Page 11 of Vampire Solstice (Vampire Girl #5)

Chapter 11

The Solstice

T he solstice night arrives with a crisp chill in the air and a sky glittering with stars. High Castle is alive with celebration, the great hall transformed into a shimmering display of garlands, candles, and frosted greenery with the new Mythos Tree the centerpiece. The sound of laughter and music fills the air as guests gather, their faces bright with anticipation.

I stand on the raised platform at the front of the hall, Fen by my side, his steady presence a source of comfort. Kayla stands at my other side holding our baby who I haven't wanted out of my sight since we returned.

Yami is perched on my shoulder. He was miserable without me. And Baron has been pacing back and forth between us since we returned.

The crowd quiets as I raise my hands, a warm smile spreading across my face.

“Tonight, we celebrate the longest night of the year,” I begin, my voice carrying across the hall. “But also the promise of the sun’s return. Just as the sun rises after even the darkest night, so too must we rise together—stronger, braver, and united as one.”

I pause, my gaze sweeping over the crowd. “This is not just a night for reflection. It is a night for growth, for love, for family—not only the family we are born into but the family we choose. Let us honor this night with joy, with laughter, and with the hope that we can grow together into a future of true happiness.”

As the words leave my lips, a golden light begins to emanate from the Mythos Tree at the center of the hall. Gasps ripple through the crowd as the light intensifies, its glow warm and radiant. The tree hums with energy, and then, as if by magic, figures begin to emerge from its base.

Myra steps through first, her eyes wide with awe as she takes in the scene. Behind her is Kael, looking healthy and whole, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. They are followed by more villagers, their expressions a mixture of wonder and hesitation.

I smile, my heart swelling as I step forward. “Welcome,” I say, my voice warm. “You’ve come a long way to join us. Tonight, you are part of this family.”

The villagers’ tension eases, and murmurs of excitement ripple through the crowd. I turn back to the assembled guests, raising my voice once more. “This is what it means to find family. To open your arms to those in need, to build bridges instead of walls. Let us honor them and honor this night with joy. Eat, dance, celebrate. Tonight, we are all one.”

The hall erupts into applause and cheers as the music swells. I step down from the platform, making my way to Myra and Kael. Myra throws her arms around me, laughing through her tears.

“You kept your promise,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion. “I can’t thank you enough.”

I hug her tightly. “I’m so glad you could make it,” I say, pulling back to look at her. Myra glances at Kael, her smile soft and full of love. “It’s a new era for our village,” she says. “We want to be part of this kingdom. Part of this community.”

“You always will be,” I reply.

As the night wears on, the celebration grows more jubilant. Laughter and music fill the air, and the hall is alive with dancing and feasting. It is during one of these quieter moments that Kael drops to one knee before Myra, holding a small, simple ring in his hand. The hall falls silent as he looks up at her, his expression full of devotion.

“Myra,” he says, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “You stood by me when I was at my worst, when I was something no one could love. Now that I’m free, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

Myra’s hands fly to her mouth as tears spill down her cheeks. “Yes,” she whispers, and then louder, “Yes! Of course, yes!”

The hall erupts into cheers and applause as Kael rises, slipping the ring onto her finger before pulling her into a kiss. The joy in the room is infectious, and I find myself laughing and clapping along with everyone else.

Later, as the night begins to wind down, Fen and I retreat to our chambers. The warmth of the celebration lingers, but there is a quiet intimacy in the space we now share. I step into his arms, leaning against him as the weight of the night finally eases.

“You were incredible tonight,” Fen says, his voice low and full of affection.

“So were you,” I reply, looking up at him. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle. “I’m proud of you, Ari. Of everything we’ve built together. And everything we’ll continue to build.”

I smile, my heart full. “I love you, Fen.”

“And I love you,” he murmurs, leaning down to kiss me. The world fades away as we lose ourselves in each other, the warmth of our love carrying us through the longest night and into the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

The End