Epilogue

MIRANDA

" M iranda, if we don't get ready, we really are going to be late."

Winter had fallen in the Rove Woods. The snow was thick on the windowsill of their new home. The fire crackled warmly in the hearth.

Miranda's heart was full in a way she never thought possible. Especially after a season of being in this new world. Three months and everything had changed.

And it would keep changing. Drastically.

"Are the boys up yet?" She sat up to stretch. Govek sat heavily on the edge of the bed and stroked her hair back. His eyes were soft in a way that made her heart flutter. "What time is it?"

"You and your morning math." He braced his weight at the edge of the mattress so he could nuzzle her hair, nip at her ear. A kiss fluttered across her forehead before he captured her lips. She was in heaven right here in their warm cabin, surrounded by snow and the subtle smell of wood smoke and hard, burned bread.

"They are waiting for us, Miranda," he said into her ear, making her shiver. His voice still spiked heat in her. "The boys are already at the hall."

Her eyes bulged. "What? You let them go on ahead without us?"

"You were sleeping like the dead, Miranda."

"What if they get lost? And what about the sink holes?" She pulled herself to the edge of the bed so she could get dressed. The wood floor felt like ice under her feet as she gathered up her clothes from the trunk at the foot of the bed.

"Sink holes have only opened up on the outskirts of the clan, Miranda. And they know their way to the hall. They've been living with us for two moons." His tone was laced with both humor and exasperation.

"We adopted them so they're our responsibility. It's so cold and slippery outside. They could get hurt."

"They've gone through much worse, Miranda," he reminded her. "They can handle a single walk on a snowy day."

"But they shouldn't have to anymore!" She yanked her thick wool dress over her head and quickly put on a pair of trousers he'd made for her. "They have us now. We have an obligation to?—"

He yanked her back into his embrace and held her between his legs while he sat on the bed. His arms caged her, and he splayed his hand around the back of her head so she was forced to meet his eyes.

"Our sons are fine , Miranda. Young orcs need independence."

"Yenvir is only two , Govek. "

"And Orin is seven, more than capable of protecting both of his younger brothers."

The reminder that Govek had also been seven when he'd been banished from the clan hung between them.

She forced her rapid heartbeat to quiet. The transition into adoptive parenthood hadn't been as smooth as she'd expected it to be, and surprisingly, Govek seemed more capable than she did most of the time.

Watching Govek care for and cherish their new sons only made her adore him more. Her chest warmed and her panic ebbed. "I love you."

His face softened, and he pulled her down for a deep kiss, one that turned far too passionate, far too quickly, and left her squirmy and raw.

She pulled back slightly. "We've got the house all to ourselves, don't we?"

He nodded.

She laughed. "That was your plan, wasn't it?"

"Maybe. But you slept late . We don't have time."

She trailed her hand down his firm chest and his breath halted, eyes falling to half-mast. "Are you sure ?"

He hummed as if considering.

And then her stomach grumbled, and the decision was made without her consent.

She yipped with laughter as he hauled her to her feet, carrying her toward the kitchen with a beaming smile and a loud proclamation. "My mate must be starving to death to have her stomach growling so loud."

He plunked her down at the new table he'd made. Their new house had been a nightmare when they'd first moved in with the boys, but was now much better after their many months of combined work. They now had a couch that was big enough to fit all five of them at once. A kitchen arranged so she could cook with ease and countertops at the right height for Govek. Bigger windows that displayed the gorgeous white woods surrounding them.

And curtains for privacy since they were much closer to the clan now and visitors were far more frequent. Roenia's and Aralie's boys were always dropping by to play, to say nothing of their parents. She half expected Iytier and Savili to come up the path for a visit right now.

"Your stomach is so desperate I bet it would accept the bread I made."

"Not on your life," she said as he went to get her something to eat. "But don't you dare throw it out. I'm taking it to Trinia later so we can laugh at it. Maybe we'll try to trick Brovdir into eating it again."

"Vicious woman." He scooped scrambled eggs out of the pan on the stove and onto a plate. He'd clearly cooked for the boys already. "You'll be making that slight up to me later."

"Mm." She squirmed, making him cast her a heated look. "I can't wait. You sure not now?"

"Damn, woman," he cursed, making her smile. He'd taken to using some of her Earth words lately, and she adored it. "You're going to ruin me."

"I've already spoiled you," she said as he brought over the food. She ate without complaint. "Might as well go all the way."

"I can think of no better way to die," he said as she quickly finished. He fetched her cloak. "We need to go. Otherwise, they'll all show up and move into the wrong houses."

"I'm sure Sythcol would straighten them out if they tried." But she got up and let him pull the cloak over her. The same one he'd put over her shoulders so many times before. The same one he'd given her when she'd first arrived in Faeda.

Then he took her hand and guided her out the door, into the bright daylight. It was a lot later than she had thought. Probably close to noon.

The pathway was littered with the tiny footprints of their sons. They'd clearly been out playing in the snow for a while. Probably with Estoc's kids, judging by the number and size of the prints. Their friendships had blossomed greatly in the season since all the upheaval.

And she was happy to know no one in her little family had suffered a near death experience since. Not even once.

Though that didn't mean there hadn't been a fair amount of drama. Especially where their new chiefs were concerned.

Once they'd made it to the main road, she could see just how frantic and bustling everyone was. They all rushed around, yelling and getting ready.

It had been like this for half a moon now, and she couldn't help but find it a little funny. To think that the Rove Wood orcs, who had been so standoffish and judgmental of their warrior counterparts, would now be doing everything in their power to ensure their welcome was warm and the new homes were ready.

