Page 50 of Kissing Potions and Elves (Oakvale Ever After #1)
ISOBEL
H ot tears spill down my cheeks as his violet eyes stare deep into mine, full of love and devotion.
I think of all the tender moments we’ve shared: the first time he looked at me like I was something precious, the way his touch steadied me when I was nervous, the way he saw me when no one else ever had.
The way he’s mine, because he chose me… just as I choose him. He sees every part of who I am and he loves me for me . “Yes,” I breathe as happiness blooms in my chest. “A thousand times, yes.”
Cheers erupt around us, along with bright laughter and applause. Rhystan whoops loudly, and Brakkus grins widely. Cyran flashes an approving smile, emerald wings fluttering, and Tressa wipes tears from her golden eyes, moved by the moment.
Hilda stands at the edge of the crowd, smiling brightly. I hadn’t even realized she was here, but I’m so glad she is. I wouldn’t have wanted her to miss this moment.
Lyrion wraps his arms around me and lifts me off my feet as he captures my mouth in a passionate kiss.
I melt against him, clinging to his solid warmth as the crowd’s joyful celebration fills the air around us. When he breaks the kiss, he rests his forehead against mine. “You are my heart, Isobel,” he murmurs. “And I am yours completely.”
Rhystan approaches as Lyrion sets me back on my feet. He embraces me warmly. “Welcome to the family.”
Brakkus and Cyran join us, each offering their congratulations. Tressa pulls me into a fierce hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispers. “You deserve all the joy in the world, my dear friend.”
Hilda’s eyes are full of tears as she tugs me into a motherly hug. “Oh, my dear, I’m so happy, I could burst.”
When they finally step back, Lyrion threads his fingers through mine as he whispers, “Let’s go home.”
I hesitate. I need to get Errol from my apartment. He’ll wonder where I am if I don’t return tonight. “I need to—”
“After we retrieve Errol,” Lyrion adds.
I love that he thought of my cat without even knowing what I was going to say. He truly does care about Errol.
Together, we walk through the village hand in hand. The night air is cool and crisp, scented with lingering flowers and distant wood smoke. When we reach my tiny apartment, I unlock the door, and we step inside.
Errol is perched regally on the bed, his green eyes immediately narrowing at the sight of Lyrion. He hisses, ears flattening as he bares his tiny teeth in a display of outrage.
“Oh no,” I whisper, my stomach dropping. “Errol, please. Just listen.”
“I deserve that,” Lyrion says to Errol. He turns to me. “Would you mind giving us a moment?”
I nod and step into the hallway, pulling the door nearly closed behind me, leaving it cracked just enough to see inside.
“Errol,” Lyrion says in a calm voice as he cautiously approaches my growling cat. “I know I deserve your anger. I was a fool. But please, know that it was never my intention to hurt her.”
Errol growls again, his tail flicking irritably as he glares at Lyrion accusingly.
Lyrion kneels beside the bed, bringing himself level with the feline’s fierce gaze. “I love her, Errol. Truly. Irrevocably. And if you grant me your forgiveness, I swear upon my honor that I will spend every moment of my life proving to you—and to her—that she is cherished, respected, and loved.”
Errol’s ears slowly perk up, and his fierce glare softens into wary curiosity.
Lyrion extends his hand, his voice low and earnest. “I want both of you to come back to the manor with me, but I need your help, Errol. I cannot make her happy without your blessing. You are her protector and her greatest champion. Please allow me the honor of standing by your side, loving her as fiercely as you do, my friend.”
For a long, breathless moment, Errol merely stares, evaluating, weighing the sincerity of Lyrion’s words. My heart pounds fiercely, waiting.
Slowly, Errol rises to his feet, padding cautiously forward. After a moment, he gently head-butts Lyrion’s palm, purring.
Lyrion’s shoulders visibly relax. “Thank you, my friend,” he whispers as he strokes Errol’s fur. “Your forgiveness means more than you know.”
Lyrion picks up Errol, settles him into the satchel, then turns back toward me with his hand extended. I slip my palm into his, and his fingers close warmly around mine. “Let’s go home.”