Chapter 35
Avery, our compassionate king, showed his outstanding leadership through his care and love for his people. After our home was destroyed, we had much work to do. First, we had to take care of the injured and help them heal. Then came the difficult task of saying goodbye to the deceased and sending their bodies into the afterlife.
The reconstruction of Antaris took days, and despite our joint magical efforts, it was tedious and exhausting for everyone. Cleaning Antaris and rebuilding the houses required painstaking effort, and our mansion was the last to be repaired. The only item that remained almost intact from the destruction was our parents' painting, so we built our new home around it, with Lingum virtitus, the Tree of Power, at the center.
Once Antaris regained its original appearance, all the refugees were finally able to return home. Women, older people, and children were reunited with their loved ones, and it was a bittersweet reunion filled with relief, fear, and sadness. We had lost many warriors, and with that came the loss of parents, soulmates, and children, which brought deep sorrow to Antaris.
Fortunately, our own children did not suffer the same fate as we once did, and they were able to come back into the arms of Avery and me. However, many children became orphans after the great battle. Thankfully, the surviving children found families who welcomed them with open arms. Aidan and Inna took in a little baby girl who had lost her entire family, while Avery and I welcomed a boy into our family.
Like his elven ancestors, Avery had to work with all the magical beings, with the support of Lilly and me, to restore the protective barrier and hide Antaris once again. This time, our new hiding place seemed much better, and we felt safe and protected in our home. We finally felt secure, especially now that the angel sword was secured again, and we could move on with our lives.
The first positive event after the battle happened a year later when Ava and Bael got married and announced their pregnancy. Jade and Noah had a small celebration for their marriage, with only friends and surviving family, and they were currently expecting their second child as their daughter Nova was unexpectedly born shortly after the reconstruction. Devas and Lilly planned their wedding as well; they wanted to get married before starting their family.
I don't know what happened to Abbadon. Since he fled Antaris that night, we haven't seen or heard anything from the dark side. However, I am certain that this is not the end, and that the time will come again when good and evil will fight against each other. We just need to prepare our children and the next generation to be ready and ensure their survival.
Our future is uncertain, and I am not sure what may happen to us. However, I am certain of one thing. Our time to die had not come; we survived, and we owe it to our magical community and all the deceased beings of good for persisting in the fight.
When I put Elyon and Elaria, who were already a year old, to bed, I quietly crept out of the room so as not to wake them. Avery stood on the balcony of the mansion with his back to me, looking down at Antaris. With pride, he gazed upon the community we had become, and a smile appeared on his face when he noticed me next to him.
The crown he eventually wore was a braided gold wreath, and his long, growing hair reminded me so much of his late father. He took me in his arms and whispered, "I love you." I replied, burying my head into his neck, "I love you too." No matter what challenges come our way, we will always find a way out with love, friendship, devotion, and loyalty to each other. I am sure of that.
THE END.