Epilogue

Auror

Months later...


I walk to the backyard, where Roman runs barefoot across the grass while his mother watches him. My little one is growing rapidly, talking about everything and sticking close to us. I smile as I sit on the bench, and when he sees me, he runs toward me.
"Papi!" My little férnus throws himself into my arms, and I lift him as high as I can, earning his delightful laughter.
My eyes fall on my Ann, who smiles at us, causing a sensation in my chest that only she can. I feel freedom.
"Mine." I enter through the door of her mind and feel her joy flood me.
"Mine." A roar escapes me, and I know it sends shivers through her.
"Seeing them together is my greatest joy."
"Being with you is everything I love."
I continue playing with our little one, simply savoring the moment. I always work with the aim of being here. Recently, the heat passed, and hibernation ended. Our friends are all expecting babies, Forty Mile continues to thrive, and peace reigns among us. Even if something were to happen someday, we would be prepared to face it together.

***


Anira


Months later...
All my friends decided to give birth on the same day and at the same time. Being the only one desperate to be with them all, Luna gathered them at the temple, and now we’re here, with all of them in labor, where the reclusive angelics assist them in bringing the future férnus into the world. Anxious, I can only ask them to be brave and strong. Unlike Auror and me, the fathers are allowed, and all four help their mates, so with the labor, all the babies are born at the same moment.
Two males and two females bring joy and much celebration to our clan. I observe the care of everyone, and it’s impossible not to cry. All the males seem mesmerized by their offspring, and after saying goodbye to them, I go in search of Auror, who finds me at the foot of the stairs with Roman in his arms.
"How did everything go?" he inquires, curious since he didn’t want to intrude and see it all through me.
"Two strong males and two females with lungs of steel," I say, and he smiles.
"You already talk like a female férnus," he points out, and only then do I realize.
"It’s from being around you so much."
Black crosses the hall with his mate.
"How are they?" Marin asks anxiously.
"They were born recently; they’re all strong and healthy."
"Thanks to the Goddess," she says, smiling and hugging Black.
"So, old friend, you’ve become a grandfather," Auror teases him.
"I can still challenge you," Black replies, taking Roman in his arms as he leaps onto Black.
We spend the afternoon in the sacred tower until the mothers can return to their homes. I get a tour of all the places; it’s beautiful, peaceful, and full of tranquility. Not all the reclusive angelics come close, but they join the celebration with Mayllinni’s baby.
The angelics take Roman and run with him, creating drawings of energy in the air, making our little one laugh.
"He is so loved, my Ann," Auror’s voice pulls me from my reverie. "Just like you."
"Thank you, Auror," I cry, overwhelmed by the feeling.
"Why are you thanking me, Ann?" I know he’s curious.
"For freeing me from the darkness."
I receive a kiss on my hair, which, since the moment I set foot here, shines with an intensity only comparable to the love I feel for Auror and Roman.

***

Roman


A hundred years later...
I run with all my might, feeling the pulse of life around me. The soft, white snow camouflages me, revealing only the black mark in the shape of a moon on my back, reminding everyone around me of who I am.
I am just days away from my first heat, and as expected for someone like me, my mate already walks the earth. She was born when I was still a pup, setting me apart once again from everyone in my lineage.
Tulayn, daughter of Kynai and Mayllinni, who were chosen to bring into the world the one who would belong to me for all the centuries of my life, the perfection in female form. Her fur is pearly, and her eyes are green like emeralds. The Goddess Moon crafted her to perfection. We knew we were meant for each other from childhood. The moment I saw her, I never wanted to be apart from her. We are destined and, above all, best friends.
Being the child of a pure angelic and a non-leader férnus, she spent the last two years learning everything about her celestial lineage. My mate was born a hybrid, the first of her kind, a perfect blend for me that makes her even more beautiful. She is a férnus female with an unprecedented power, and my longing to see her after so many years makes my heart race.
I continue running towards my home on the hill. Tulayn spent two years in the sacred tower and today returns to be mine forever. Even the soft snow cannot stop me from running like the wind towards her. I climb the hill and then set foot on the plain.
I change shape and enter the house. The smell of breakfast that my mother prepares brings clients from all over. From Monday to Friday, the gigantic greenhouse welcomes anyone who wants to taste the best coffee in Forty Mile and the surrounding region.
"Mom! Dad! Where is everyone?" I call out, feeling my heart pound against my chest.
"In the best place in the house, Roman," her unmistakable voice echoes from the kitchen, followed by a laugh.
I run there, and it's not just a dream as it was for the last few years. She is here. When I enter the room, everyone looks at me, and she jumps into my arms. I smell her and hold her tighter.
"You’ve come back to me," I whisper, pressing our foreheads together as we always did.
"This time forever, my mate." Her slanted eyes smile along with her.
"This time forever." I press our lips together, and a chorus of how cute we are echoes through the kitchen, and only then do I realize where I am.
I greet all my uncles and cousins, sitting at the table with them after kissing my parents, and everything finally seems in place as it should be forever.
We are together as a family, a strong and powerful clan, and all we want is to live in peace.

The End!