Page 127 of Born Savage

“Yes, sweet princess. I believe it is.”

Rage held me close. Not because it was his duty because he’d just accomplished his mission, but because of how close we’d become, how much love there was between us. Whatever the future would bring, it felt as if we’d come home.

A rustle of leaves was the only indication we were being approached. Within seconds, there were at least thirty people coming our way. Not in white robes as if all holy men and women, but dressed in everyday attire. Men. Women. And even two children. All approaching us with smiles on their faces. When they were fifteen feet away, they stopped, allowing an older man to walk through and closer to where we stood.

He was wearing cargo pants and a tan shirt, nothing like what I’d believe a very important man would be wearing. Then I realized he was just one of the people. And so were we. All equal in our hopes and dreams.

“John,” Rage said, squeezing my arm before he walked toward the man.

“I knew you’d return, son. I had faith in you and your men. So did everyone else. This must be Star.”

“It is. John kept us alive, healing our bodies if not our hearts and souls.” He was proud of telling me what had happened after he’d fought the king, almost dying in the process.

“He gave us back our strength,” Wrath added.

“And he taught us about Eden, claiming there was such a place. You knew all along.” Vicious laughed.

“Of course I did. But you were required to discover its existence yourself or the prophecy wouldn’t be fulfilled. You have done that.”

“What about the kingdom, the Freedom Cities, the Hunters searching for us?”

John laughed. “You don’t honestly believe any of us would allow Eden to be discovered. Now, do you? We are protected, only those of honor allowed to know the destination.”

The city didn’t need a dome for protection or guards waiting with weapons in their hands. They only needed their love and peace, sanctity and the willingness to work together to protect the most special place on Earth.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.

John shook his head, his eyes filling with tears. “You look exactly like your mother.”

“You knew her?”

“Oh, child. She was an amazing woman and so beautiful. After you’re settled, I will share stories.” He opened his arms, nodding when seeing my confusion. “May I? I was so hopeful you’d arrive safe and sound.”

“Of course.” As soon as he pulled me into his arms, a strange jolt of current flowed through me, completely unexplainable.

When he moved away, his smile was wider. He turned his head toward Wren and it was apparent they knew each other. “You did very well, my sweet daughter. I’m very proud of you.”

“Your daughter?” I was shocked, but there was no doubt they were related. Wren rushed toward him. So did Jake.

“You didn’t honestly think I would send for you without having an angel by your side. Do you?” John laughed. “Come. There is much to learn and the people of Eden are eager to meet those responsible for fertilizing the trees and flowers.”

“I don’t understand.”

John swept his arms across the landscape. “The closer you came, the more vibrant our landscape became. Fruit on the trees, fish in the water, vegetables growing. So many vegetables. And our cows are producing milk. A true blessing.”

I glanced at Rage, who wrinkled his brow.

“All things fertile again.”

John’s voice was a catalyst, a reminder that the only reason I was here, standing on this incredible land was because of Rage. Only from now on, he would be called by the name he so deserved.

Phoenix.

Rising from the ashes.

And as the man I loved swept me into his arms, I could hear quiet yet meaningful sounds of shared joy from the people watching us.

His lips captured mine and while he held me close, I allowed sweet joy to sweep into my heart. The people waited patiently even as both Vicious and Wrath snickered as they always had and I hoped they would always do.