Aelin just laughed, taking the girl by the
hand, and led that promise of Terrasen’s
bright future into the castle.
Every ancient, scarred hall brought her back.
Snatched her breath away and set her tears
running. At the memory, how they’d been. At
how they now appeared, sad and worn. And
what they would become once more.
Darrow led them toward the dining hall, to
find whatever food and refreshment might be
available in the dead of night, after such a
battle.
Yet Aelin took one look at who waited in
the faded grandeur of the Great Hall, and
forgot about her hunger and thirst.
The entire hall grew silent as she hurtled
for Aedion, and flung herself onto him so hard
they rocked back a step.
Home at last; home together.