Page 72 of Once Written in Gilded Blood

Their love was understanding. It was made of flaws and pain. It was so bright and powerful that no knight that day could look away. When the last sword was laid down and the war bells ceased, the flags snapped and were tossed aside; all that remained were the two lovers, the traversers of time, who outwitted fate, who chose to be a symbol of love and peace rather than just speak about it. They led with their hearts.

I smile and place my hands on the statue, holding their clasped hands gently and guiding them back to the world they left behind so long ago. The veil they provided is no longer needed, not with the kingdom they created and the healed grounds that have erected a natural veil around Devicit. The gods have conceded. Love has won.

It will take a moment for them to wake. I stand in front of the statue, patiently watching.

“You could’ve told me you were coming today,” I say as I shut my eyes and grin.

Venus peers over my shoulder and steps to stand beside me. She holds her hands together in front of her, trying to hide her nerves.

“I’ve never been one for announcing myself, you know that.” Venus lifts her chin, giving me a playful look.

I can’t help but stare at her. She’s the most beautiful goddess in all the heavens. I have always felt something for her, something deep in my chest that has stirred for centuries.

I didn’t know what that feeling was. Or what it meant. But I think that I might understand now.

I smile and return my attention to the statue.

“You altered her fate. You ensured your daughter lived. No matter the cost. But I would say that you also created a new Faultore in the process. One where all will see the benefit of your daughter’s existence. One where no wars will take another life.” My voice is reminiscent as I speak. My eyes shift back to her, a curious look forming over my brows. “Was this your plan all along?”

Venus’s lips smooth into a tight smile. She doesn’t look away from her daughter as she hesitantly lifts her hand and brushes Alira’s cheek.

“No. But it would seem that an act of love is stronger than we know. I’m afraid this must be the work of the Fates, not me,” Venus murmurs softly.

She pulls away and looks at me. I furrow my brow when she does nothing but stare at me.

“What is it?” I murmur.

“Or perhaps it’s because of you. You had nothing to gain in helping me. In fact, some would argue that you had everything to lose. Jupiter will be angry for another century at least,” she jests.

I laugh and shrug. “At first, I was bored. And I’ve always thought fondly of you, Venus. But it became more than that as time marched on. Through the time loops and their time in Mortem, watching them hurt and bleed and love. I came to realize that I cared deeply for them.” I smile. “It feels good to care about something. Doesn’t it?”

Venus takes me in and then nods, extending her hand to mine. My eyes widen at her offer. It’s not like her to be so affectionate.

“We should go. They will wake soon.” She leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek.

I give the statue of the lovers one last look before conceding. “Care to watch their lovely future with me from time to time?” I ask as we begin walking away, back through the meadow, back to Mortem.

“With you? Never,” she whispers sarcastically and runs ahead of me, the goddess playful again for the first time in a long, long time. I chase after her.

Our soft laughter lingers behind us as we disappear into the wind, as the stone crumbles and the statues that have stood for half a millennium move.

A tender cry followed by a warm embrace. And Faultore shudders, welcoming back long-lost lovers.

Epilogue

Alira

Ten years later

Mom, I don’t know what kind of plant this is. I’ve been looking through Dad’s book and can’t find it,” Elyiru complains. Her dark hair has already grown past her hips.

I bend down next to her to examine the leaves. “Hmm. This is a tricky one, isn’t it? Why don’t we ask your father?” I pat her head, and she lets out a long sigh.

She loves to figure things out on her own, but she still has much to learn from her father.

“Kalel? Could you help us over here?” I call out to him.

He’s sketching out a mushroom he found growing along one of the tall, wide oak trees that grew where Alzhor’s castle once stood. The rubble and half-standing columns make my old kingdom look like ruins from ancient times. In a way, I suppose that they are. Half a millennium is nothing to blink away. Moss clings to the sides of buildings that still partially stand, and trees from Florum Forest have all but devoured the holy land.