The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 3 From the Ashes (78 page)

“They said you were dead, Momma. They all
said you weren’t coming back. All of them but Valor said you were
dead. I didn’t give up. Valor said we had to believe in you no
matter what they said.” Legacy’s words poured out of him like a
flood, only faltering slightly from his tears.

“You did so well, love. Thank you for
believing,” Jala whispered as she kissed him gently on the top of
his head. Her gaze rose slowly to Valor and she could see nothing
but love and happiness lighting his dark blue eyes.

“Welcome home, Jala,” Valor said quietly, his
voice thick with emotion.

Raising her eyes, Jala turned to look back
over her shoulder at the rolling hills of Merro and the tiny town
below the buildings bright with fresh paint. It was a perfect echo
of War’s last waking dream. He has spoken the truth to her with his
parting words. Happily-ever-after had been waiting at the end of
her trials.

Turning back to Valor, she smiled and moved
to wrap an arm around him, pulling him into the embrace. “I’ve
waited most of my life to hear those words,” Jala whispered.

The memory of the dark webs crossed her
thoughts and she pushed it back once more. That was something she
would face another day, or perhaps not ever. There was a chance
that someone else would rise to face that threat. For now, all that
mattered to her stood wrapped in her arms. She was home and those
that meant everything to her were safe in her embrace.

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