Page 82 of Returned to the Vissigroth
My groan was long and deeply felt. “Why does he always do this?”
Myccael appeared in the doorway, as usual, completely unapologetic, arms crossed over his broad chest and an amused glint in his eyes. Only he wasn't alone this time. Behind him, Oksana peeked in, her hair braided tight, her expression far too cheerful for how early it was.
“We brought food,” she said sweetly, holding up a steaming tray. “You’re welcome.”
“We?” I echoed even as premonition flooded me. In confirmation, Darryck ducked through the flap with Thalia right behind him, both looking thoroughly amused.
“You brought them with you?” I demanded of Myccael.
My son grinned, the smug little traitor. “Thought it was time for a proper family breakfast. And anyway, it’s not like we haven’t all heard you groaning about love and submission all night.”
Daphne snorted against my chest.
I groaned again and buried my face in her hair. “I’m going to kill our children.”
She laughed outright, the sound echoed like birdsong through the tent. “You’re not killing anyone. Sit up. Eat. Try not to grumble too loudly while you’re chewing.”
“I make no promises,” I muttered.
“Please don’t,” Darryck said, already dropping onto one of the low cushions and stealing a honey cake before Oksana could stop him. “Your grumbling is the only thing that makes me feel better about being this sore.”
“You’re sore?” Thalia said, raising an eyebrow. “You were the one shouting about your knees like an old warrior with gout. Honestly, I thought you might ask for a cane.”
“I was protecting myjoints,” he said defensively, mouth full. “Because, unlike your sarcasm, they’re still functional.”
Oksana plopped down beside Myccael, rolled her eyes, and whispered something into his ear that made him smirk.
Daphne and I finally untangled ourselves. I handed her some clothes to get dressed under the blanket, while ignoring the outbursts of the others at my nakedness when I stood and donned my own. That's what they got for invading the tent before we were ready. Then we joined them around the table. She settled beside me with a satisfied sigh, and her hand slid into mine, right where it belonged.
Plates were passed. Cups were filled. Jokes were flung like knives and caught just as easily. There were too many hands reaching for the sweet rolls and not enough forks, and I wascertain Darryck was hiding more food than he was eating, but none of it mattered.
Because this—this—was what we’d fought for.
A meal shared. A morning free of blood. Laughter, bickering, warmth.
A family.
For the first time in twenty rotations, I embraced joy—wholly, without reservation. When I woke to her snuggled against me earlier, I allowed myself to believe it was real.
This morning, I was complete. And for today, nothing else mattered.
We left soon after breakfast. We still had a full day's ride ahead of us to reach Bantahar, but the time passed quickly.
I rode beside Thalia and Oksana, the three of us cloaked in sunshine and dust, exchanging stories and jokes as the landscape shifted from rocky terrain to gentler hills of blue-leafed trees and yellow grasses. The air smelled of warm spice and sun-baked stone. It was the most peaceful stretch of road I'd experienced since my return.
“Wait until you see them,” Thalia said, her eyes already soft with anticipation. “Kaelric and Vaelen—gods, they’re wild. Darryck says he’s raising warriors. I think they’re raisinghim.”
Oksana snorted. “Last time I saw them, one had a stick in each hand and was threatening to duel Myccael for the last honey cake. And the other was eating said cake behind his brother’s back.”
“They’re two and a half,” Thalia added, laughter slipping into her voice. “But they act like they’re twice that. And Zara—my little Zara—she’s just starting to babble.”
Something about the way she said their names, the joy layered with awe and disbelief, made my chest ache in a good way. Like this life she’d built still surprised her with its beauty.
“They're waiting for you?” I asked.
“Zyn,” she nodded. “Obviously, they’ve never met you, but they’ve heard your name. Kaelric already tried to name the moon after you once. He insistsDapheeis a warrior word.”
I laughed to disguise the ache in my chest. An ache of longing. I couldn't wait to meet all three of them. My grandkids. I still had a hard time getting used to the idea of me being a grandma. I didn't feel a day over thirty. “I can’t wait to meet them.”
