Rune was right. Maybe the Alfar should learn to open up and share more.
Gavin paused and glanced back. I quieted my mind, and he continued, explaining how the kingdom planned to honor the lives of the lost.
I rested my head on the back of the throne, my thoughts drifting as they so often did these days.
Molly, Rune, Kyla, and Finn had come to the kingdom a few weeks ago. Gavin wanted to have a celebration honoring the Urisk, but they refused, claiming that they were needed back on Earth. When I asked about Weylin, Rune explained that they had already set sail before they realized that Cali and Weylin were back on Earth. No one actually knew what happened to them, but within a month of the Urisk returning to the Appalachia, Weylin and Cali had made their way back to the last pure land on Earth.
As soon as word was given that the dark waters had been sealed, Weylin didn’t wait for the King’s consent and claimed Cali for his own. Gavin sent word with Rune that he more than understood, and we gave them the top floor of the Mighty Oak as a wedding present. It was the safest place on Earth as it was protected with ancient power, and I didn’t want Weylin to worry about protecting Cali while they learned of each other’s gifts.
Too, the Urisk had already set up shop in the mountain not far from there. Molly had divided the entire Urisk population into sectors, and the work of healing Earth had begun.
Gavin stopped speaking, and the crowd cheered. I sat a little straighter and placed my hands on my lap. He looked back and winked before turning to address the kinsmen once more.
After releasing the energy and sealing the abyss, King Frey’s amulet remained gray. The stone had become so powerful we feared it was dangerous to try and use it again. It would stay sealed in the mountain, next to the Breath of Creation and no one would know of it. Ever.
We still hadn’t talked about what happened in the abyss. And honestly, if Gavin never wanted to speak of his time with Mia that was fine with me. Sometimes getting caught in the horrors of the past kept people from enjoying their present, or dreaming of their future.
No. The past would stay where it was—forever contained in pearl.
The kinsmen clapped again, this time bowing and then milling about. Feet shuffled behind me as the Keepers stood, and Gavin crouched beside me, smiling a big, mischievous grin.
“I’m glad to see my skills as an orator kept you on the edge of your seat.” He shifted me forward, one arm tucking beneath my knee as the other came around my back. “You didn’t listen to a word I said.”
“Yes, I did.”
Rena’s laughter came from behind as she and Tark started toward us. “You’ll never be able to fool your mate. Surely you know that by now.” She stood next to me, brushing my hair from my shoulder. Elias and Elaine stepped down too and stood next to Gavin.
A serene quiet settled between us, each lost in our own thoughts. Sunlight poured over the butterfly garden, the wildflowers’ blooms looked like bright paint splatters over verdant foliage.
Just beyond the castle’s walls, a group of children peeked through the trees at a herd of unicorns grazing by the practice fields. I smiled, recognizing Siana’s long wavy hair. She boldly walked from the evergreens, motioning the others to join her. The unicorns whinnied and cantered toward them.
Gavin rested his chin on my shoulder. He kissed my neck, his deep voice soft in my ear. “It looks like you’ve been granted your wish. Our children will have a place to flourish and grow. One that will allow them to reach their potential, a place where they can explore their dreams.”
I sighed. “I hope you’re right. And incredible as that may be, right now I don’t want to think of the future.”
“You don’t?” Gavin kissed my forehead, and I settled back into my spot, soaking in the sheer beauty of peace.
“I just want to be in this moment ... this one perfect moment with you.”
A Note from the Author
KAILMEYRA COMES FROM a deeply rooted place within. Writing this series has been intensely personal, and I thank you for sharing the journey with me.
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With much love,
Elizabeth Isaacs
Also by Elizabeth Isaacs
Kailmeyra Series
The Heart of the Ancients
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