Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Epilogue I

Two years later

The warm breeze of late summer swept through Fayetteville, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the promise of a new beginning.

In the heart of Noah's café, Kai stood in the kitchen, nervously wiping his hands on a towel. The café bustled with life around him, the hum of voices mingling with the clatter of dishes, but Kai's mind was elsewhere.

For almost two years, he had worked tirelessly, earning every penny as a chef while balancing the immense responsibilities of leading the Gemini Coven. The dedication he poured into his dual roles had not gone unnoticed-especially by Estrella. Her heart swelled with pride as she watched him transform into a man driven not by past mistakes, but by hope for a better future.

Even the Gemini Coven, hesitant at first, found themselves swayed by Kai's determination and-much to their surprise-his undeniable culinary talents. His signature pumpkin honey biscuits had become something of a legend, gradually winning over even the staunchest skeptics.

The recipe, crafted in honor of Estrella, his beloved pumpkin. Their friends took endless delight in teasing him, claiming the dish was proof of how "whipped" he had become.

Yet, he merely shrugged off their remarks, entirely unfazed. He was, indeed, deeply enamored, and he made no effort to hide it-a trait that, even to this day, never failed to make Estrella blush furiously.

But today was different. Today was the day.

A simple yet elegant ring sat tucked safely in his pocket, purchased with his own hard-earned money. The Salvatore brothers, Noah and Oliver, had given their blessings, as had Caroline and Lexi. Estrella, unaware of what awaited her, had taken the twins to visit Victoria's grave-a tradition of reflection and connection to the past.

Meanwhile, Kai's leadership of the Gemini Coven had brought about monumental change. Jo and Liv, along with the majority of the coven, had voted to abolish the Merge, a practice that had cast a shadow over their lineage for centuries. Instead, Kai proposed a radical new system: leadership shared by a quartet rather than a singular leader, a move that impressed even Alaric.

Despite his reforms, Kai couldn't relinquish his own powers and become human; the binding magic required to lead the coven still rested solely with him until the time came to pass it on to the next generation-or as Aiden, Eleanor, Josie and Lizzie proudly called themselves, "the twins squared."

With the twins' help, a special evening had been planned for their parents. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in strokes of gold and amber, Kai led Estrella to their favorite spot: the cliff overlooking Mystic Falls where they had shared their first date.

The view was breathtaking, but Kai only had eyes for Estrella. Her presence was grounding, calming the storm of nerves threatening to overtake him.

"Pumpkin," he began, his voice tinged with emotion. He paused, letting out a soft, self-deprecating laugh. "Okay, I practiced this, but-wow-you're stunning, and I'm suddenly forgetting everything."

Estrella tilted her head, a bemused smile tugging at her lips.

"You've shown me what it means to truly love and be loved," Kai continued, his voice steadier this time. "I can't imagine my future without you in it. I want to spend my life doing something even half as romantic as what you've done for me." He paused, his lips quirking into a soft, sheepish smile.

"I mean, come on-you searched for me for two centuries. Two centuries. That's not just romantic; it's epic. And you told me you blamed yourself for the curse, for everything that happened, but... I see it differently. I'm happy-not because you suffered, but because that suffering brought you to me. You found me, Pumpkin."