Page 76 of Secrets of Ruin

“The same goes for you, my friend.”

“It’s time for me to return. I have a duty and all that. I’m my father’s only child, and he’s been commanding me to return. I doubt anything will ever happen to him, but I am his sole heir.”

Brokk wasn’t sure if Ryker realized it, but his expression made it clear he didn’t want anything to do with it. While he understood duty, Brokk had never had the pressure of being the firstborn son or the only one.

Cole couldn’t have inherited his father’s throne, but more was always expected of him than Brokk or his brothers. It was a duty he never wanted.

“Remember what I said: if you ever need us, you know where to find us,” Brokk said.

“And you know where I’ll be.”

Ryker rested his hands on his knees before rising. Brokk stood beside him.

They clasped hands and held on for a little longer than customary. They’d spent a lot of time together these past months; it would be strange not to see Ryker every day.

“I’m sorry to see you go,” Brokk told him.

“I’m sorry to go.”

And he meant that; Brokk could see it in his silver eyes. Whatever awaited Ryker in Tempest, he wasn’t eager to return to it.

Brokk’s gaze went to Kaylia, and his heart warmed, but even if he didn’t have her, he’d still look forward to returning to Dragonia to be with his family and friends. Ryker didn’t have that.

Ryker released his hand. “I will see you again.”

“I hope so.”

Ryker turned away and waved the other amsirah over. Together, they tenderly lifted their king’s body and carried him through the portal Tucker opened.

Brokk descended the rocks to Kaylia and pulled her into his embrace; he savored the warmth and reassurance of her before opening a portal.

Neither of them would ever return to this doomed land again.

CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE

Over the next month, Brokk grew stronger as he and Kaylia healed. Nightmares plagued them both, but when they woke from memories of the thick jungle, forgotten dungeon, and war, they turned to each other and found solace in their love.

He’d steadily put weight back on, and his ciphers had finally returned to their deep, black hue, though scars still crisscrossed his stomach and back. He suspected that, like the scar over his heart, these would take a lot more time to fade… or never would.

That knowledge didn’t bother him. He didn’t need a reminder of his time in the dungeon, but they were a mark of all he’d endured there.

Last week, he’d also revealed all the ciphers he kept hidden across his chest to Kaylia. He’d never shown them to another before.

Not only did he have ciphers across his shoulders and back, but he also had them on his chest down to his waist. She’d marveled over them while running her fingers across the markings before bending to kiss the white, starburst scar over his heart.

“You’re magnificent,” she’d told him.

“Not so much as you,” he replied, drawing her up for a kiss.

He had no doubt she was the woman he’d spend eternity with, but he hadn’t broached that subject yet. When they returned to Dragonia, Lexi and Cole’s wedding planning resumed.

There was plenty of time to discuss their future later; now, everyone focused on Cole and Lexi. By the end of the week, his brother would be married, and Brokk was determined to see it happen, as was everyone else in the palace.

Lexi and Cole had originally planned a smaller affair, but now, with their growing number of allies, such a thing was impossible. They couldn’t risk insulting anyone by not inviting them.

They were too excited about finally getting married, and neither cared that it wasn’t exactly what they’d anticipated. Besides, most of their allies had also become good friends, and they were happy to have them there.

Now, while Brokk worked with his brothers in the Gloaming to finish the final details of the realm’s rebuild, Kaylia remained in Dragonia to help Sahira, Pip, and some other brownies put the final touches on Lexi’s wedding dress. After what happened with Amaris, they weren’t letting anyone else in that room.