Chapter What the Future Holds
Alyssa
Two Years Later
It’s been two years since we brought down my father. The death toll was high, and the humans were still trying to understand why the eruptions stopped so quickly. And it’s better if it stays that way. “Rauru, are you and your father ready to go?”
Oh, I forgot to tell you guys, I have a son. Rauru Adam Callahan, named after the first King of Varrfarrinn. Like his father, Rauru is a white dragon.
“Relax, honey, we’re good to go. You took amazing,” Vincent said, then kissed me.
“Vincent, we don’t have time for this, do we?” I said.
“What’s wrong with being late, Rauru is in the living room playing on my phone,” Vincent pecked my cheek.
“Oh no, keep it in your pants for a few hours. I still haven’t recovered from Rauru’s birth. I still remember his christening, and I wonder why only white dragons get that blessing; I can’t believe that you insisted on it,”
“I still can’t believe that you would deny our child’s ancestral blessing, that christening was his moral compass for good; who knows what evils lurk after we defeated your father,” Vincent said. “Come on, let’s get Rauru,”
We took a portal to Alexandria’s house in Africa. Vincent and I left the castle to travel the world and check on the kingdoms. “Hey, guys. Hello Rauru,” Alexandria said.
“Hi, Aunt Alex,” Rauru smiled.
“It’s about time you guys showed up, having trouble getting my nephew ready?” Alexandria joked.
“Yeah, Rauru was having trouble getting that buttoned shirt on,” I said. “So where are they?”
Alexandria guided us to the nursery, where Alexandria’s husband held their child.
“Honey, there here,” Alex said.
“Hey, come in,” Killian said. Alexandria got her second chance at love. Her fated mate. His name is Killian Callahan. He took the Callahan name when he found out he was mated to Alexandria.
“Oh my god! He’s beautiful!” I said in awe.
“Congratulation Alex, I’m happy for you,” Vincent said.
“I can’t believe you are married and have a baby now. Rauru now has a baby cousin,”
“I know, time flies,” Killian said while looking at my nephew.
“So how’s life treating you here in Africa?” Vincent asked.
“Honestly, it’s so damn hot,” Alexandria groaned.
“Langange honey,” Killan gave Alex a look.
“What? He can’t understand what I’m saying, but I’ll be more careful,” Alex said.
“Want to hold him, Alyssa?” Killian asked me.
“Of course,” Killian gave me his son to hold in my arm.
“Any word on Audrey?” Alexandria asked Vincent.
“Audrey and Jacob have their hands full, and they’ve finally finished all the reconstruction efforts in Varrfarrinn. There’ll be a big party next weekend to celebrate,” Vincent said.
“Give Audrey my best. We’d love to come, but Killian and I are drowning in work helping Megan run the African kingdom. Our parents made it look easy to run a kingdom,” Alex laughed.
“That’s an understatment,” I said. “So have you decided on a name yet?”
“We have. Meet Isidoro Zayne Callahan. I would’ve named Isabella if I had a girl, but close enough,” Alex said.
“Want to hold your nephew, Vincent?” I asked Vincent.
“Yeah,” Vincent smiled.
“I’m happy for you guys,” I smiled.
“So you guys have been treveling?” Alex said.
“Yep, it’s complicated traveling and raising a child. We’ve been traveling to every kingdom, checking up on everybody. Everything is running smoothy, they finished fixing all the damages from the war and are handling everything well,” I explained.
“That’s good to know,” Alexandria said, taking Isadoro from Vincent’s arms. “We did a good job on this one,”
“You guys must be starving, and dinner is almost ready,” Killian said.
“I’ll help you finish it,” I said, walking with Killian to the kitchen.
Two Days Later
We landed in a forest in Germany, and I got off Vincent’s back with Rauru in my arms, laughing and spreading his arms. “Again, Daddy. Mommy, make daddy fly again,” Rauru laughed as he clapped his hands. I can hear Vincent chuckle softly. Vincent shifted back to his human form.
“Vincent, where are we?” I asked.
“I have a surprise for you,” Vincent said. “Come with me,”
Vincent led Rauru and me to a large cabin in the woods. It was beautiful. “What is this place?” I asked.
“It took me two years to track him down, but I found him. Caitlin managed to find the final piece that led me to him,” Vincent said.
“Who are you talking about?” I said.
“Go and find out, I’ll stay out here with Rauru,” Vincent smiled as he lifted our son in his arms, and he quickly fell asleep.
I could feel my heartbeat as I nervously walked up to the cabin. I looked behind me a few times, and Vincent stood by the trees with Rauru, not moving an inch. What could Vincent be talking about? Who was he looking for? I got to the wooden door, and I knocked. I didn’t have to wait long until it opened. Inside stood a man, probably in his late sixties or early seventies.
“Hello,” I said.
“Hello, Alyssa,” said the man.
“You know my name?” I tilted my name.
“Indeed I do, Vincent has been in contect with me. Would you like to come in?” He asked.
I looked back at Vincent, seeing him give me a reassuring nod. “Of course,” I entered the cabin, and inside, it was beautiful; I wondered how he got the money to afford all this stuff. “I have to say that I don’t know who you are,” I said.
“That’s understandable, but I knew you as soon as I saw you. After all, you look just like your mother,” He said.
“My mother? You’re my grandfather?!” I gasped and took a few steps back.
“That’s me,” My grandfather smiled.
“Why are you out here in the middle of nowhere?” I asked him.
