CHAPTER 58 #2
“I don’t mean we’ll host it the very next day.
But I think we all need something to look forward to.
Something that speaks about a new chapter, something that celebrates love, and everything good that comes with it.
” Auden’s eyes gleamed from the beaming light that rose in the distance.
“Isn’t that like the rising sun after a dark night? ”
“Already brainstorming your next poem?” Edmund lifted a brow as he crossed his arms. “Shouldn’t I be in charge of my own wedding?”
“I’ll have to use my power and supersede your decisions,” Auden laughed.
“If it were up to you, you’d elope with her so no one can hear you be all romantic.
If that’s even possible.” He smiled brightly at Lenore.
“I’m really sorry for all the trouble you had when you first came to Lunavie.
I want to let you know that you’re part of our pack family.
I can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve given tonight. ”
The praise flustered Lenore. Her hands pulled at the fabric of her dress. Unable to think of anything else to say, she uttered a small “You’re welcome.”
Edmund walked closer to her side, a bit of jealousy tinging his voice. “She’s part of my family first,” he muttered.
“Well, not yet, if you don’t have your mates’ ceremony,” Auden teased.
“Yeah, you’ll need your true love’s kiss in front of everybody,” Azelf added. Everyone laughed, and Lenore’s cheeks bloomed pink. Edmund grimaced, fighting off the blush that crept onto his face.
“And what about you and Charie?” Azelf asked. “Knowing you, you’re already thinking fifteen different things.”
“Yes, but…” A flicker of guilt and shame dimmed the brightness of Auden’s eyes. “I want to do a few things for her first.”
Charie reached out to squeeze his hand, distracting him from his thoughts. “I would love that,” she replied honestly.
Her eyes flitted over to Lenore, a teasing smile on her lips. “Besides, I think I’d prefer the spotlight to be on the other two right now.” She nudged Lenore’s side gently. “How do you feel about dancing in front of everyone?”
Lenore’s cheeks flushed deeper. Her head sank between her shoulders. “Nooo…”
“That’s it. Stop stressing her out.” Edmund held Lenore’s hand as he pulled her away from the group. “We need our own space first.”
“Make sure you stay in view.” Azelf’s words brought out another round of laughter. Pip giggled with them, his mirthful chirps lifting the atmosphere with joy.
Edmund’s response was quickening their pace until they reached the other side of the plaza.
They entered a small gazebo, surrounded by cascading flowers and gently swaying vines.
He stood in front of her, hiding her away from the others.
His thumbs traced circles against her gloved hands, no longer wearing the clawed armor underneath his sleeves, and Lenore could feel the warmth of his skin envelop hers through the black chiffon.
“Thanks for that,” Lenore said. “Although we might get teased a little more after this.”
“They can say whatever they want,” Edmund grumbled. “I’m tired of them all already.”
“I can’t even believe it’s morning, actually…” Lenore looked around. “I know all the... corpses are gone, but there’s still so much more to clean up and fix.”
“That? We don’t have to worry about that.
The cleaning always gets done by glasscaps—they’ll just have more to deal with this time.
And once that’s done...” He frowned. Doubt subtly clouded his gaze.
“... Somehow, miraculously, after we manage to restore the rest of our pack, the packs have all agreed to hire some elven contractors to get this place back in order.”
“Glasscaps? You have them here?” Quiet delight filled Lenore’s voice. “I always wished for one to live in my home to clean for me! And I heard they’re so cute!”
Edmund smiled softly, finding her burst of excitement adorable. “They enjoy moon nectar, so that’s been the agreed exchange since this place was first built.” He reached forward, a knuckle brushing against her cheek. “But never mind that...”
His hand cupped her face. “You must be exhausted,” he murmured. His eyes slowly looked her over, then held her gaze with his own.
“Me? What about you?” Lenore asked. Worry rippled across the blue pools of her eyes.
“You’re the one who fought with everything you had,” she continued.
“You fought like—like fire itself, burning through all that awful frost. If we weren’t fighting for our lives, I would’ve just...
stared at you. I don’t know—I can’t even describe it. You were amazing.”
“Lenore,” Edmund gently scolded. He tried to look stern, but her words softened the edge. The warm glow in his eyes and cheeks couldn’t hide how much he drank it in. “You’re avoiding my question by praising me.”
“Is it working?” she whispered.
“... I wouldn’t mind hearing more later,” Edmund admitted. He softly pulled his hand out of her hold. “But that’s not what’s important to me right now. You are.”
Edmund held her waist, his grip like a steady anchor. “Are you okay?”
Lenore stared into the tender depths of his eyes. The gentleness of his concern embraced her, surrounding her in a warmth that melted away what little she had left of her composure. Slowly, her lips parted as the words she had held back spilled out.