Page 58 of Angel of Ruin

My dad nods, clearing his throat gruffly. "It's... it's incredible what you've accomplished, Lyra. We had no idea..."

"Indeed," Sariel agrees. "Lyra's achievements are unprecedented. She's not only earned her wings but has opened doors for others to follow in her footsteps."

I'm blushing furiously now, overwhelmed by their collective praise. "I couldn't have done it without all of you," I mumble, fidgeting with the edge of my tunic.

My parents and Sariel share a look, united in their pride and admiration. It's surreal to see them bonding over me, of all things. My mom reaches out to squeeze my hand, while my dad claps me on the shoulder, careful to avoid my new wings.

"Our little girl," my mom says, her voice thick with emotion. "You really have wings now."

"Would you like to stay for dinner? We were cooking some vegetable stew," my dad says, gesturing towards the pot on the stove.

Sariel smirks, shaking his head. "No thank you. We have some more errands to attend to. But rest assured, Lyra's victory comes with benefits to you two. There should be a xaphan messenger who will come by soon to award the familial prize money. Perhaps you can use it to enjoy the more… luxurious things in life."

"Luxury?" My mother nearly shrinks away at the word. "We've never known that. Not in this village."

"Well, now you will," Sariel says, a touch of amusement in his words.

"Oh, honey, this is wonderful," my dad says, clutching her hands. "Think about it. I don't have to mend our clothes anymore—we'll be able to buy a new closet full of them! And the food! The spices, the cheeses, the drinks!"

"And we can repair the roof," my mother reminds softly.

My dad nods eagerly. "Yes, yes, that too!"

Sariel chuckles to himself as he ducks his head. The heat has never truly left my face. As we depart my childhood home, I'm reminded of both the good and the bad. The fond memories of my parents and I, but also the harsh fights and cruel words we threw at each other because of our frustration with our poverty.

None of that will happen again.

As we step outside, Sariel turns to me with a mischievous glint in his golden eyes. "Come fly with me, little nexari. I want to show you one of my favorite sights back in the city."

My heart skips a beat at the invitation. Flying with Sariel? The thought thrills me. "Are you sure? I'm still getting used to these wings."

He chuckles, the sound warm and reassuring. "Trust me, Lyra. I won't let you fall."

Taking a deep breath, I nod and unfurl my wings. The sensation is still new, but it feels incredibly empowering. As we prepare to take off, I notice a small crowd of my village neighbors gathering, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Sariel takes my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "Ready?"

I give a quick wave to the onlookers before answering. "Of course I am."

With a powerful thrust of his wings, Sariel launches into the air, pulling me along with him. For a moment, panic grips me asmy feet leave the ground. But then my own wings catch the wind, and suddenly we're soaring.

The rush of air against my face is exhilarating. Below us, the village grows smaller, my neighbors now tiny specks gazing up in wonder. Sariel's hand remains firmly in mine as he guides me through the sky, his movements graceful and sure.

As we fly towards the city, the landscape changes beneath us. Fields give way to buildings, growing taller and more ornate as we near the thrumming heart of New Solas. Sariel leads me to a high perch atop one of the grandest structures, a secluded spot with a breathtaking view of the city below.

We land softly, and I find myself slightly unsteady on my feet. Sariel steadies me, his hands on my waist. We're alone up here, the sounds of the city muffled by the height and the wind.

Before I can catch my breath, Sariel pulls me close. His lips meet mine in a passionate kiss that leaves me dizzy. When we finally part, his eyes are intense, filled with an emotion I've never seen before.

"Lyra," he says, his voice husky. His thumb trails along my chin until it brushes along my bottom lip. A shiver courses through my body as I'm struck with desire. "Will you be my mate?"

A small breath escapes me. I stare into his eyes, amazed that the xaphan who berated me so viciously when we first met could now look at me with such warmth, such care, in his gaze.

"Yes, Sariel," I whisper, nodding quickly. "I want to be your mate."

"Good," he replies softly. "I wouldn't have accepted any other answer."

"No?" I tease, perking a brow.