stand at the front desk of the Moonflower Inn, a smile on my face as I survey the bustling lobby. The air hums with an electric new energy—the guests chatting animatedly on the plush armchairs, nursing steaming cups of moonflower tea; the line forming at the reception desk as new arrivals wait to check in; the stack of comment cards on the counter, each one filled with glowing praise.

A swell of pride rises through me, buoying me like a gentle breeze. We're booked solid for the next three months, a first for the Moonflower. Word has spread about Ecco's spellbinding performances and they've been selling out every week. People have been coming to stay just to see her, since guests get first dibs on tickets.

We've even had a new influx of human guests, fans of Thorak's ales who are making a pilgrimage to Elderberry Falls to visit the brewery in person.

Lost in my reverie, I almost don't notice the familiar figure approaching the front desk until he clears his throat quietly. I blink. Robert Kingsley stands there, a sheaf of papers clutched in his hands, his posture relaxed and eyes crinkled at the corners.

"Robert, what a lovely surprise!" I greet him warmly, my curiosity piqued at his unexpected appearance.

The Kingsley I knew seven months ago was stiffer than a petrified redwood, his suit always crisp and countenance severe. But the man before me now has a softer edge, from the easy slope of his shoulders to the gentle upward curve of his lips.

"I hope I'm not interrupting," he says, glancing around the lobby. "Looks like business is booming these days."

"We've been very fortunate," I reply, my smile broadening. "What brings you by today? Can I grab you one of the scones from the cafe?"

Robert chuckles, patting the papers in his hands. "Actually, I'm here on a more permanent mission. I've been house hunting."

My eyebrows lift in surprise. "House hunting? Here in Elderberry Falls?"

He nods, his expression turning thoughtful. "I never thought I'd say this, but...I've grown quite fond of this quirky little town. The people, the magic in the air, it's unlike anything I've ever experienced." He clears his throat, trying to affect a serious countenance again. "And since I've started distributing Thorak's brews, my business interests here have grown. It only makes sense for me to split my time between here and the human lands."

I smile. "Ah yes, it's just pragmatic," I say teasingly.

But to hear Robert Kingsley, former champion of the ordinary and skeptic of all things mystical, proclaim his love for a town bursting at the seams with enchantment—it shows far we've come.

How hearts can open and prejudices fade when people are given the chance to truly understand one another.

Just then, Thorak strides through the front door of the Moonflower, his presence instantly commanding the room. Our eyes meet across the lobby, and that familiar flutter rises in my chest, the one that never fails to leave me breathless.

He makes his way over to where Kingsley and I are standing, his hand finding the small of my back as he pulls me close. "Well, if it isn't my two favorite humans," he rumbles, his voice rich with affection.

Kingsley chuckles, shaking Thorak's hand with a firm grip. "Good to see you, Thorak. I was just telling Mariah about my house hunting adventures."

"Is that so?" Thorak arches a brow, his golden eyes sparkling with interest. "Find anything promising?"

As the two of them launch into an animated discussion about the quirks and charms of various magical homes, I marvel at the easy camaraderie between them. Gone are the days of tense standoffs and barely concealed hostility.

In their place, a genuine friendship has blossomed, one built on mutual respect and shared interests.

I lean into Thorak's sturdy frame, relishing how his arm tightens around me, as if he can't quite believe I'm real. His eyes flick down to meet mine, and in that brief, charged moment, I see the depth of his love, the unwavering devotion that takes my breath away.

Kingsley's voice breaks through our reverie, and we turn our attention back to the conversation at hand. He regales us with tales of enchanted gardens and mischievous household sprites. Seven months ago, I never could have imagined standing here, having this easy conversation with these two men.

But now, everything feels like it's just as it should be.

After a while, Kingsley takes his leave, promising to keep us updated on his house hunting progress. Thorak turns to me with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"I have a surprise for you," he murmurs, his voice low and playful.

My pulse quickens as he takes my hand, his skin warm and slightly rough against mine. "Oh? And what might that be?"

He grins, mouth spreading wide around his ivory tusks. "You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"

With that, he's leading me out of the inn, his strides purposeful and sure. I follow willingly, my curiosity growing.

But as we round the corner into the town square, my steps falter.

I know this place all too well—it's the very spot where Thorak and I had our devastating confrontation all those months ago. The pain and heartbreak of that day is still fresh in my mind.

Thorak must sense my hesitation, because he turns to face me.

"The town square holds painful memories for both of us," he says softly, taking both of my hands in his. "But it's also a reminder of how far we've come, of the incredible love we've fought for and won."

And then, to my utter shock, Thorak kneels before me in the middle of the town square.

My breath catches as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, velvet box.

"Mariah," he begins, his voice cracking with emotion. "From the moment I first saw you walking through the halls of our high school, I knew that you were someone special. I didn't always express that in the right way?—"

We both laugh at this, and I swipe at the tears that are starting to form in the corner of my eyes.

"But I've never stopped loving you," he continues. "Not for a single moment."

Thorak opens the box, revealing a stunning ring that sparkles in the sunlight. I realize with a jolt that it's the same family heirloom that Ygra had been parading around. But it's been altered, adjusted down in size to fit a small human hand, with a massive, sparkling diamond in the center.

I stifle a gasp.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Mariah," Thorak says, reaching out for my hand. "I want to build a home and a life with you. Will you be my mate? Will you marry me?"

