Chapter 39

It is time to end a story that began in sorrow and ordeal and has ended in a deep and lasting happiness. May it be so for others.

―Anne McCaffrey

"It's been a long time, brother," Grigori said.

"It has indeed," Mikhail replied. A hundred things he'd longed to say simply faded. He pulled his elder brother into a fierce hug. Two hundred years had passed since he'd seen Grigori, and in that embrace he felt every single day fade away.

"Now that you have the jewels back, tell me you will stop this exile nonsense and come home. Rurik and I miss you. Besides, now that you shall be an uncle soon"

Mikhail's lips parted in shock. "You mean you"

"Madelyn and I are expecting a drakeling. Should be here in eight months. Can you believe it? I'm going to be a father." Grigori's blue eyes sparkled like diamonds. He'd never looked happier.