Epilogue
Two Months Later
The party is ragingamong the trees that have become synonymous with our teenage years. There have been far too many nights spent here with too much alcohol and not enough rules.
As I sit here, reflecting on the past, I can’t help but think about the twists and turns of fate that have brought me to this point.
I had a crush on a girl at college, but I kept her at arm’s length because I knew I was broken. I could tell there was something special about her, and if my life had been different, if I’d been different, we would have been more than friends.
The same girl came to find me during the darkest period of my life and stood by me. Even when I was a complete bastard, she was a fucking angel. Finally, after much soul searching, I realized the deeper connection between us needed to be explored.
But even then, I almost fucked it up.
I glance over the heads of the partygoers to where Grecia is standing with Rukaiya and Dahlia. I catch a glimpse of her smile, and I’m filled with a sense of deep gratitude. I’m thankful for the moments of laughter we’ve shared and grateful she never gave up on me, even when I know she should have.
Grecia has now moved in with me, and living together has brought a new depth of meaning to our relationship. I was envious of what Ares and Etienne had found with their partners, but now I have it too. From cooking dinner together in the cozy confines of our kitchen to falling asleep in each other’s arms, every moment feels like a precious gift I’ll cherish until I take my last fucking breath. There’s a sense of unity and partnership between us that I never thought was possible, having learned from an early age that relationships are fragile and transitory. I’ll never take for granted how lucky I am.
Over the past few months, we’ve filled the late-night hours with many conversations about the future. Grecia’s finally decided to take on the mantel of a Crown, so all three of our girls will now display tattoos with the crest of the society, The Gilded Sovereign.
Maybe the most beautiful part of this journey is knowing our love is built on a foundation of friendship, trust, and understanding. We’ve weathered the storms together and emerged stronger, more resilient, and more in love than ever before.
One of the guys from town approaches Grecia, and I make a move to go to her. I want to be the hero of every scenario in her life, but Ares’ hand firmly grips my shoulder and pulls me backward.
“You know she’s a big girl, right?” Ares’ voice comes from behind me, making me smile. “She can take care of herself.”
“I know,” I laugh, but it’s not real, it’s forced, and Ares knows it. “I was concerned she might need me at some point. I want to be there for her.”
“I know, but these girls of ours are survivors. They’re fucking warriors. They don’t need us. They just choose to be with us,” he tells me as we watch Grecia knee the bastard from the town in his groin. “She’s aware that you’re there for her, but you need to learn how to step back and let her do her thing.”
I know what he’s saying is true, but I feel possessive over Grecia, and I’m finding it hard to ignore my need to protect her.
“You’re right,” I finally tell him before taking a sip of whiskey from the flask I’m holding. “Let’s go.”
Everyone is partying as if they have no cares in the world, and as we make our way out into the crowd, I glance across at my two best friends, my brothers.
All three of have come such a long way. We have a society to run, and we’ve found love and happiness.
No one can break us down now.
The future lies ahead of us.
It’s our path to forge.
We are Crowns.