Chapter 184: Chapter 184: Epilogue

~ Epilogue ~

Five years had passed since the war ended.

Five years since Amadeus sacrificed himself to save them all.

Today was a day of celebration. Annie was getting married not to the man she loves but to one who loves her.

The ceremony was held in the palace gardens of Grok. White flowers decorated everything.

They hung from the trees. They lined the walkway. They covered the altar where Annie would say her vows.

Everyone had come to celebrate with her understanding the courage she has to move on from her loss.

Raven stood near the entrance, greeting guests as they arrived.

She wore a beautiful blue dress that matched her eyes. Her hair was styled simply but elegantly.

Beside her stood a little boy. Five years old with golden hair and the most stunning blue eyes anyone had ever seen.

He looked exactly like his mother. His name was Amadeus.

"Mama, when is Aunt Annie coming out?" the boy asked, tugging on Raven's dress.

"Soon, my love," Raven smiled down at him. "Be patient."

Liam walked over and scooped the boy up in his arms. "Are you excited to see Aunt Annie get married?"

"Yes!" Little Amadeus grinned. "Uncle Joe said there will be cake!"

Liam laughed. "Yes, lots of cake."

Raven watched them together and felt her heart swell with love.

Liam was such a good father. He was patient and kind. Everything a father should be.

Their son was growing up happy and loved. That's all that mattered.

Duke Vincx, now king of Belgravia and Celeste arrived with their children.

Twins. A boy and a girl, both four years old.

The boy had Vincx's red eyes and Celeste's golden hair.

The girl had the same combination. They were beautiful children.

They ran ahead of their parents, laughing and chasing each other.

"Slow down!" Celeste called after them. But she was smiling.

Vincx walked beside his wife, holding her hand. "Let them run. They've been cooped up in the carriage for hours."

Celeste laughed. "You spoil them."

"I know," Vincx said without shame.

They approached Raven and Liam. The two kings clasped hands in greeting. The women hugged.

"You look beautiful, sister,” Raven said to Celeste.

"Thank you," Celeste smiled. "I'm so happy for Annie. She deserves this happiness."

"She does," Raven agreed.

Little Amadeus squirmed out of his father's arms and ran to play with the twins. The three children disappeared into the gardens, their laughter echoing.

"I still can't believe it's been five years," Celeste said quietly. "Sometimes it feels like yesterday."

"I know," Raven said. Her voice was soft.

They were quiet for a moment. Remembering the lost.

Then Raven spoke. "Have you heard any news about Roderick?"

Celeste's face darkened. "He's still in prison. He'll be there for the rest of his life."

Celeste, after returning to Belgravia, was poisoned again, losing another child she didn't know she was carrying.

Later, after investigation, they found out it was Roderick who had been poisoning her using Duke Vincx Butler, who was his close relative.

He had been caught. Tried and sentenced before Duke Vincx was made king.

Justice had been served.

"Good," Raven said firmly. "He deserves worse."

"Perhaps," Celeste said. "But I won't waste any more energy hating him. I have my children now. My husband. My life. He can rot in prison and I'll be happy."

Vincx pulled her close and kissed her temple. "That's my queen."

Marquis Varian and Princess Ellie arrived next.

Ellie looked radiant. Her face glowed with happiness. Her hand rested protectively on her rounded belly.

She was pregnant. Finally pregnant after years of trying.

After losing their first baby during the war, she had complications. None of her babies would stay until this one, which had miraculously stayed.

She was due. Her sisters were happy for her because they knew how much she wanted a child.

"Ellie!" Raven hurried over. "Look at you! How are you feeling?"

"Wonderful," Ellie beamed. "Tired, but wonderful. The baby is strong. I can feel it kicking."

"May I?" Raven asked, gesturing to her belly.

"Of course."

Raven placed her hand on Ellie's stomach. She felt the baby move beneath her palm. The baby kicked against her touch.

“Whoa…slow down, cherri,” Ellie murmured, rubbing her belly.

"It's a boy," Raven said with certainty. "A strong, healthy boy."

Ellie's eyes filled with tears. "A boy. Varian, we are having a boy.”

Varian stood beside his wife, his hand on her shoulder.

He looked older than he had five years ago. The grief of losing Seraphine had aged him.

"Thank you," Varian said to Raven. "For everything. For saving my life. For giving us this chance."

"You don't have to thank me," Raven said. "I'm just glad you're both happy."

Liam came over and shook Varian's hand. "It's good to see you, Sir Varian."

"And you, Your Majesty."

They stood together, these people who had survived a war. Who had lost so much and had rebuilt their lives from the ashes.

Music began to play interrupting their conversation.

Everyone turned toward the palace doors.

Annie stepped out. She wore a simple white dress. Her hair was loose and flowing. Flowers were woven through it.

She looked beautiful and nervous.

Beside her walked a little girl. Five years old with bright red hair that caught the sunlight and green eyes that sparkled with life.

She was named Amadea after her father, the world tree.

The little girl held a basket of flower petals. She scattered them on the ground as she walked, creating a path of white and gold.

Everyone who saw Amadea felt their hearts warm. She looked so much like her father.

Amadea reached the altar first. She turned and waved at her mother. "Come on, Mama! Don't be scared!"

Everyone laughed softly, their eyes filled with warmth.

Annie walked forward, her hand finding Joe's at the altar, and for the first time in five years, she smiled without sadness in her eyes.

The End.

Author's Note: Hello guys, thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Thank you for all the support and comments. I am grateful and I say a big thank you, once again.

HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS.

IF YOU ENJOY THIS, YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY OTHER STORIES: REBIRTH 0F THE LYCAN'S LUNA

OWNED BY THE UNDERWORLD KING.

SEE YOU ALL SOON.