“You’re right,” I say, my hand instinctively moving to my still-flat stomach. But now that he has agreed to my plan, I’m suddenly filled with doubts. “But how do we even begin? Like you said, the feuds between your people run so deep. What if Draven sees our peace offering as weakness, and he attacks us instead?”
Krakenos’s fins twitch as he considers. “It’s a risk,” he admits. “But for our child, it’s one we must take.”
I inhale slowly, my fingers curling into fists at my sides as I gather my courage. The path ahead seems fraught with danger, but as I look into Krakenos’s eyes, I see a strength that bolsters my own.
This is bigger than just us now.
“Okay,” I say. “Let’s do it. Let’s reach out to Draven.”
As Krakenos embraces me, I wonder if we’re making the right choice. But as I feel the subtle changes in my body, the promise of new life growing within me, I know we have to be brave.
For our child, for Mythos, for the future—we have to try.
Epilogue
Krakenos
I stand on the shore, my feet half-submerged in the lapping waves as I scan the horizon. Months of careful planning have led to this moment, yet I’m still uncertain how it will play out.
Arranging this peace talk was no small feat. We relied on an off-world trader, a neutral party who could ferry messages between our kingdoms without raising suspicion. Every word was scrutinized, every proposal weighed against centuries of mistrust and conflict. One wrong move could have shattered this fragile hope before it even began.
I glance at Mia, her hand resting protectively over her slightly swollen belly. My mate, my queen, the mother of my child. How much has changed since she entered into my life.
Before Mia, I was consumed by duty and pessimism. Now, I see the world through new eyes. Her compassion has softened my edges, her determination inspiring me to reach for what once seemed impossible. Peace on Mythos—a dream I’d long abandoned.
My gaze drifts back to the water, thoughts turning to the life growing within Mia. What kind of future will this little one inherit? Will our child know the constant threat of war, or will it grow up in a world where former enemies can become allies?
A slight movement on the horizon snaps me to attention, and I watch as a large winged figure lands, a smaller figure getting off his back.
My jaw tightens. This is it.
“They’re here,” I murmur to Mia, squeezing her hand gently.
She looks at me. “Remember, we’re all on the same side now.”
I nod, and as Draven and Natalie draw closer, I allow myself a moment of cautious optimism.
As the two make their way toward us, I’m struck by the changes in them. Draven’s granite skin now gleams with intricate gold patterns that indicate his mated status. His wings, fully formed and majestic, fold neatly against his back. Natalie, radiant and proud in her posture, walks with the grace of someone who’s found her place in an alien world.
But it’s the small figure between them that truly catches me off guard. A child with Draven’s rocky texture softened by unmistakably human features. Half Drakari, half human, and entirely a sight to behold.
“Krakenos,” Draven says in greeting. “It’s been some time.”
I return the gesture, acutely aware of our shared history. “Indeed, it has. Welcome.”
Mia steps forward, breaking the tension. “Natalie! It’s so good to see you.”
The women embrace, their joyful laughter filling the air. Natalie’s eyes widen when she notices Mia’s slight bump. A moment of silence hangs between them before Natalie breaks into a radiant smile.
“Well, well,” she says, her voice tinged with playful excitement. “Looks like we’ve both been busy since we last met. Congratulations!”
As they chatter excitedly, Draven and I maintain a respectful distance. There’s no hostility, but years of mistrust don’t vanish overnight.
“Your daughter,” I say, nodding toward the child. “She’s… remarkable.”
Pride softens Draven’s stony features. “Rania. She’s strong, like her mother.”
Natalie overhears and beams. “And stubborn, like her father. Mia, you have so much to look forward to!”
Mia’s hand goes to her belly. “I can’t wait. Though I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about… well, everything.”
“It’s a journey,” Natalie assures her. “But so worth it.”
As I watch them, my mind races with the implications of this meeting. Two human women, carrying the future of Mythos within them. It’s more than I dared hope for when we sent that first message.
Yet, I can’t shake a nagging worry. “Draven,” I say quietly. “What of the cure? What choice did you make?”
Draven’s expression grows serious. “I chose the collective cure,” he says, then hesitates. “And you?”
“The same,” I reply without hesitation. “For the good of Mythos.”
Relief flashes across Draven’s face, but it’s quickly replaced by concern. “Vornas… His season hasn’t happened yet. We don’t know what he’ll choose.”
I nod, uncertainty still pressing on me. Yet as I observe our mates and Rania—living proof of what we once thought impossible—I get the sense that we’re on the precipice of monumental change.
The cynical part of me wants to squash this feeling, but I can’t deny the evidence before my eyes. For the first time in centuries, the future of Mythos doesn’t look quite so bleak.
