264- A Name for the Future
POV Elowen Grimwald:
“What did you think of Eldoria, Elowen?” Edric asked me, finishing his appetizer.
“From what I was able to see, I found it just as incredible as Valmorin.”
“Yeah, my friend copied my organization,” he said with a smug smile.
Aldren raised an eyebrow.
“I’m older, man.”
“That’s true. Doesn’t work.”
“Do you plan to stay in Valmorin?” Andrei asked.
I fixed my eyes on Aldren before answering.
“Yes. That’s my home.”
My answer made a satisfied smile spread across his face.
“Our home,” he said.
“Hmm, how cute…” Lunara whispered, drawing laughter from their friends.
“But come on, what are you two?” Celindra asked, shifting her gaze between me and Aldren before taking another bite.
What were we…
Not knowing what to answer saddened my heart a little. I wanted certainty about us—something solid to shout to the world.
“Elowen is my only choice,” my male answered her seriously.
His declaration made my eyes grow moist. It was moving, because I knew that when Aldren said something like that, it would never be an empty promise.
“That’s a true miracle,” Lyris declared, making everyone laugh.
We continued talking in a light mood throughout dinner, until we finished dessert and Edric stood up to retrieve something. He returned holding a black velvet box the size of a book.
“Here’s what you asked me to keep, my friend.” He handed it to Aldren, who rose from his chair and walked around the table toward me.
By the gods, what was happening?
I stood up, and those still seated followed suit. Nerin stepped aside to give Aldren space, and my sister watched me with an unusual sparkle in her eyes.
“Aldren…?”
Without a word, he opened the velvet box, revealing a set of jewelry that captured every light in the room. Delicate studded earrings, what appeared to be a white-gold necklace with a stone pendant, and a solitaire ring with the same brilliance.
“This is your second birthday present.”
I brought my hand to my lips, rooted in place, not knowing what to say or do.
“Hey, when are you giving me one of those?” Celindra teased her girlfriend, snapping me out of my shock.
“They’re beautiful, I…” I couldn’t find the words.
“Let me put them on you, my diamonds.”
Diamonds!
Aldren set the box on the table and carefully took my right hand, sliding the magnificent ring onto my finger. He handed me the earrings so I could put them on, and when I finished, he gestured with his finger for me to turn around.
I did, finding my sister crying with happiness.
“Sorry, it’s the hormones.”
“Sava…” I fought against my own tears.
Aldren moved my hair over one shoulder and fastened the necklace around my neck. I couldn’t explain how special I felt.
Unique.
I shivered completely when he left a kiss over his mark on my shoulder after securing the clasp.
Overcome with impulse, I turned back to him and jumped into his arms, kissing him with the force of my gratitude. Murmurs of approval echoed around the table.
“Thank you! Thank you!” I exclaimed, holding his face.
“There’s one more present.”
“Are you all seeing this? How can I hold a grudge against this man?” I joked, exchanging glances with everyone.
“How beautiful, Elowen,” Nerin whispered, her eyes glistening.
I blew her a kiss over Aldren’s shoulder.
“One more present, then?” I asked him.
“Yes.” He reached into his pockets and pulled out a small white envelope from the left one. “Your sister was in my laboratory today.”
No!
Was it what I was thinking?
“Aldren, don’t joke!”
“Here is the answer about the pup’s sex. Only I know the result.” He handed me the sealed thick paper.
I took it and passed it to Lunara. Edric had circled the table and was standing beside her.
“Open it, little sister.”
“No, round-belly, you’re the one who has to open it!”
She frowned anxiously. Poor Lunara—just as anxious as I was.
“I can’t, Elowen…”
“Edric?” I looked at my brother-in-law.
“Fuck. I can’t either, I’m nervous.”
“Aldren?” I turned to my love.
“I’m not telling. Open it.”
“Give me that, Elowen!” Lyris shouted, shaking her arm toward me.
Since no one else could open it, it was only fair to give it to her. When she took it, she inhaled deeply before breaking the seal and pulling out the paper.
As she read it, her pupils expanded, and she let the paper fall to the floor, bringing both hands to her lips.
“Male or female?” we all asked at once, except for Aldren.
“It’s…” she stammered, tears streaming down her face.
“God! Just say it!” Lunara pleaded.
“MALE!”
What happened after the revelation was complete chaos.
Sava jumped into Edric’s arms in tears, I threw myself at Aldren, receiving his strong embrace as I celebrated.
Lyris and Celindra bounced with joy, and Nerin, without any shyness, clung to Andrei.
The exchange of hugs was mutual, and I could see that Edric and Lunara not only loved each other, but overflowed that pure feeling into the room.
“Anton! In honor of the bravest warrior who ever walked by my side!” Edric announced the pup’s name, lifting Lunara into his arms.
“May he grow strong and wise, guided by the values of Eldoria, and may his journey be filled with honor and courage. Long live the future leader of our pack!” Andrei declared loudly.
“Long live!” we echoed in unison.
I focused on Aldren for a moment and noticed something perhaps no one else there could see—except Nerin. Deep within the green depths of his eyes, happiness for his friend shared space with uncertainty.
If I had to guess, I would say his thoughts were: will I ever have this one day?
There was only one way to find out that answer.