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Picking up the spoon, I slice into the mound to find a soft apple at the center. Taking a bite, the warm flavors melt in my mouth, giving the feeling of a cool autumn evening. The perfect dish for tonight. Theo closes his eyes, relishing the taste.
We devour our food and say goodbye to everyone before stepping out of the dining hall. I lead Theo out the front entrance of The Keep, into the field between the haunted forest and the waterfall pool. Stopping us near the middle, I bring Theo to face me.
Rustling in the forest draws our attention, and we find six sets of glowing yellow eyes watching us. I suddenly fully realize what it all means. Just like me, my creatures are tied to Theo. The nobu sensed he was in danger long before he arrived on our soil, and the Cypres eliminated any threat to their kingdom.And their king.
I stare up at Theo with pure amazement. If he knew any of this, would he embrace it or run away? Soon, I think I’ll need to figure that out, but tonight I want to enjoy the moment.
He stares at the haunted forest with curiosity lighting his eyes. The moonlight bounces off the golden streaks of his hair, making him appear to glow. Love doesn’t describe the feelings I have for him. It goes beyond this realm and this lifetime.
He looks down at me, still smiling.
“Do you trust me, Theo?” He scans my face before kissing me.
He rests his forehead on mine. “More than I’ve ever trusted anyone.”
I take a deep breath as I hold one of his hands in mine. Raising my other, I open a portal to the edge of the village. The red-rimmed mist appears and opens faster than normal. I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of Theo. My power seems to change the longer he’s here. The well within growing deeper than before.
He squeezes my hand as the portal opens and his lips part.
“Oren didn’t destroy all the adveho rings. He kept Umbra’s and we use it to travel throughout the realm.”
Holding his hand, I walk us through the portal. Theo hesitates briefly as we break the surface. Our boots crunch on the gravel walkway as we cross onto the other side. As the portal closes, I check Theo for any hint of unease.
“That’s an interesting family heirloom,” he says, turning to me.
I shrug and give him a playful smile. We walk hand-in-hand toward the village, causing my heart to thunder in my chest. Music and revelry ring in the air; the festival is in full swing. I marvel at the scene before us. Lanterns hang like falling stars between the buildings, casting a warm glow on the space. Pumpkins and colorful gourds are in decorative towers along the pathway where various vendors have set up small booths. A group of musicians is playing near the center, and villagers dance to the rhythm around them.
Theo pulls me tight, wrapping his arm around my waist as we enter the flow of people. We both gaze in wonder at the joyous celebration playing out. I grab Theo’s hand and tug him toward the tavern. People step out of our way as we go.
We push through the door, laughing with the lively energy. Spice and sweat fill the warm air of the tavern. We sit at the counter, and I take everything in. Bringing my gaze back to the bar, I spy a familiar face.
“Good evening, Leon. Harassed any women lately?” The older man slowly turns to look at me, his mug frozen in mid-air, eyes wide with panic.
He aggressively shakes his head before backing away from the bar. I snicker as he runs away like a terrified animal, tail between his legs.
Otto stands behind the counter, arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
“I knew my night was going far too easily. You’re a menace alone, Margo. Did you really need to bring a beast with you?” I turn and look at Theo, who’s staring at Otto, flabbergasted.
“Me? I just met her outside. Can we get some ale, or is this not a tavern?”
I pinch my lips, holding back a laugh as Theo’s hand slides up my back. Otto rolls his eyes and brings us two mugs, for which I promptly overpay. I lean back into Theo, enjoying the evening out in my village with him.
We drink and revel in the festival fun around us while constantly finding reasons to touch each other. When we step back out into the throng of people, Theo takes my hand and drags me toward the dance circle. He pulls me close, wrapping one arm around my waist and placing my arms around his neck. As both his arms enclose me, we sway to the rhythmic beat.
For a moment, we get lost in the music and each other. Theo looks at me as if I’m the only person in all of Omnia. I wish this could be our life. Evenings in the village enjoying all Umbra offers. I close my eyes, soaking in everything and committing it to memory.
Silently, I pray to the fates and gods again, begging for this to be my happily ever after, like in the fairy tales. When I open my eyes, warm pools of honey watch me with a hint of what feels like love reflecting in them.Please let this be real.
Theo leans forward and kisses me sweetly. My hand slides into his hair as our tongues dance. We break apart, fire raging in both our eyes as they meet. Theo trails his hands along my arms, taking my hands, and leads us out of the crowd.
We exit the circle near Elizabeth’s shop to find Loma behind a small table with various rocks. I tug Theo toward her. She spots me through the crowd and comes around the table, arms outstretched. I hug Loma tightly before she places a hand on my cheek.
“My girl, you look radiant tonight.” I lean into her as Theo steps beside me, causing her hand to fall from my face.
“Loma, this is Theo. Theo, this is our healer, Loma.” He reaches out, and the two shake hands. Loma locks her eyes on him, studying him intently.
“What’s with all the rocks, Loma?” I try to get her attention off Theo.
