Epilogue
If there is one thing I know, it is that giant babies are heavier than Enduar babes.
Liana stands at my side, and the early morning light shines down on us with such gentle warmth. Towers of quartz surround us, ones that were used only weeks ago to play the deadly battle beat in the mines.
The last time I blessed a child, it was a sad occasion. A handful of us stood next to the ocean, trying to pretend that Sama was not nearly orphaned.
Now, a new orphan is nestled in my arms, one with skin the color of rose quartz and a Fuegorra in its chest.
The heir to the giant kingdom.
With no king, no royal family, and no slaves, their court is barely limping along. They do not know he is still alive and likely won’t for a long time.
Thousands are standing on this snowy beach. Many humans, and even many more of the stony faces from those left underwater for half a century. They all look on with thinly veiled curiosity and… hope.
“I think it’s time to start,” Liana says at my side. “The singing is nice, but I don’t think my coat is thick enough for this.”
I look at her impractical dress, more crystal than leather. “That is your fault.”
She glares at me, and then Estela steps forward out of the crowd. My mate is resplendent in a golden dress—it’s a color that suits her very well, either in gown or armor.
Her belly is just beginning to round out, for Enduar babes come along much faster than human children. The sight of my sweet wife distracts me enough that I don’t realize she’s carrying something.
My head cocks to the side.
“What have you brought, my star?” I ask gently.
She smiles widely and holds up a large circlet. The band is gold, like the ones I usually wear, but this is studded with dozens of gems. Most of them are blue.
My mouth parts.
“This is a grand celebration. I know what an important day it is for you, so Flova helped me make you a gift.”
My eyes are glued on the crown. Instead of geometric shapes, there are swirls that twist around the stones. It reminds me of… her. Another moment of inspection reveals the forty-eight gems artfully set next to each other.
When I look back at Estela, her smile has faded.
“Do you like it?”
“Of course,” I practically choke. How long had it been since I had received a gift? I couldn’t remember, and yet, here my small human stands with one she crafted.
My, the fates the stones sing for us…
“I would wear it today.”
“Really?”
I let out a laugh and adjust the child so that I can kneel.
She comes over, smile fully returned, and gently places the circlet on my brow. With the singers’ voices still filling the air, they bounce off the stones in the headpiece. A song I’ve never heard falls over my ears—it is bright and hopeful.
Unshed tears sting my eyes.
“I should’ve finished it sooner, but I am a poor metal bender,” she murmurs.
“Enough. It is perfect.”
“Your majesties, I think my feet have good and truly frozen,” Liana grumbles. “Can we start now?”
Estela laughs, and I stand. Then my wife places her small hands over mine, and we step forward together.
We raise the child high in the air.
“Your mother and father have given you the name Kai!” I call up.
I have searched the scrolls and found that it means Forgiveness in some human dialects. I thought it was fitting for a child who would once have been called an enemy.
The crowd erupts in joyful chants, singing in time with Velen and Ulla.
My throat tightens.
“Today, you join your people.” My voice catches.
Estela looks at me and smiles.
“Your people, the Enduares!” she calls out, laughing a little when he kicks.
Just as it has been for every other naming blessing, the crystals our people hold are raised higher, and the volume increases. The overwhelming feeling is almost painful, but I wouldn’t change anything.
“I bless you in the name of our gods, Grutabela, Endu, and Ashra,” Estela intones, adding in her own goddess.
A tear slides down my cheek.
“Be strong, little one. Grow with the stone.” Another tear. “May your eyes one day see Vidalena.”
And then we all are swallowed by the light.
For underground dwellers, it feels… right. It”s like this was always meant to come to pass.
When I look at the sky, I thank any god who will listen.
The end…for now.
If you enjoyed To Ignite a Flame, please take a moment to leave a rating or review—it really makes a difference! Book three, To Defend a Bride, will be releasing in October, 2025! Join me for Ra’Sa and Melisa’s standalone story.