“It’s a long story. When I failed to find your mother, I felt ashamed. I blamed myself for her running away. So, I moved out and cut ties with most of the outside world. I placed myself in exile as it’s what I thought I deserved,” Grandpa said.
“My mom didn’t run because you failed her; she ran to keep you safe. My mom didn’t want to put you in danger,” I said.
“Yeah, Vincent explained most of this. I never knew she was pregnant with you. You must think I’m a lousy person,” Grandpa said.
“You are nothing of the sort,” I said as I hugged him.
Three Days Later, Varrfarrinn
We stayed for two days with my grandfather, Franklin. We caught up on most of the time we missed. We promised to be in Varrfarrinn for a party, so we had to say goodbye. Franklin was shocked to meet his great-grandson, and he loved him. Rauru was glad to meet him, too. I promised to keep in touch with him.
“I hope Rauru is not sad we had to leave so soon,” Vincent said with worry.
“Not at all; Rauru will be fine, and that won’t be the last time he’ll see him. I would have loved to stay longer, but we promised Audrey and Jacob we’d be here,” I said.
“Well, all we can do is make sure that Rauru grows up safe, strong, and healthy,” Vincent said, and I kissed him. “What was that for?”
“For being my amazing boyfriend and father to our child,” I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“In that case, I’ll have to surprise you more often,” Vincent joked.
“Look who finally decided to show up,” Audrey said.
“Auntie Audrey!” Rauru screamed as he ran to her. Audrey lifted him.
“Hey, sport, how is my favorite nephew?” Audrey blew raspberries on his face, and he laughed.
“Sorry we’re late,” Vincent said.
Audrey put Rauru down, and he walked back behind me. “It’s good to see you brother. Jacob and I were curious if you’d make it,” Audrey smiled.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world. I love your hair, you grew it out,” I said.
“Yeah, cutting it last year was a huge mistake. What are you going to wear tonight?” Audrey asked me.
“I think I have something in my bag that I can use,” I shrugged.
“As Queen of Varrfarrinn, you aren’t wearing anything from that bag. Follow me!” Audrey grabbed my arm and dragged me with her.
“I’ll stay and watch Rauru,” Vincent said.
“Have fun Mommy,” Rauru waved.
Vincent
I lifted my son in my arms as we began to walk to my old friend Jacob. “Ruaru, wanna see Uncle Jacob,”
“Yes, daddy. Uncle Jacob is cool,” Rauru smiled.
I walked to Jacob’s study, and I tapped on his shoulder. “Hello Jacob,” I said.
“Vincent?” Jacob placed some paper back on the desk. “When did you arrive?”
“We just landed, and Audrey was quick to sweep Alyssa away. So I thought you and I could talk, and Rauru could see you again,” I said.
“It’s good to see you again, Rauru. Has he shown any magical potential yet?” Jacob asked.
“It will come; he’s like me after all. So how have you been?” I asked while setting Rauru down on his feet.
“We’ve been good. Did you see Alexandria and Killian?” Jacob asked.
“Yeah, they sent their regards but couldn’t make it,” I smiled.
“I’m an uncle again, and Rauru has a cousin,” Jacob said. “We should get to the party; it’s starting soon. I’ll have some of the maids watch Rauru for you,”
Alyssa told me that Audrey was not truthful when she said that a few people wanted to honor her. “Is this too much for you, dear?”
“Seems people can’t seem to stop surprising me,” Alyssa said.
“It’s our job,” I winked.
Later that evening, after the announcement that Audrey hosted, we danced in the grand ballroom. “You look stunning tonight, have I told you that?” I said.
“A thousand times,” Alyssa laughed.
“May I intruppt you guys?” Annabeth asked.
“Annabeth!? It’s so good to see you,” Alyssa hugged Annabeth tightly.
“You to. Anything new with you two?” Annabeth asked us.
“Raising Rauru, traveling, enjoying the sights of the world. Same old stuff,” I said.
“Likewise, oh, and I have news; I’m found my second chance mate, remember Caitlin? We’re fated!” Annabeth said.
“Hey babe, there you are. Oh, Hi, Alyssa and Vincent,” Caitlin said
“You and Caitlin are mates? I’m happy for you two,” Alyssa smiled.
“I’m going to steal my mate for a minute. We’ll talk later,” I said.
“Have fun, see you later,” Caitlin and Annabeth said.
“Hey, where are you taking me this time,” Alyssa said.
“Just follow me,” I said as I led her to the balcony where we first accepted our bond as fated mates. I made Alyssa close her eyes. “Okay, open them,”
I saw the look on her face when she saw the balcony was covered with roses. The roses were wrapped around each column and hung from the ceiling above. “Vincent, this is wonderful! You’ve outdone yourself,”
I got down on one knee and pulled out a ring. Then Alyssa turned around. “Oh my god!”
“Alyssa, I love you with all my heart and I can’t imagine living my life without you. You gave me our greatest creation, our beloved Rauru. I’ve been trying to find the right time to ask so, Alyssa, will you marry me? Will you be my wife?” I said.
“Yes, I will marry you!” Alyssa said while jumping on me.
“I acutually got a little surprise for you as well,” Alyssa said.
“Is that so?” I grinned.
“Yep, are you ready to be a father again?” Alyssa smiled as she placed her hands on her stomach.
“Wait, are you?” I smiled widely.
“Yep, I’m pregnant!” Alyssa said.