Zach Brenner's Arc

Chapter 61 of 86

Six months passed. The war was over, the dark tower gone, and Zach had spent the season building a life in Whiskerbark. Now he stood at the altar in the tree kingdom's great hall. He wore a royal suit and a heavy royal cloak. His tattoos still showed at his wrists, and the piercings still caught the light. He felt out of place in the fine cloth. Then the doors opened, and Raven walked toward him, and every worry left him. Raven wore a white royal wedding dress. Her hair was done up, dark strands pinned high, small flowers set among them. Her cat ears twitched above the crown of it. She smiled at him the whole way down the aisle. Behind her walked the bridesmaids, Lyra and Ayla in matching gowns. Talon and Garrok stood at Zach's side as groomsmen. Garrok had squeezed into a formal coat and kept tugging at the collar. King Aldric sat in the front row. The stocky king with the graying beard and cat ears watched his daughter with wet eyes. He had once warned Zach that a stranger with a sword would face the whole kingdom's judgment. Now he gave a slow nod, and Zach understood he had earned this man's blessing. They said their vows. Zach took Raven's hands. "I crossed worlds and lost my way home," he said. "I found something better. I found you." Raven's eyes filled. She spoke her vow low and steady. Then they kissed, and the hall erupted. Talon whooped. Garrok pounded the pew. Lyra laughed and wiped her cheeks. The reception filled the great hall with light and music. Long tables held food and drink. Zach danced with Raven, clumsy and grinning. For the first time since the sword pulled him here, he felt he belonged completely. Talon stood and raised his cup. The room quieted. "My sister thought I was dead for five years," he said. "I came back to find her married to a man who saved us all. Zach, you're my brother now." He turned to Raven. "Be happy. You've earned it." The hall cheered and drank. Then Talon set down his cup. He crossed the floor to Lyra. The room hushed again as he knelt. "Five years you loved me while I hid," he said. "I won't waste another day. Lyra, marry me." Lyra pressed both hands to her mouth. Then she nodded, laughing and crying at once. "Yes," she said. King Aldric rose, his face bright. "My son," he called out. "You are my successor. That makes your bride a queen." A murmur ran through the hall. Lyra went pale, then flushed. She was no longer only a mage from the guild. She would rule beside Talon one day. Zach held Raven close as the cheers rolled on. He had no way home. But he had a family, a wife, and a place at this table. He was still learning what kind of man this world needed him to be.