Page 140 of Orc's Redemption

I rise onto my toes and press a kiss to his forehead—a vow sealed in sunlight and sweat, in everything we’ve survived. He wraps his arms around me, wings half-flaring in a protective arc. The people cheer louder, seeing not domination, but unity. Partnership.

Together, we descend from the ridge, moving hand-in-hand toward our people. Toward the work still ahead. Toward a future neither of us could have imagined from when we were enemies.

Wind tugs at my cloak. Sunlight tangles in my hair. And for the first time in memory... I feel whole.

Iamhome.

We will build a new world—not as conquerors, not merely survivors, but as one.

And Tajss herself will sing with us.

EPILOGUE - ELARA

ELARA

The wind tangles my hair as I walk through the heart of the camp, my boots kicking up clouds of red dust and sand. The suns blaze above, relentless and fierce, but today I don’t mind their heat. It feels like an embrace. Like a blessing.

Everywhere I look, life hums. Humans, Zmaj, and Urr’ki are working together. Laughter floats through the air. Children race between tents. Warriors repair tools or train together, their scales, skin, and horns glinting under the same sky.

I inhale it all—the dust, the sweat, the hope. It fills my lungs. Floods my heart.

I never thought I’d find a home here. Not when we first crashed onto Tajss. Not when I was trapped beneath the earth. But now... now it feels like I was meant for this place.

Meant forthem.

Before I hear him, I feel it. Warmth brushes against my mind first—a soft, familiar presence—then a strong arm loops around my waist, pulling me close.

Ryatuv.

He leans down, pressing a kiss to my temple, and his deep rumble vibrates through me.

“There you are, mytreasure.”

Before I answer, a second presence joins us. A hand finds mine—calloused and steady, sure. When I turn, Z’leni is there, eyes bright.

“Were you planning to wander off again?” he teases, his voice a low purr that sends a flutter through my belly.

I laugh, the sound light and free.

“Maybe. Just a little.”

They close in around me, one on each side, and I feel... complete. Held. Cherished. Chosen.

We move together to the edge of the settlement, where the dunes stretch toward forever and the sky feels impossibly wide.

We settle on a slab of sun-warmed stone, Ryatuv stretching his wings lazily behind us while Z’leni lounges nearby, with that predatory grace that still sends a thrill through me.

For a while, we say nothing. Just breathe. Just exist.

Finally, Ryatuv speaks, his voice thoughtful. “There will be challenges ahead...”

Z’leni nods. “Fighting between clans. Hunger, maybe. Old grudges.”

I lean into them, pressing my shoulders against their strength.

“Then we’ll face them,” I say simply. “All of it. Together.”

They look at me—truly look—and in their eyes I see the same certainty I feel. That, and a devotion so fierce it swells inside me, sharp and sweet. I never knew I could have this. Not just survival, not just endurance. Joy.

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