For a moment, I'm speechless.

And then, through my tears, I manage to choke out a single word.

"Yes."

Thorak's face breaks into a blindingly wide grin, his ivory tusks glinting in the sunlight. He leaps to his feet, sweeping me into his arms and spinning me around as joyful laughter bubbles up from his broad chest.

Thorak pulls me in for a tender kiss, and cheers and applause go up around us. A small crowd must have gathered during his proposal—I hadn't noticed, too focused on him and him alone.

I break the kiss, gazing up at Thorak, his eyes shimmering with love and joy.

"I love you," he murmurs, his forehead pressing against mine. "More than anything in this world or any other."

"I love you too," I whisper back, my heart full to bursting. "Forever and always."

After the proposal, Thorak leads me back to his stone cottage. As he pushes open the heavy wooden door, Snuffles comes scampering up, his little hooves clicking against the polished concrete floor. He snorts happily, nuzzling against my leg before turning his adoring gaze to Thorak.

Atop the massive oak dining table in the center of the room, Thorak has laid out a feast—succulent roasted meats, vibrant steamed vegetables, and a loaf of freshly baked bread that fills the air with its tantalizing aroma.

"Thorak, this is incredible," I breathe, turning to face him. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

He shrugs, an earnest smile crossing his face. "I wanted to celebrate our engagement properly. Besides, it's been a while since I've had the chance to cook for someone special."

My stomach flutters at his words. It's still surreal to think that we've come this far, that in less than a year he's gone from being my loathed former bully to my betrothed lover.

Thorak pulls out a chair for me, and I settle in, Snuffles hopping up onto my lap. Thorak pours us each a mug of his signature ale, the rich amber liquid catching the light.

As we dig in, savoring each delicious bite, my mind drifts to our future together.

"You know," I begin, setting down my fork, "We'll need somewhere to live after the wedding."

Thorak raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what did you have in mind?"

"Well, I was thinking...the inn?" I suggest hesitantly. "I mean, it's where our whole story began. If it weren't for those pesky pixie dust mites and our fake engagement scheme, who knows if we'd even be here right now?"

To my relief, Thorak chuckles. "You have a point there, Mariah. But I'm not sure your cozy little apartment is quite suited for a hulking orc like myself."

I lean forward, giddy excitement building. "That's just it, though! We could renovate, expand the space to make it work for both of us. And with the funds from your distribution deal and the inn's success, we'll have plenty to work with."

Thorak reaches across the table, covering my hand with his own. His rough palm is warm against my skin. "Mrs. Ironfist, I do believe you're onto something," he rumbles, his deep voice sending shivers deep into my core.

I blush at my future name on his lips. It sounds right, like a promise of the life we're building together.

"Call me that again," I whisper.

Thorak gently picks Snuffles up off my lap and deposits him on the ground, and then pushes my chair back less gently. His strong hands encircle my waist and he yanks me toward him.

"Mrs. Ironfist," he murmurs, his lips brushing deliciously against my neck as he pulls me on top of him. His arousal grows below me and I moan. "I like the sound of that."

"Again," I say.

"Mrs. Ironfist."

My breath hitches as he trails kisses along my throat, each touch sending sparks of desire coursing through my veins.

"You're mine, now and always," he rumbles, his hands roaming over my curves with a possessive touch. "Mrs. Ironfist."

Thorak captures my lips in a toe-curling kiss, his tongue sweeping into my mouth, claiming me with a passion that leaves me dizzy.

Lost in a haze of need, we quickly shed our clothes, scattering them across the floor. The air on my bare skin only fuels the flames of my desire. I arch against Thorak, reveling in the contrast of his huge body against my own.

With a low growl, Thorak lifts me effortlessly, setting me on the edge of the dinner table. The wood is smooth and cool beneath my thighs, but all I can focus on is the heat of his body as he settles between my legs.

"I love you, Mrs. Ironfist," he rasps, his voice rough with emotion. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much."

I gasp as Thorak's massive, ridged length brushes against my slick folds, teasing me with the promise of what's to come. His eyes blaze with desire as he grips my hips, pulling me flush against him.

"I love you too, Mr. Ironfist," I whisper, my voice hitching as he slowly sinks into me. "Forever."

The feeling of him stretching me, filling me so completely, is almost too much to bear. My head falls back and my eyes flutter closed as I lose myself in the exquisite pleasure of our joining. Thorak groans, a deep, primal, monstrous sound that vibrates through his broad chest.

He begins to move, slow at first, letting me adjust to his impressive size. But soon, his thrusts pick up speed, each one sending waves of ecstasy crashing over me, building and building until I'm drowning in sensation.

With each powerful thrust, the ridges along Thorak's massive shaft caress my inner walls, igniting sparks of pure bliss that radiate through my entire being. I cling to his broad shoulders, my nails digging into his green skin as I meet his relentless pace, our bodies moving as one.

"Mariah," Thorak rasps against my throat, his voice strained with the intensity of his desire. "My mate, my love, my everything."

His words send a fresh wave of emotion crashing over me, and I shatter in his arms, my release crashing over me in wave after wave. He finds his release as well, and our bodies move together in perfect harmony.

The haze of my euphoria slowly wears off, and as I pull myself up against Thorak's warm chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, all I can think about is the overwhelming love I have for this incredible orc.

My orc.

My husband.

My heart.