Page 75 of Love At First Roar
The Veil rippled behind them, bright and sudden, humming a low, resonant sound that rolled across the trees. The forest stilled. Even the wind paused. Then a pulse of silver shot outward from where their joined hands met, curling up through the branches, dancing along moss and bark. The energy surged but didn’t burn, it settled. Anchored.
Their bond had joined the Veil.
A new thread added to the tapestry of Hollow Oak’s protection—woven not from blood or war, but from choice. From love. From survival.
Callum pulled back, just enough to breathe against her lips. “Didn’t mean to outshine the ceremony.”
Cora laughed, eyes wet. “I think we just rewrote the damn forest.”
Twyla whooped. Maeve wiped under one eye and muttered something about pollen. Even Edgar dropped his herbs in surprise.
They untied the pine bough together, fingers lingering. Callum kept her hand in his as they turned toward the town. The path home lit itself softly under the moon’s glow, fireflies rising like sparks.
People surrounded them with laughter, hugs, warmth. But even in the crowd, her hand stayed tucked in his, like they were tethered.
Later, when the fires dimmed and the guests drifted home, he pulled her into his side as they walked the trail back toward the cabin.
She leaned into him, her voice a soft murmur. “You really made me part of this place.”
He kissed her temple. “You were always part of it. You just finally found it.”
And under the moonlight, with the Veil at their backs and the town finally whole, they stepped into the life they’d built together. Rooted. Chosen. And finally, home.
