Nightmares at Everglade Falls

Epilogue

Ophelia

Two Years Later

It’s graduation day.

The sun shines bright, casting a golden hue over the gathered crowd. Aurora stands at the podium, delivering her valedictorian speech with grace and confidence. I sit with Owen and Gabriel, both of them laughing despite Principal Celestia’s stern gaze.

There’s a seat near the front adorned with flowers. It’s a memorial for Isabella. The House Lacroix even changed its name to House Bella in her honor. She should have been here. I glance at it, a pang of regret hitting me. I’ll have few regrets in life, but I always wish Isabella and I could have been friends….or at least tried.

Gabriel catches my eye and winks.

A smile tugs at my lips.

Later on, he’s promised to mark me as his. I have no idea what that will be like, but I’m excited to find out.

Aurora’s speech ends, and the crowd erupts in applause. She’s beaming, her eyes searching for Owen. He stands and cheers the loudest, making her blush.

“Great speech, Aurora!” I call out, and she waves, her smile widening.

As we file out, Gabriel wraps his arm around my waist. “Ready for tonight?” he whispers in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

“I think so,” I reply, my heart pounding. “What’s it going to be like?”

Gabriel chuckles. “It’ll be amazing. Trust me.”

We head to the courtyard, where the reception is set up. Tables are laden with food, and fairy lights twinkle in the trees. Owen grabs two plates, handing one to Aurora.

“Here you go, Valedictorian,” he teases, kissing her cheek.

“Thanks, Owen,” she giggles, nudging him playfully.

Gabriel and I find a spot under a large oak tree. He pulls me close, his lips brushing my temple. “I’m proud of you, Ophelia. You’ve come so far.”

“So have you,” I say, looking up at him. “We’ve both come a long way.”

He nods, his eyes softening. “And tonight, we start a new chapter.”

“Are you nervous?” I ask, tracing circles on his chest.

“A little,” he admits. “But mostly excited. I’ve been waiting for this.”

I smile, leaning into him. “Me too.”

The evening passes in a blur of laughter and celebration. As the sun sets, Gabriel takes my hand, leading me away from the crowd. We walk in silence to a secluded spot in the forest. The air is cool, and the stars are just beginning to peek through the twilight.

“Here?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Here,” he confirms, his eyes glowing with anticipation. He pulls me into a kiss, slow and tender. My heart races as I feel the bond between us strengthen.

“Are you ready?” he murmurs against my lips.

“Yes,” I breathe, my body tingling with excitement and nervousness.

Gabriel bites his wrist, the scent of his blood intoxicating. He presses it to my lips, and I drink, the taste of him filling me with warmth. Then, he gently bites my neck, marking me as his. The pain is sharp but brief, replaced by a rush of euphoria. He completes the process with a spell in a language I have yet to learn.

I have forever to learn.

“I’m yours,” he says, his voice filled with emotion. “Forever.”

“I’m yours,” I echo, feeling the bond solidify.

We stay like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s embrace. When we finally pull apart, Gabriel’s eyes are filled with love and devotion.

“Let’s go back,” he says, taking my hand. “Our future awaits.”

And when he leads me back to our friends, I willingly follow.

I would follow him anywhere.

THE END.