My mouth parts, scarcely believing it all. I’d come here with a plan… nothing had turned out how I’d imagined.
It was better.
And now we were going home. All of us.
My eyes scan the forests, the blood, the burning torches, and broken boulders.
Ra’Sa takes my hand and pulls me along.
We raise our hands together, screaming the phrase with the other humans.
“¡Por la libertad! ¡Por la libertad!”
For freedom.
My heart sings as I look back at the capital. It seems so far away from here. Barely visible.
Coco leads Thea and Wren to us before we can seek them out. They are shaken and pale, but I don’t fear when I hold them close. I know I’m exactly where I am meant to be.
It is time to leave this all behind for a fresh start.
Finally.
First Epilogue
RA’SA
Travel is slow but graciously uneventful. Days pass, and more humans join us along the way.
Every night, we stop for camp and leave messages for others still traveling behind us.
With thousands of humans scattered and traveling along the way to the mountain, I feel the pressure of responsibility and the shame of falling short.
It keeps me focused.
I refuse to allow myself peace even when the black mountains come clear into view. Even when we pass through the ice passage and the frozen sea, I don't let my alert drop.
Melisa, the girls, and I walk alongside each other at the front of the group. Guiding us into a new life.
Feelings from long ago return.
I had once brought my mother and brother to this cave, knowing that once I stepped inside, nothing would be the same. The same is true again tonight. Once we cross that barrier, our futures will be irrevocably changed.
There is no question whether or not I will accept this new fate.
It happened the moment I laid eyes on the beauty at my side, my cave flower—meant to blossom below ground. I did not even know it then, as it manifested into protectiveness.
Melisa, somehow sensing my thoughts, looks up at me. She gives me a knowing smile, but I look away, concealing the curve of my own lips.
When we are near enough for the humans to see the red veins swirling and the carved golden metal of the door, I halt.
Melisa sighs, and I feel the potent relief flow freely between us. But the girls draw close, intimidated by such a massive sight.
For the first time, observing the children at my side, I understood how the Enduar mountains could be a thing of terrifying stories.
Showing Enduvida’s majesties excites me.
I cannot wait for Thea and Wren to see the Ardorflame Temple, to behold the crystals, and to hear their song. They love that simple red beryl I gave them. How much will they love to see mushrooms the size of me?