As they walked, she gripped Govek's arm, growing a little anxious from the excitement around them. "What do you think it will be like with so many new faces?"

"I suppose you'd have a better answer to that than I." He patted her hand. "Since you had to learn everyone's faces just last season. "

"Yeah," she griped quietly. "I still don't know everyone's names. I really am going to start calling them dear."

"Don't you dare," he growled low into her ear making her shiver. "I'm the only dear you get to have."

She grinned at him.

"Govek! Hold for me?"

Govek slowed his walk and muttered under his breath. "Ah fuck. Sythcol again."

Miranda shot Govek a wry look. "He is doing your job."

"Don't start." Govek was genuinely irritated, and Miranda let it drop as Sythcol joined them. He started quizzing Govek about where they could get more firewood since they'd apparently run out.

The males of Rove Wood Clan often sought Govek for council and neither Brovdir nor Sythcol would make decisions without running them by him first. No judgments were held without Govek's presence. No inventories of supplies were concluded without Govek's approval. And not a single one of the trades had taken place without Govek at least stopping by for a brief moment to chat with the headman and keep up friendly relations.

And Sythcol was the main reason for that. The male ruthlessly dragged Govek into every nook and cranny of this clan. Miranda was glad he put his talents to good use because he really could be a criminal mastermind.

"Just take a bundle of logs from every house already set." Govek almost snapped, obviously exasperated. "This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't given them five instead of three to begin with."

"But are three bundles enough?" Sythcol asked, tapping his charcoal pencil against the linen scroll he always had on hand. "With winter so harsh this year?—"

"For fuck's sake, do you think five will be much different from three? It's just to get them started." Govek pinched the bridge of his nose. "They're warriors , Sythcol. They'll cut their own wood long before they freeze to death."

"Right. Thank you, Govek. Your input is greatly useful and appreciated."

Govek growled at the male's genuine compliment and Sythcol was smart enough to not press his luck further. He shot Miranda a quick smile and went back to work.

Miranda grinned up at Govek.

"Go ahead and smile, Miranda," he said, though the mirth in his tone betrayed him. "I'm never going to take that title."

"You wanna bet on it, tough guy?"

He snorted, knowing better than to make bets with her. He'd lost too many times.

As they walked closer to the opposite edge of the clan, she felt anticipation roll into her gut. She gripped his hand tightly. "Do you think Karthoc won over Viravia?"

"I'm not sure. But he was very determined."

"Viravia was pretty determined not to let him." She gave his arm a gentle caress.

He hummed. "I suppose we are going to find out soon enough." He grinned down at her mischievously. "Do you want to bet on it?"

Her heart flipped over. It wasn't legal for someone to be so flipping handsome when they smiled. "I think not. Not with how confident you look right now. "

He shrugged. "I suppose I could be wrong. He was a fool not to bend to his woman's will from the beginning."

"Like you bend to mine?"

"Exactly."

Her smile turned sly. "Hmm... I'm not sure I would agree."

He forced her to halt and lifted her chin. The gold in his eyes glittered with equal parts amusement and irritation. "Care to repeat that?"

"I dunno," she said coyly, tipping her head in his hand to increase the caress. "Maybe I want you to bend a little more."

His low growl spiked heat through her entire body. "Careful with your teasing, woman, or I'll be bending you over the nearest boulder and making you forget everything we planned to do today."

She laughed and pulled him down for a kiss. One that went far too long and left them both panting.

"Fuck, woman," he said, forcing her along as pleasure radiated off him. "We really will be late."

She grinned with delight.

They hurried along the paths that felt warm, despite the snow. Greeting orcs who now considered them friends. To the Great Rove Tree that had been carved with both Miranda's and Govek's names.

They belonged here. In Rove Wood Clan. They had both made it their home.

A sharp but beautiful cry sounded from the tree above, and Miranda turned to look. Most of the birds had left for winter outside of the little ones they used to send messages, so she was surprised to hear such a loud, unusual call.

Her eyes went wide, and her heart pounded .

"Govek . . . is that . . ."

Her mate turned to look and tensed. For good reason.

Up high on a branch above them, with the Great Rove Trees crystalline leaves glittering behind it, sat a gray heron-like bird. Its sharp yellow eyes peered down at them curiously. Knowingly.

A Riabell.

Although grief still struck her occasionally, she hadn't had any attacks or flashbacks since she'd dredged with the seer. Her mind was clear most days. Her sorrow wasn't as overwhelming.

Keeping busy chasing after three young orc boys and setting up the clan to host thousands more was a good distraction.

That and the knowledge that her babies on Earth had not suffered. There had been nothing she could do to save them, and she reminded herself of that every time guilt tried to creep up on her.

She would live well in their honor. Cherish every day she had been given back. Remember them fondly in her happiest moments so they could live on in her memories.

The Riabell let out another low, lovely cry and her heart warmed. Aching.

"Miranda?" Govek's voice betrayed his worry.

But she patted his hand and assured him. "I'm okay. It's okay." The bird's call didn't sound like a warning siren at all. Not anymore. "It's beautiful."

He visibly relaxed next to her. His expression softened, and she smiled. She turned away from the bird and looked up into his perfect face with his untucked jaw and his green and gold eyes glittering.

"Are we ready?" she asked, holding his hand in hers .

He gave her a squeeze. "Yes. We're ready."

Hand in hand, step by step, hearts beating in tandem, Govek and Miranda walked with purpose, together with the support of the clan behind them and the promise of peace before them.

They welcomed the merger of Karthoc's warriors with open arms and began the first steps to fulfilling the Fades commands.

The End