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“Mother … are you … hurting still? Are you well?” Rian asked. The look on his face was enough to shred Terra’s heart. She ached to go to him, but knew he needed to do this on his own.
“My darling boy, I am well. I feel no pain, which is the most important thing. What a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.” Aster laughed and did a little jig on the beach. “Look at how well I can move now.”
“I’m happy to see it,” Rian said, his voice thick with emotion.
“I’m so glad you finally honored your word. My dear sweet boy — I’m so very proud of you. No matter what, I’ve always loved you, and will always love you. This love transcends realm and time, Rian. I’m always with you.”
“I know it. You helped me … with Terra. The light in the trees.”
“Of course. I told you to look for me, didn’t I? And it’s a happy mother you’ve made me. What a lovely woman to have as your partner. Terra, you gave me great comfort in my last days. I’m honored you’ve chosen my boy as your mate.”
“He’s a good man. Even when he tried not to be. I’ll take good care of him,” Terra said, walking forward to wrap her arm around Rian’s waist.
“See that you do. And you,” Aster leveled a look at Rian. “No more of this vengeance nonsense. You’ve got a good woman to live for now. Take care of her and spend your days immersed in following the things that light you up inside. Those are the moments that matter. Always look for the light.” Aster faded away.
Terra stood with Rian while he collected himself, grateful that the Goddess had given him this closure that he so desperately needed. It was nice to see that Aster was happy and no longer in pain, and she knew it would go a long way toward healing Rian’s heart.
“The time has come to return. Your people await. I won’t be far, as I fear, even know, that Domnu starts her war once more. Be well.” With those final words, Goddess Danu faded away as well.
They stood in silence, simply appreciating the beauty of the waves lapping at the sand, processing the emotions of such a moment. Most people would never meet a Goddess in their lifetime, let alone more than one. The sheer intensity of their power and the magicks they held was enough to leave anyone awestruck.
Finally, Terra squeezed Rian’s hand and started walking toward the narrow crevice in the cliff wall that would lead to the portal. Just before they stepped into the cave, a brilliant blue glow shone from the depths of the cove, and Terra gasped. Grabbing for Rian’s hand, she laughed when his arms came around her.
“It shines in the presence of true love,” Gracie explained, smiling at where the two couples were wrapped in each other’s arms. “It’s lucky you are, to have found each other. Not everyone does.”
No, not everyone did. Terra thought of her brother with sadness. He would be a stark reminder for her to forever seek joy and treasure the love she had.
“And it’s lucky I am not to have lost you,” Rian said, turning her to claim her lips in a heated kiss. Pulling back, he smiled warmly at her as he brought her hands to his chest. “Goddess of my heart, I’ll love you forever.”
EPILOGUE
A soft humming sound metthem as they walked across the meadow causing Rian to smile. It was the same sound that had greeted them when they’d first arrived home from the portal.
The trees were singing.
They did so whenever Terra was close, and he wondered if she even heard it anymore. The forest danced while she wandered through it, the flowers turning their faces to the sun, the trees waving their branches in greeting. All sorts of critters and wildlife would follow her, and he’d often catch her chatting with a butterfly, or scratching a rabbit behind its ear. The Earth loved Terra as much as she loved it, and though she’d told him to forgive himself, Rian still struggled with the shame that filled him when he thought back to how he’d been so careless with his actions toward the environment.
The world didn’t need more polystyrene packaging. The world needed more people like Terra.
Rian had at least been able to rectify some of his wrongs, the latest just this morning. He’d crowed in delight when Callahan had sent along photos from where Rian had procured the forested land he had once ordered to be cleared. Rian had managed to wrest it away from the clutches of his prior company based on a loophole that he’d put into the contract for just such an occasion. Callahan had flown there to make sure the forest wasn’t destroyed and was happy to report the orangutans were safe. Rian had even taken it a step further and had started the process of securing the paperwork to make the forest a protected space and would start building a sanctuary there for other orangutangs that had been exiled from their homes. Next up, he hoped to start a global education program about palm oil and the harmful practices used to manufacture it.
Terra’s approving smile after he’d shown her the pictures of the orangutans was more than worth his efforts.
Rian was head over heels hopelessly in love. He was determined to spend every moment of every day protecting Terra, doting on her, and tending to their relationship with the same dedicated care that Terra took with nurturing the world around her. He’d been given a great gift, one that he could appreciate all the more for having experienced loss.
It was loss that took them to the woods this day.
Flower fairies flitted after them as they wound their way through the trees, a gentle breeze kissing their cheeks, the leaves rustling softly over their heads.
“Here it is, my love. See? Just like I told you.” Terra turned, concern in her eyes, and Rian found himself transfixed on her lovely face once more. He still couldn’t quite believe that she was his. Going to her, Rian wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her so her back nestled against his chest. Placing his chin on her head, he breathed in her refreshing scent, and studied the bush she’d planted for his mother when Aster had passed. It had been over two years now since his mother had died, and the bush had grown from a small plant to a thriving shrub.
“Buckthorn,” Terra said, and then pointed to where Aster flowers also bloomed along the riverbank.
“And asters. Buckthorn for the butterflies and bees and asters for my mother.” Rian could think of his mother now without tears welling. Instead he found peace in knowing that Terra was with her at the end of her days. The flower fairies danced across the shrub, and golden tendrils flitted from their wings, curling among the leaves. Sunlight split the canopy above them and shimmered across the forest floor.
“Where the sun shines through the trees, blessing the ground with light, I will always be. Remember me and I will come to you,” Rian murmured, pressing his lips to Terra’s head. “This is a perfect spot, Terra. Thank you for doing this for my mother.”
“It’s sorry I am that you didn’t get to spend her final days together, but at the very least you’ll have a nice spot to visit and reminisce.” Terra patted his arms that circled her waist, and he tightened his grip on her. Twisting, she looked up at him. “Are you sure you want to come with me for the next part?”
