Epilogue
The chaotic months following the attack on Weiyu and the fall of Mogwai were filled with reconstruction of the red phoenix clan, alliances being struck, and restitution for past grievances. Although the meeting with Duneshard had been postponed, negotiations with the red phoenix clan moved forward.
As Zahra had predicted, her eldest sister made a much better leader than her father, proving easier to negotiate with and more willing to work toward peace between their two clans.
Of course, past tension couldn’t be forgotten so easily, but for once in the entirety of her life, Zahra saw that it was possible.
The possibility of peace eased her worries for her mate and whatever future offspring they might have together.
At the thought of a brighter future for a family, Zahra smiled as Weiyu led her by the hand toward his favorite spot overlooking Sunfire Isle. Where once it terrified her to have such a vast expanse of a drop before her, it now gave her a sense of thrill.
“Are you sure about this?” her mate asked for the dozenth time.
She laughed and lightly smacked his arm—an arm that was much more filled out and defined than months previous.
He’d grown back into the body he’d had before his two deaths.
Although his build was more on the slender side, he was tall and had particularly attractive biceps peeking out from his green and blue vest.
Their bodies slotted perfectly together as he gathered her safe in his arms and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
Her entire body warmed from head to toe.
“Yes, I’m sure,” she replied, exasperated. “Actually, I’m excited.” She turned her head to capture a brief kiss to the lips, one that promised a warm bed, heated breaths, and tender touches all night long. “Don’t let me fall.”
His grip tightened around her waist. “I would never.” And then he searched her face, looking for any trace of fear. But there was none. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, toeing the edge of the cliff with her shoe.
Months ago, she would have been terrified by the prospect of stepping close to the edge of a steep drop-off.
But now?
She placed her trust completely in Weiyu’s hands. She serenely closed her eyes and took that final step off the cliff with her mate.
A brief plummet dipped in her stomach. But then the Aquatic Core piece around her neck fluttered alive, filling her with borrowed power not quite her own.
She opened her eyes.
And spread her wings.