“Ah! Don’t you give me that ‘I’m going to eat you alive’ bullshit! Remember, I can do magic, and I’m perfectly able to prevent you from doing the nasty with my sister the rest of your, hopefully, long life.”
“Oh, gods! Just shut up!” Ystävä grabbed Finn by the neck of his vest and pulled him into a deep kiss, silencing his apprentice for the first time. Everyone kept quiet, sharing smiles and nervous laughs, watching as Finn slowly relaxed and turned bright pink. Ystävä ended the kiss, and without releasing his hold, nor looking away from Finn’s eyes, he said. “I should have tried that years ago.”
“K-kissing me?” Finn squealed.
“Shutting you up,” the elf retorted, but he put an arm around Finn while staring bashfully at the ground.
Maeve’s laughter called to him, and he turned to find her watching the scene with a peaceful gaze. She walked to him and curled into his arms. He would never grow tired of that feeling. “I’m ready to go home,” she said.
He was too. All the exhaustion left his limbs, but he desperately craved to curl up in bed with his mate in his arms. They earned their rest and a lifetime of peace. However, before leaving the field, he had one more thing to deal with. Someone else came to meet them, to greet him into his new life.
Flyg had also healed. She walked to them, holding Dröm’s hand, tugging him to move faster. Watching her, Hakken wondered if there was someone happier in the entire valley. She held the hand of the man she loved, who was alive and well. He understood her happiness all too well. They had freed her people; the truth had come to light, and they would now become a part of the half-breed society.
“Maeve!” the mountain girl called. Her enthusiasm got the best of her when she let go of Dröm’s hand and ran to hug Maeve. She also left his arms to meet her halfway. Hakken let her go because he needed to meet someone officially. He extended a hand, smiling. “Welcome, Dröm. I’m glad to see you free and well.”
The mountain leader took his hand almost timidly, as if he expected to be rejected once more. But as soon as Hakken’s grip tightened around his hand, giving him a firm shake, he allowed himself to smile back and let out a sigh of relief. “I thank you, Hakken of the River tribe, for saving my people.”
The tribes gathered in the valley cheered and chanted. It was a glorious day. An auspicious day. They had overcome a deadly threat, freed innocent men and women, and survived unscathed, thanks to the power of the gods who granted them one last blessing.
Hakken regarded the people around him, and in his heart, he realized life could not get better than this.
CHAPTER XXXXVII
DINNER AND THE STARS
Maeve
It felt like a lifetime since they had left the river village. To think the night before, they were all anxious, fearing the uncertainty of their future. Now they unhurriedly traveled back, Maeve walking hand in hand with Hakken.
Around them, everyone bustled with excitement. Their friends and other village members chatted almost out of breath, amazed by the outcome of their crusade. Those who had returned from the afterlife were eagerly conversing or thoughtfully gazing around. The power the Ancients left for them had filled everyone not only with life but with vitality as well.
The Forest came alive all around as if celebrating the end of the dark times. They had invited the mountain half-breed’s tribe to follow them back home. Hakken insisted, explaining to the elders even though they had been freed, this was not the time to merrily send them home and be done with them.
Their bodies had been restored, but they still suffered. They had lived a nightmare for far too long, and they needed all the help and caring the tribes could give them. This was the time to heal their hearts.
Maeve wholeheartedly agreed with him. She sensed how frail their newfound peace was. The dust had forced them to commit awful acts and witness their friends and family die. Right after the battle had ended, they all appeared so lost.
The Quiet Folk people who marched with the horde for a little time quickly said their goodbyes after a tearful and hush meeting with Dröm. They assured him they held no resentment against his people, having experienced themselves the grip of the dust. Honoring their customs, they slipped unnoticed and retreated into the Forest to rebuild their village.
Tyst met with their lost tribe members, and it embarrassed Maeve to realize she had judged the woman too harshly. Tyst might appear stoic and rough on the outside, but the tenderness and care she showed when welcoming them back were heartwarming. Maeve knew they would be fine, having such a caring leader protecting them.
“What should we do?” Hakken mumbled by her side. When talking to the elders and Dröm, he sounded confident and determined. Now alone with Maeve, he allowed himself to show his concern.
She as well wasn’t sure about the best way to help them. “Let’s make them feel welcome, for starters. They need to rest and calm down.”
Her mate gave her a reassuring smile. Mate. She loved the word. Holding Hakken’s hand while heading back to their home was the most beautiful thing in the world. Maeve stood on her tiptoes, trying to reach and kiss his cheek, falling short by a frustratingly long distance.
Seeing her struggle, Hakken chuckled. He leaned down to meet her, going for her mouth instead. “If you want a kiss, you only have to ask.”
A short cough interrupted their flirting. They turned to find Dröm following close behind, Flyg timidly smiling at them while holding his arm. His mouth opened and closed a few times, trying to say something. “I’m sorry to bother... I’d like to talk to you two about...”
He seemed to
