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She rests her head on my shoulder, content in the soft glow of starlight. “Then let’s lead them, Ghorzag,” she whispers, voice trembling with conviction. “Let’s ensure no illusions or betrayal, real or conjured, divide us again.”

My chest swells. Yes. Pressing a gentle kiss to her brow, I silently vow to guide Stormborn with every ounce of strength. No sabotage will thrive under our watch, no illusions will manipulate the clan again. The War God’s final sign—clear skies, renewed orchard growth—crowned our journey with a promise of bounty. I will protect them, protect her, forging a unity that endures.

Outside, a gentle breeze stirs the courtyard fires, carrying a faint echo of orcish songs drifting through the fortress halls. The night soars with possibility. Tomorrow we face the clan’sday-to-day demands— new defenses, trade routes, ensuring Gaurbod’s co-conspirators face justice. But tonight, we bask in the wedding’s final hush.

“I love you,” Lirienne murmurs, fingers lacing through mine.

My pulse thrums at those words. “I love you,” I answer, voice thick with emotion. “The clan stands with us now—and I will see that we lead them into a brighter era.”

She smiles, turning to wrap her arms around my waist. I draw her close, inhaling the faint smell of incense and wildflowers in her hair. The fortress no longer feels like a cage but a refuge for hearts once torn by illusions. Above us, stars shimmer in silent witness, the War God’s altar now sealed with genuine devotion. This is it: our happily ever after.

“Come,” I murmur, guiding her from the window. “Let’s rest. Tomorrow we wake to a clan that trusts in us, and a future we get to shape with our own hands.”

She nods, eyes shining with promise. Hand in hand, we return to the warm circle of furs. Outside, orcs finish their last round of toasts. Inside, in the quiet of our new union, we nestle together, exchanging soft whispers of love, the final echoes of the War God’s blessing drifting in our minds. And as sleep claims us, I clutch that precious vow: No illusions will ever tear us apart again.