Page 60 of Return of the Darkness (The Lost Kingdom Saga #3)

Despite the lack of colour as Caellum ran after his sisters in the walled garden of their home, he did not think there was a day, other than his wedding, as vibrant as this one.

Edlen and Eve no longer tired so easily, and only when Aurelia tempted them away with daisy chains did Caellum have time to duel his brothers.

They cursed and laughed every time Caellum bested them, as he always had.

The willow tree swayed, hiding them beneath its strands: just four brothers, marvelling at Caellum’s tales of the battle in the Ashun Desert and suggesting different techniques to relay to Sir Cain should they face another fight.

When Caellum insisted on spending time with Aurelia, they begged him to stay and insisted she would only ask about his wife.

Caellum laughed. He could talk about his wife all day.

They were right, of course. Aurelia wanted to know everything about Sadira, the sister she would have loved as her own.

So, Caellum spoke of her kindness and strength, how mesmerising it was to watch her work with plants and healing.

The birds chirped around them as they spoke, as if happy to hear about their true queen, the Queen of Garridon.

When it was time to leave, his mother looked at him with a small smile and nodded.

“What will happen to you all?” he asked.

“One day, we will still be here for you. We deserve longer together as a family, and we would not fail you a second time as parents and allow you to pass alone,” Hestia said, embracing her son one more time.

So, Caellum did not say farewell to his siblings, for he knew he would see them again.

Instead, he smiled at them in turn before walking through the archway of the walled garden with his father.

“I want you to know I’m sorry—”

“You don’t need to apologise,” Caellum interjected.

They both twisted their wedding bands in silence while heading down the path from the castle to the city, enjoying simply being —no arguments, no insults, no fear.

Just a father and his son, as it always should have been.

The sun was setting when they reached the end of the estate. Wren turned to face Caellum.

“I have thought about this moment for a long time, wondering what I might say to you. But I don’t think there are words to express how proud I am,” Wren said, pulling Caellum in close and holding him tightly.

Caellum closed his eyes and inhaled, committing this moment to memory: the comfort of his father’s arms wrapped around his heart, welcoming him home.

“Thank you, father,” Caellum said. For the only time in his life, that word—father—felt sincere and loving from his lips rather than laced with fear.

“You will be a great King, Cal,” Wren said, pulling back to rest a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Our family has always been protectors, and I see that in your relationships.” Wren cleared his throat. “Would you do me a favour?”

“Anything.”

“Would you tell Sir Cain I said thank you for raising you when I could not?” Wren’s smile wobbled, and Caellum nodded. “Go. Find your wife. Go and be happy.”

Caellum walked into the trees leading to Stedon’s open fields, the path to the Neutral City. He turned for one final glance of his family, and a choke escaped him, part sob, part laughter. His family, all eight of them, stood with their arms around one another, watching him go.

***

The concept of time was indeed far different as he continued walking.

It was almost like no time had passed at all as the moon rose in the sky.

Upon reaching the Garridon gate to the Neutral City, he found Sadira pacing before it.

She ran when she saw him. Caellum grinned as her hair flew behind her, golden even under the moonlight.

He caught Sadira and was enveloped by her scent.

“I was getting worried,” she sighed, holding him tight. “Soren has gone into the city; I did not wish to stay alone with her.”

“Are you okay? Did she do anything?” Caellum asked, frowning and pulling back. Sadira shook her head and stayed close beside him, interlocking her hands behind his neck.

“I saw my grandmother.” Sadira smiled .

“I saw my family,” Caellum whispered, and tears glistened in Sadira’s eyes as she clutched his hands tighter. “There was no darkness in my father’s mind; my parents were happy, my siblings were…” He trailed off, thrown by his emotions.

“I’m so happy for you.” Sadira smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I wish I could have met them.”

“They love you,” Caellum whispered, resting his forehead against hers.

“They have been watching over us and will continue to do so.” Sadira sighed at his words and pressed her lips to his.

Caellum made sure to savour every moment from now on, only recognising now what it was like to have missed time with those he loved.

“Ready?” Sadira asked, clasping his hand. Together, the King and Queen of Garridon walked through the gate to the city, ready to face their fate and that of the kingdom.