Of Fangs And Fury

Epilogue

Delara

The flickering flames danced on the wind as they lifted like fireflies as if to add more stars to the already glorious Autumn night sky. Bundled in plenty of layers and under a cozy blanket, I lean into Cade comfortably. In the middle of the Garnet Kingdom, also known as the Garnet Vale, just South of the palace, The Harvest Bonfire Faire is in full swing, and I am in awe.

The three days it’d taken to get here had been worth it, even if it meant doing physical therapy in the awkwardly narrow spaces on a train. The Villas have been just as beautiful as the ones for the Midsommar Festival, and it was truly an honor to contribute our Burning Blossoms first with the rest of the royal famiglias.

Then we had time to walk through the vendors' area, looking through various booths with Bonfire Faire items. Some had souvenirs to which I carefully picked a few to take home, including a foliage and berry wreath, spice-scented candles, and a knitted pumpkin that will be a perfect toy for Catarina. Others had clothing, accessories and jewelry, the gold catching my eye because I wanted to match Cade (now that he stands tall with pride and acceptance of the mutation). Then there were ones with bountiful harvests from all around the kingdom, to which we sampled roasted sausages in toasted buns, fresh corn on the cob, a mushroom risotto, and had full tankards of the Fiery Faire Brew.

Though the Faire had started in the evening and the Burning Blossoms had started the central bonfire at exactly six o’clock, it is well into the night now and Cade and I seem to be in our own little world. With a deep, uplifting exhale, I look down to my left hand for the umpteenth time tonight.

The onyx stone glitters like the sky above, catching the flames in its reflection. The Royal Engagement Ring had been modified for the first time since The Great War to now include a string of gold weaving into the braided band. When we had settled down for bed last night, it had been the last thing on my mind, but after making love and cuddling Cade reached over to the side table only to turn back to me with the ring in his hand. He asked for my hand in marriage, to which I said yes, extremely thankful for everything I had gotten myself into.

Caderyn

Every time I catch Lara looking at her engagement ring, I cannot help but swell with pride. I’d kept the ring an arm’s reach away at all times since she’d woken up in our bedroom just over a week ago. Then, last night it finally felt like the exact right moment.

Seven months ago, I had been a male without a plan. Truthfully, a male without a path. Wandering… helpless, selfish, and full of fury. Fury and hatred. Hatred of my past and hateful of my present, unable to even imagine a future. Maybe I had played the role of a beast before, but no longer.

Now? I am thankful for everything that I am. If it hadn’t been for my mutation, Scholarra Delara Dyad would have never come into my life. If it wasn’t for my mutation, this intelligent, curious, passionate, caring, beautiful female wouldn’t be in my arms right now.

Whether it’s the onyx engagement ring or my golden scales, in the warm glow of the bonfire, our future has never shined brighter.