Page 63 of The Orc and the Innkeeper

“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.

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