Paladin's Rise - Lich Lord Wars Book 4

Epilogue

As the first rays of sunlight peeked through the heavy curtains, Lady Izybel stirred from her slumber. The warmth of life had returned to her cheeks, a stark contrast to the cold grip of the injuries that had nearly claimed her.

"Ah, you're awake," Lord Gidon said, his voice as soothing as a lullaby.

Izybel turned her head towards the comforting sound of her husband's voice. She found his blue eyes gazing down at her, filled with relief and love. The sight of him brought a spark of happiness amidst the fog of memories that still haunted her.

"Is it... Is it over?" she asked hesitantly, fearing the answer.

Gidon smiled gently, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "Yes, my love. We've won."

A sigh of relief and gratitude escaped Izybel's lips, but her thoughts quickly turned to their children. Her heart ached with worry, and she couldn't help but let the question tumble out. "The children... are they safe?"

"See for yourself," Gidon replied, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile. He gestured toward the bed across the room.

Izybel followed the direction of his arm, and her heart swelled like a golem brought to life by her expert hands. There, in peaceful slumber, lay Creetan, with Cady and Giddy nestled on either side. At the foot of the bed, the Elvish children Ulec and Seacra dozed, both Teanas and Alixia stood nearby watching with her father, brother, and King Yucaipa.

And there, sitting on the edge of the bed, was Almas. His once-lost smile beamed like a beacon as he met his mother's gaze. Izybel felt tears prick her eyes, and the weight of worry that had burdened her for so long evaporated like morning mist.

"Mother!" Almas exclaimed, leaping from the bed and bounding to Izybel's side. He threw his arms around her, and she held him tight, savoring the warmth of his embrace.

"Almas," she whispered through tearful laughter, "my sweet boy."

In that moment, with all four of her children safe and sound, along with the two Elvish children she had come to love as her own, Izybel knew that her family was whole again. The darkness that had threatened to consume them had been vanquished, and in its place shone the light of hope and a love that refused to be extinguished.

As they stood there, entwined in each other's arms, the room seemed to glow with a warmth that defied even the darkest of shadows. For now, at least, the bitter taste of fear and loss was replaced by the sweetness of victory and the joy of being reunited.